The International Schools Review Forum

xxx

It sounds like your partner is very much wanting to work and two of my friends (teaching couple) were also in a similar conundrum, but decided to forego it if the other wasn't offered a job. I agree that the packages from the elite schools are quite enticing - I am awaiting a response from one of the "tiger" schools myself.

I suppose it also depends on what subject you'd be teaching if it's "high needs", etc. meaning you'd be desirable with many other schools. Would you mind sharing your subject?

I'm a counselor so it's quite specialized and I know I really can't quite put all my ducks in a row since I'm fully aware of the competition and many schools haven't even reached their contract deadlines for this year. However, I do want to be in Asia for my next position.

xxx

They both agreed that they both want to work - so that is their priority now. My thought that it is quite early on and it seems that you've presented yourself quite well to already have 2 offers in this stage of the game. You'll probably do well in Bangkok - if your partner really wants to work.

Teaching internationally can be very rewarding, as can living overseas. However, it can also be very stressful and it sounds as if it would be even more stressful if your partner were not able to work, whether its at the school you would be working at or otherwise.

I also don't think you probably have all the information you need to make a decision. One question you should ask is, can the school get your partner a working visa, so they could look for a job outside of the school? If not what would your partner do?

Typically schools can only get people work visas to work at the school. Getting someone a work visa to work in another organization is illegal in most countries.

My advice to smurf is to go to the Bangkok fair. Both of you need to be happy. If you are confident you are competitive in a specialist position, you should do well. Granted there are no guarantees.

Another thing to keep in mind is that large international schools have many non-teaching positions. Vacancies in those positions are generally not known until the spring or even summer. If you are interviewing with a school and they are interested in your partner, but do not have a position yet, you could take an position with them if they are willing to guarantee your partner then next available position.

What is an "Asian tiger school"??? Still learning all the lingo on ISR...

Go to the fair.

Thank everyone for your advice. I'm going to the fair.