[quote]You don't know what you think you know and It's not arrogance when your right.[/quote]

Ahhh the arrogance is only improved by the poor grammar.

This is my first fair so I won't pretend to be an expert but I just wanted to mention that quite a few schools have already pre-interviewed me via Skype. In one case twice (with different people). It would seem crazy to me both from my point of view and from that of the school to hire people after one 30 min interview. I'm interested to see what actually happens but I know I won't be interested in any on the spot decisions and I can't see why any other top candidate would be either unless they really were dead certain before that fair that that was the school for them.

Oh well, guess I'll find out pretty soon how it all works.

Just to add I agree with you that Bangkok will be a stretch for them - I'm only interested because it's an admin job. So maybe shoot them another email early in the new year (before the fair) reminding them of what a great fit you'd be and telling them you'd love to do a Skype interview.

Good luck.

Yes I talked to them because I'm considering them (and they me).

I did one Skype interview, have another planned and then will meet them at the job fair.

They only just got back to me a couple of days ago despite me initially exchanging emails with them a few weeks back. I think they're a bit swamped. I also think that you might not hear until after the fair since if they're spending all the time/money to go there they'll want to see what's on offer there before they make other offers.

I'd agree. The review is mixed which makes it believable. To me it looks like a standard school going through growing pains.

I've spoken with them at length and I think it could be a good place to work if you are realistic about both living in China and in working in a young, growing, school.

I just want to point out that plenty of third tier schools will be perfectly ok places to work. Not great packages but enough to live on and have an amazing experience.

Then, when you've got experience, you can aim higher.

I guess I'm saying don't have the attitude that you need to work somewhere awful and suffer for 2 years. Find a school that's a good match for you. Then go with a positive attitude.

Good luck.

I don't think being informed means you've lost your spirit of adventure. I love contemplating all the different adventures I could have. It's settling on just one I struggle with.

Yes. It is going to be a disadvantage. So is having kids, being in a less popular teaching area, being Asian looking (regardless of where you're from) and a host of other issues people can't control.

I'd say tell people that you are going to be getting married upfront. It WILL change what it costs the school. There are all sorts of issue that are different when you are married (accommodation, health insurance, visas). And you shouldn't be covering the expenses for things like his flight.

Honestly I'd be more concerned about what he's going to do. Will he be able to get work wherever you are? Look for countries where he can get employed. A non-working spouse can be really rough on a marriage.

While it isn't great that you don't have any "proper" teaching experience you are qualified and you have at least demonstrated the ability to live internationally - make sure you mention that on any applications. Schools find it encouraging that you have successfully lived and worked overseas.

Personally I'd advise joining Search Associates or similar (ISS), it's not that expensive and it will give you access to their database. Then just start applying for jobs everywhere. You probably won't get hired early in the season but if you put out enough applications you've got a reasonable chance of scoring something. Don't be too fussy. Any school that pays on time can probably be put up with for 2 years and after that you'll be in a much stronger position for trying for your next job.

Given your lack of experience I wouldn't bother with a job fair.

I'd be applying for literally everything you can. Don't be super fussy, a foot in the door of any school that you can stand for 2 years will mean that next recruiting cycle you'll have international experience and be in a much better position.

You're single (ie cheap) and if you are enthusiastic and open to adventures there's sure to be an option out there for you somewhere.

Good luck.

It's a good school. I have a friend there (been there a few years) and other friends who have worked there in the past. It's a good place to work. Lousy location but you just have to suck that up.

If you sign up through the British branch of Search you don't have to pay anything unless you go to a Fair.

I figured out that little loop hole a few years back. Of course it wasn't easy convincing them to let me sign up through the British branch since I'm not actually British but I can be quite convincing when I want to :-)

And I don't feel bad. I got my last job through Search and I'll most likely get my new one through them too so they get money when a school chooses me.

(Please note there is no dishonesty here - I didn't lie, they know I'm not British, I just managed to convince them to let me register through the British associate).

I agree. Start a dialogue with the schools who are interested in you.

Only you can decide if what they offer you is enough to make you happy or if you should hold out for something else.

Personally I'm at the point now where I've started to say to schools that I'm very happy to talk with them but that I won't be making any final decisions until after the fair (I'm going to Bangkok early January). That does 2 things, it tells them I need time to consider but it also tells them I'm probably going to make a decision at the fair so if they want me and aren't going to be at the fair they need to let me know what their offer is first.

Unfortunately I don't have any information but I came in here to post the same question. The school contacted me so I'm trying to find out more. It sounds like a lovely part of the world.