I am grateful to have 2 offers from the Search fair but am in a bind. Which one to choose?
School 1: In Europe with a good rep, an IB World school. Pro is that I would gain MYP experience (only have taught DP thus far). Con is that I wouldn't save anything as it is Europe and no rent allowance.
School 2: In China with a good rep, and I would do middle school (only DP offered at this school so I wouldn't be involved in the IB). Savings are very substantial and I hear the school is top notch for integrating technology. Another con is that it's China and I've never been that keen to go.
My concern: if I choose the China school and plant down for 2-3 years, will I still be marketable as and IB teacher? I certainly don't want to cut myself out of the IB programme as I really enjoy it.
Money (China) or IB (Europe)?
Thanks for any advice you can offer!
2 offers-what to do?
What's your goal in teaching?
If you are in it for the immediate financial rewards then it's China, if it's long term rewards and probable money over time then I'd go for the IB.
I'm in a similar position, although haven't been offered a post yet. Had my first interview with an International School of ... in the EU, with another planned for this week.
There is housing allowance, but no real savings potential. If offered the job I'll go with it. It's IB and I'm confident the money will come later with the more IB experience I have (two-years already).
If you are in it for the immediate financial rewards then it's China, if it's long term rewards and probable money over time then I'd go for the IB.
I'm in a similar position, although haven't been offered a post yet. Had my first interview with an International School of ... in the EU, with another planned for this week.
There is housing allowance, but no real savings potential. If offered the job I'll go with it. It's IB and I'm confident the money will come later with the more IB experience I have (two-years already).
Hey farnaway, congrats on the two offers! I'm in the same sort of boat - get the IB experience or go for the money (there really aren't many other factors for me, though, as there are for you). I would guess that taking yourself out of the IB program for a few years will probably hurt (especially if you want MYP), though you'll still look better than someone with no IB experience.
Mr. Cake makes a good point - think about what is going to benefit you in the long-run. What is better professionally, financially, and personally beyond just this one or two years. And how important are those added benefits (technology)?
Good luck!
Mr. Cake makes a good point - think about what is going to benefit you in the long-run. What is better professionally, financially, and personally beyond just this one or two years. And how important are those added benefits (technology)?
Good luck!
Thanks so very much for the feedback, Junglegym and Mr. Cake. And congrats on your offers as well, Junglegym.
My brain in playing mental pingpong with me...this time sensitive decision making is not my forte.
I need to talk a walk and breathe in some fresh air to clear my head. Hopefully, I'll know what to do by tomorrow.
My brain in playing mental pingpong with me...this time sensitive decision making is not my forte.
I need to talk a walk and breathe in some fresh air to clear my head. Hopefully, I'll know what to do by tomorrow.
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expatteacher99
- Posts: 73
- Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2012 4:46 am
Congrats on the two offers! Without knowing all of the details, I would probably go with the IB school in Europe. Assuming that you won't take on debt from being there, and it's in a location that you like, it would be a great chance to get more IB/MYP experience that will help you in your next job hunt. If the quality of life is worth the lack of savings, you might even stay for awhile. If not, you can always move on to a higher paying school. Good luck with the decision!
I was in a similar position 10 yrs ago.
Decided to have 2 yrs in Europe and break even. Had a great time.
Then used ib experience and good references from the eu school to get a good job in Asia.
Can u afford 2 have 2 years of zero saving? If so, I'd take rhe eu option.
Good luck with your decision:-)
Decided to have 2 yrs in Europe and break even. Had a great time.
Then used ib experience and good references from the eu school to get a good job in Asia.
Can u afford 2 have 2 years of zero saving? If so, I'd take rhe eu option.
Good luck with your decision:-)
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buffalofan
- Posts: 350
- Joined: Wed Jan 06, 2010 11:08 pm
If you are in the international game for the long haul, I would take the MYP school without hesitation. You will be that much more marketable at your next job fair. As you mentioned, you don't want to cut yourself out of IB for 2-3 years if you are staying international.
If you plan to head home sooner rather than later, then take the money and the experience in China.
If you plan to head home sooner rather than later, then take the money and the experience in China.
Reply
You will be significantly less marketable if you age/date your IB experience after a lapse of 2-3 years.
What are your long term goals, because the EU isnt a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you go to the EU you will be broke and ALWAYS be broke, you go for the cultural lifestyle and the social benefits (health insurance. Upping your IB experience is a VERY strong and worthwhile benefit. is that worth living like a student? If yes go to the EU and take that position.
The China position though isnt set in stone, they have a DIP program and there its very likely with your experience that you could move into the DIP next year. That would allow you to maintain your IB experience and bank some coin.
Another option your not exploring is the unknown third school. You dont HAVE to pick one school or the other, it sounds like your pretty marketable and would get additional offers over the year that would really be your ideal DS.
For me location and quality of life are the most important. Id need to know which countries/cities the school are in to make a decision, but based on what youve said, id choose Europe.
What are your long term goals, because the EU isnt a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you go to the EU you will be broke and ALWAYS be broke, you go for the cultural lifestyle and the social benefits (health insurance. Upping your IB experience is a VERY strong and worthwhile benefit. is that worth living like a student? If yes go to the EU and take that position.
The China position though isnt set in stone, they have a DIP program and there its very likely with your experience that you could move into the DIP next year. That would allow you to maintain your IB experience and bank some coin.
Another option your not exploring is the unknown third school. You dont HAVE to pick one school or the other, it sounds like your pretty marketable and would get additional offers over the year that would really be your ideal DS.
For me location and quality of life are the most important. Id need to know which countries/cities the school are in to make a decision, but based on what youve said, id choose Europe.
Thanks to all of you who offered me advice. I really sincerely appreciate the network of teachers here on this forum who are there to offer their 2 cents.
I decided on...China (yes, the opposite of what you all suggested) as the more I learned about the school, the more I liked it. It is a top tier in one of the major cities and even if I take a hiatus from IB for several years, I will grow there professionally. I'll have to deal with pollution, but excited to be in a cosmopolitan and happening place. Perhaps Western Europe will be on the horizon again in the future when I want to start a family.
Again, thanks for your time and advice. :D
I decided on...China (yes, the opposite of what you all suggested) as the more I learned about the school, the more I liked it. It is a top tier in one of the major cities and even if I take a hiatus from IB for several years, I will grow there professionally. I'll have to deal with pollution, but excited to be in a cosmopolitan and happening place. Perhaps Western Europe will be on the horizon again in the future when I want to start a family.
Again, thanks for your time and advice. :D