I'd go with the IB school. Two years at an established school and if you are unhappy you can move on to money at a school you might really like with the financial rewards you want.

I don't think this is full of hate and PsyGuy does have general knowledge about international teaching that is useful for a newcomer. It is just when he gets into specifics of a particular job or country or job fair and makes statements that people may take as fact that I have a problem with. Of course, we are all anonymous here, but far more than any other member, it seems, he has posted his location and job title and uses that as evidence he knows what he is talking about. Then we hear contradicting information that he most likely lives in the USA (and this looks to be verified by the timing of his posts - does he really get up in the middle of the night in Europe to answer ISR postings)?

I would appreciate if he just corrects what information he has put out there about himself (of his own volition) so that when I read a post from him I don't doubt his credibility.

I don't think we are disagreeing. However, there are college counselors and then there are trained guidance counselors who, developmentally, provide guidance for post-secondary options. Those who have gone through a school counselor university program are most likely better equipped to deal with all the emotions and personal/family turmoil that seems to go along with the university process. I wholeheartedly agree that you can learn the process of "college counseling" from books and experience. I also know many "college counselors" that feel ill-equipped to deal with the issues that then sway away from the books. Our school has learned from experience and we would never hire someone now who does have a guidance counseling background - even to do college counseling.

I don't want to get into a whole discussion about this. Organizations are providing training on the "soft skills" now and where there is a will there is a way. Picking up some books on Amazon is a good start, but it just a start.

There are many people who do college counseling without a counseling degree - they typically were former teachers or former university admission reps. Nearly all have felt adrift without having some experience with personal counseling since the college counseling process can be extremely emotional and can bring up family conflict.

I find it a bit sad that some posts on this board are about how to get a job with the least amount of education/experience. I rarely hear (if ever) the consideration for the very students they will be working with. The education and experience will make you better equipped to deal with the students' needs - many times you are all they have! No you don't need a degree, but wouldn't you want to be best prepared to work with the students and be able to serve them professionally and ethically? I have worked with a couple under-educated and inexperienced counselors and their actions have been detrimental to students. Yes, they got to live in a nice place and travel the world, but students suffered. Often those people were encouraged to move on but their negative impact remained.

However, to answer your question, there are a couple things you can do. Go to OACAC this summer in Denver. There is also something run at Georgetown University by the CollegeBoard on international university admissions - also very worth it - it's at the end of June.

Some (many) schools will hire you without certification, but a Master's Degree is essential. You don't say what level you are looking at. There are different things schools are looking for at different levels. Perhaps more than other positions, your "fit" is taken into consideration more. If they need new blood they might hire someone inexperienced. If they need a more experienced person they will go that route. If they have trouble filling a counseling position they are likely to take just about anyone - experienced or not. Male/female is important too.

I have worked with social workers, psychologists (not as a masters), former english teachers, and clinical counselors (with virtually online certification) all in the role of "school counselor"

What is your experience as a school counselor? If it is little, then I would go for the job that would have the best team. I know many of the counselors internationally and I could give you some insight (though privately).

There is a big difference between a school counselor and a psychologist as far as training and job responsibilities. Sounds like the schools are happy to have you on board with your skill set but those that hire often know very little about what we do. That said, in all those areas, the schools are big and you will work in a team.

Brussels is tax free for the first two years....Krakow may be the least for spending but you have to see the salary/package first. Who gives housing, flights home etc? That will be a big expense if the school doesn't offer it (my guess is Brussels and Madrid do not) I think that you can save money on one salary (I do - one teacher, family of 4, europe) but you have to be thoughtful about it. You won't make as much as you think you might, but you can live.

I think nikko has it right... there will most likely be a job for you. UNI is a good place to start. My advice to you would be to try to get a job where you will be part of an experienced team. You can feel like you have experience but in the international world - you are alone. Often you could be the only counselor in the school (or working with a particular level) and everyone will look to you for an answer. You also need to be able to advocate for yourself and your role as a professional counselor. PD is limited. Another thing - beef up your university counseling experience. That is the way to sell yourself to schools - experience with at-risk kids, mental health is fine, but those students are a small percentage of what you will deal with internationally. Once you get a job visit as many counselors and schools in that division as possible to learn about programming and bring as many resources with you as possible.