The tropics is a pretty hot place to wear a jacket/suit.

If you are going to be overlooked on that basis then I really wouldn't lose too much sleep on those schools with such an attitude .

Do we parade around the classroom in a jacket? Shirt and tie are absolutely fine.

As Overhere said, not crucial at all. Convenient, yes.

To say NIST is 2nd tier is plain silly.
You are right about ISHMC though.

Oh and Jakarta IS hideous!

To say NIST is 2nd tier is plain silly.
You are right about ISHMC though.

Oh and Jakarta IS hideous!

To say NIST is 2nd tier is plain silly.
You are right about ISHMC though.

Oh and Jakarta IS hideous!

Fstop: Could you expand on why and how you mentioned her in the cover letter? Was this for jobs specific to Thailand and did it change anything or provide any pluses? Cheers.

Psy: You raised some pertinent points and your suggestions are logical, thanks.

VC: Don't worry, I don't think little ole me is going to dismantle the IT package just yet. You are absolutely right about strengthening the CV etc.

How much does IB exp. strengthen the hand ? Yes I know it's a plus of course but would say 3+ yrs IB exp. be enough to negate the negative effects of the NTS and Dependants Syndrome? Are IB teachers in such high demand and short supply ?

You are looking for 'advice'. I'm sure someone will be along soon to 'advise' you accordingly. ^_^

Been mulling this over after reading the thread on 'best fairs for families' and it got me wondering of the different scenarios, and what possible solutions could perhaps be considered for those in a position of having a non-teaching spouse (NTS) and children.

I should confess I have a vested interest in this as my wife is a NTS but comes from an Asian country. No kids yet but it's very possible that will be next.

Obviously as no kids at this point it's not such a huge issue, but if/when it does happen do you think it would be any easier for people like me to find a position in a good IS in her home country, as opposed to somewhere foreign to both of us. Would this take some of the pressure and cost off a potential employer? At least my wife would be able to work and function in her native country which should ease at least some of the issues schools have to consider. Also, insurance would be less of a need as would flights home to some extent. As children come along does it then again become just too expensive regardless of whether it is your spouse's home country or not?

Perhaps another solution for those in this position is to waive/negotiate what benefits the school provides for their NTS. Example some schools won't pay for flights, insurance to cover a non-contracted spouse. This of course would be more acceptable if the school provides a good salary/payscale, but it definitely can be viable. Others may baulk at the thought.

If a teacher is willing to negotiate, should this be stated clearly in an application/cover letter to give themselves a better chance of reaching the interview stage at least? As if they don't do this, then there is a strong chance they won't get further than the bin.

Obviously if you have children also, then they have to be educated and this area doesn't leave much room for negotiation. So, are the dependant school places the overriding cost factor in all this or are schools more concerned with the flights, insurance etc issues?

Anyone else want to chime in? It would be interesting to here the thoughts of recruiters.....Walter please feel free ^_^

And apologies for the rambling nature of the post but that's exactly what it was really,....a ramble.

Aghh, I see that now, thanks SJ.

Hallier,

Will be interesting to see, if in the near future, the age restrictions you mention start to rise to correlate with rising mortality rates and pension age.

And therein lies the different perspectives of the British and American teacher Lagringa.

And it is very typical. I'm British and completely agree with him. Unless a course is going to provide me the skills to be a better teacher - teaching methods, integrating technology etc. - then I really don't see the point, other than to gain a perception (wrongly in my opinion) of status. (It might be a different situation when one wants to enter leadership roles as it is probably a requirement/expectation for many schools - I don't know).

The majority of Master's courses from what I have seen just will not make you a better practitioner, they are not vocational enough to provide that. If schools really know their stuff, they will understand this.

I know of quite a number of Americans who have not even had teacher certification/status and then gone on to do a Master's to be able to consider themselves 'proper' teachers. They haven't had the basic necessary training to become a competent teacher but are walking around boasting that they have a Masters. Most can't teach for toffee.

If some schools look on an academic piece of paper as an indicator of a great teacher, then more fool them. And I mean no disrespect to those that have said pieces of paper.

As pension age qualification rises how long can we all look for that great position in competitive schools? I'd like this topic to focus on the potential restrictions to employment with age and not country specific age/visa restrictions.

Country specific age restrictions aside, how long is it before our age becomes a real burden on getting that job? Or is it more a question of skills/marketability regardless of age? Can a 60 y.o. seriously compete with a fresher faced 30 something?

For example, perhaps a 50-60 something with years of IB exp. will be in a stronger position to gain employment for longer than say a teacher with only UK/US Curriculum exp. looking for positions in British/American schools. Perhaps this raises a further discussion point: Does IB experience provide teachers a skill set that will - in theory at least - enhance employment prospects and longevity as opposed to those without IB experience?

Yes, we can all probably gain something somewhere till we drop but how realistic is it that we can remain employed in the better schools until we reach retirement?

My guess is that we can possibly keep one step ahead with adding experience and skills up to 55-60 and then it will definitely become a real challenge and teachers then have to face the reality of dropping back down the tiers just to stay afloat. The ones who have financially prepared for early retirement will be okay, but what of those that have to slog away till they reach state pension age of say 67 yrs? That's an advanced age for anyone to still be slogging away in the classroom, but one that many will be faced with. Should we all be looking to hang up our wb pens before we reach sixty?

I've been mulling these things over lately as I accept my impending mortality and thought some of you might like to share your thoughts and fears for the future as working age limits rise throughout the western world.

They are the ones who can give you a definitive answer, so I would just email them this very question. They are pretty good at getting back to members.

[quote="IAMBOG"]I know someone who bought a house in Thailand through his corporation. It doesn't seem to be an problem. No sh1t involved.[/quote]

So, tell me.......do they own the company 100% or is it 51% Thai?

Assuming the Thai element of the company don't decide to pee on your chips one day in the near future, providing the Thai Govt. don't change the laws on company ownership - which is by no means impossible, you keep up payments to keep the co. legal + set up costs et., all should be well!

Sarcasm aside, yes it can be done but I really don't think it would be wise to have it on your list as a serious way of investing your life savings, unless you have a personal investment in Thailand such as family.

'Foreign persons cant own land, but foreign corporations can. Foreigners can start corporations in Thailand'.

Sure PSY. Dog's can shiit all over the place but it's better if they don't, right?!

If you want to invest all your hard earned cash by using loopholes to dodge the property laws of a country then go right ahead. Just don't complain when they turn up one day and take it all off you!