I've always thought of stress as more of a personality disposition. Some people are more prone to it regardless of situation. Some people will create stress for themselves even if the expectations (exterior or interior) are very low.

As a Canadian, I have seen a number of teachers take extended stress and medical leave. Again, like in the UK, Mental Health is taken very seriously and doctors can prescribe time off. This is limited to a few months before it is reviewed.

Another important consideration, in the UK and Canada vs. the States is the value placed on social policies. For example, in both the UK and Canada health care is universal. This may play into the value society sees work place mental stability as being a paid long term benefit.

One further point, is the strength of teaching unions in Canada, particularly Ontario. The unions are incredibly strong and take care of their teachers. Once in the union you are very protected. In Canada there is no system in public schools for tenure. Once you have been given full time status, you're in.

I think there have been some fair points made but I don't thing we can generalize too much based on nationality or ethnicity. I do believe that cultures that revere education have strong student populations, where as though that don't tend to lack motivation.
Much of this is influenced at home. However, I do believe that teachers can affect great change in student motivation, particularly at the elementary level (where I teach). This is not to contradict that student have varying levels of intrinsic motivation but I believe as an educator I can coax some level of commitment to learn from all my students. It comes from focused lesson planning based, setting achievable goals and developing personal relationships that create mutual respect.

I think its is considered a less desirable location in HK. The salary is certainly lower than the big players in HK (CDNIS, HKIS, CIS). The school also has fairly small and dated facilities. The classes I've heard can be a little cramped in primary. I've also heard the student body can be a little more difficult than those of the elite schools in HK. I believe in the primary you generally teach with a team of English teachers and not with a Chinese co-teacher as it is at other Yew Chung Facilities.

Be aware the South Korea has very strict laws about employment. For example your visa only allows you to work for the school. You cannot pick up additional hours tutoring for example. That would be a breach of your visa. S Korea takes these laws quite seriously if anyone is caught teaching illegally they will ship you & your partner out of the country. I have even heard of immigration police poaching for tutors and then sending people packing if caught.

There is only one big international school in Macau and that's TIS. Even then some people wouldn't describe it as a true 'international' school as many of its students are Chinese. Its the main school though for all expats in Macau. Macau just isn't that expat drive as some other Asian cities.

That being said Macau is an awesome place to live. HK is close and its much more affordable. Once you've made friends with the right people in the miniature Vegas you can have a lot of fun.

I thought the Canadian school had a very good reputation-- top 4 or 5? True or False?

Two new IB schools have popped up in Korea- Branksome Hall Asia on Jeju Island and The Dwight School opening in the DMC. The facilities for both are state of the art and although both are start ups they are government backed and along with the reputations of the school's original campuses.

http://dwightseoul.org/

http://branksomehallasia.org/pages/

I talked a lot with the recruiters from both schools and considered taking offers at both before settling on going to China. The schools will require some heavy lifting but will be world class in a few years time!

I also talked with BIFS too! They seem like a nice little school and I've had friends who've lived in Busan and had a blast. Apparently a lot of the BIFS apartments over-look the sea!

@ Danda your in southern China. Are people finding it different in other parts of China? What do people think of the general inflation in China? Certainly the RMB is well under-valued (perhaps by as much as 30 percent) which bodes well for sending money home.
I'd like to hear some other opinions since I'm headed to ward that region.

@Psyguy- are you looking to move this recruiting season?

So are you going there then?

@ Psyguy- I don't think it is fair to say they are only looking for a good 'employee'. I believe recruiters are often truly looking for the best fit. Part of best fit is teaching but part is temperament and an ability to add to the culture of a school.
Sometimes a school truly needs a male in an elementary class. Sometimes they really need at least one female in the PE department. Sometimes you need to find someone lighthearted and levelheaded who can help align a department that has undergone some conflict.
Schools are a place for children and people. Its not just about job efficiency- people skills are key.

@ Mathman-- you are expensive, but as the season goes on your in demand area will serve you well. You may just have to wait it out and be open minded.

@ Mathman-- although your an expensive hire you are still in an in need field. Are you trained in IB or work at an IB school? Most of the 'real' top schools will choose quality teachers over budgetary concerns. Some IB or AP work would probably help with some of those schools.

Also check the thread "Wait for next year" It talks about QSI and there system of schools supporting a number of dependents.

@ wrldtrvlr123 How long have you been in Beijing? Why the move?

Taiwan is an excellent place to live. It is clean, its cheap, the people are friendly, the food is tasty and there is a great network of expats (mostly English teachers).
I lived in Taipei before but I've been to Kaohsiung. Its a pleasant seaside side city. It was always considered dirtier than Taipei (more industrial) but, its far less dirty than many large Asian cities. The south of Taiwan has some beautiful and relatively untouched travel options.
One of the best things about Taiwan is its not on some tourists or backpackers radar. Meaning people don't try and take advantage of you because you are foreign. Westerners are also well respected in Taiwan, particularly teachers. The students have an excellent work ethic ( most go to additional school or private classes well into the evening).
The school your looking at I think is KAS? I've heard mixed things about the school, most of the negative stem from it being for profit. It would be a fine starter school and certainly a good step into the world of IB. I'm not sure how well the compensation is for a family of three but provided your trailing husband has a degree he can legally work teaching English.
Taiwan is very modern and surprisingly cheap so if your husband could contribute a little to your income you could live quite nicely!

Is that net of taxes? Must be one of the top 2 or 3 schools in Beijing....