Thanks you guys for the positive feedback. If I can help anyone from our experience it would be the least that I could do.
Compound living is definitely not for everyone but we have loved it! The best part is that we all live so close together and the worst part is that we all live so close together! It takes some getting used to but it really is just perfect for a family with children. Funny how the year goes by and just when you are getting camp fever (which you will get!) it is time for a well timed family vacation. :)

Hi MMMC sure wish we could PM or I could get your email somehow. Hate to
bore the rest with the story and would love to help you out. Let me know if you have another way to contact?

Yes as for this experience it has been amazing to say the least. We went through all of the emotions that we had read about on this helpful board. We were homesick, had culture shock and really got to figure some things out as a family. We leaned on each other.
We didn't at all go into this with the idea we wanted to put away $. So we weren't really looking for that. Ironically we ended up with a very generous package. Got some great advice NOT to limit yourself when you are searching or talking to different schools. Just because you don't think you are a good fit, it is a great idea to take another look and have an open mind. That really is how we ended up here cause I guarantee you we never would have picked this place to begin with. Ended up loving it though.
Young kids shouldn't limit you at all. Our situation was unique back home because we didn't need childcare as our parents were so kind to be able to help us out. Here many of the teachers have Nanny's and they are wonderful with the kids. I am sure that isn't the case everywhere but here it certainly is. So that shouldn't limit you.
Stress compared to back home? You know there is high expectations. We personally loved it as there are great resources and so many opportunities to reach the kids and make a difference. We also have pretty low class sizes so that sure changes things a bit. But yes there are high expectations and I think so much of it would obviously have to do with the Principal or school director. Ours is very supportive so it has been great.
Vacations here for us were similar to the states as far as around the same time.
Compound - yes without getting too specific. That can be a challenge. There was a learning curve here but once we got it figured out it was wonderful. Can't recommend it enough for families. I guess I should say our family loved it. We just wanted more time with our kids. We got that and were able to slow things down. Great opportunity for that.
Travel- This is a huge bonus. Very cheap to get around and that is even with a family of five. Yes unbelievable the places that we have been able to visit. People back home can't believe it.
Ichiro - Without going into it too much yes the decision to not come back was heart wrenching and I still worry that we made the wrong choice.
If we didn't go back we were then committed to teaching Overseas. With the economy the way it is that made us nervous as we promised our middle schooler that they would be able to go to High school in the states.
Our school is K-8 so that was inevitable. Trust me SO much went into this and the door is still open to return. I have the bug!
I am very sorry if this isn't the right forum for this post but I will say I am so thankful for a forum such as this and great members. I learned so much from all of you and am so thankful that we did this. I'll never forget how jealous I was of what so many of you guys get to do. You get a chance to teach and see the world. Sorry but that is cool!
MMMC- if you figure out a way I can get ahold of you I'd love to help you out.
Thanks for everything you guys! :)

Thanks for the responses.
MMMC- I would say that the amount of $ you are figuring is about right. Between $250-300 for 5 years is what we came up with. We were able to save one of our salaries and use the other.
Ichiro you always have great words of advice and have sure helped a lot of people.
I'm not sure if anyone asked but I can give a quick blurb on the experience that we have had and what all came with our decision to do this. Please don't hold the grammar vs. me as I am don't have much time now to post but I sure do want to respond and would love to help someone that is on the fence trying to decide to look into Overseas or not.
When we came here we were just normal teachers from the states. My wife and I had both taught elementary school for 17 years and both sets of our parents live within 15 miles from us so a very close family. The community and especially our friends were shocked. What the heck are you guys doing? Indo where? The thing that stirred it up for me was looking at pictures of the kids and realizing how fast they were growing up and how quick life around us was getting. It was a whirlwind with sports, activities and going here to there. We spent more time in the mini van than home! We had talked about teaching overseas "someday" and that night I began my search to looking into doing just that. I researched for HOURS! Read posts from everyone and everywhere! Talked to my wife and we agreed to at least go to a job fair and see what was out there.
We got our resume's together and decided that the ISS/CIS fair that was in Seattle that year was the one that we would attend as it was close to where we lived. Worst case scenario we had a night in a hotel together and could turn it in to a stress free date. Yeah that didn't happen. (more on that later!) So we got our resume's updated and then I started inquiring to schools that were going to the fair. At first we didn't hear much but as the fair got closer we really started getting emails and even had a phone interview.
Went to the fair and another gal that we taught with went as well as a single person. The Fair was amazing! It was run very well and both ISS & CIS were great. We had a folder there and our folder the first night was FULL of schools that asked us to interview with them.
That night I got on the internet and searched to find out everything I could about not only the location but the school. Heck I couldn't spell half the places that were looking at us! :)
Next day was a whirlwind tour of interviews. Found I even fell in love with my wife of 10 years even more so as we were interviewed together. Felt like we were a team and really went though the whole deal. At the end of the day when we went to the cocktail . we were beat! We had 7 job offers and were completely confused on what we were going to do. How exciting but also how nerve wracking! NOT at all arrogant as thinking that we were so good and that is why we had all of these offers I just think we were a pretty good fit for what some of the schools were looking for. I know point out that we our a couple so that helped as well. Though I must add that our friend that was single elementary ended up with 9 offers and got one at the Social to make it 10! She ended up going to Oman. So schools were really looking for people. Obviously the timing was right.
NOT much sleep that night as I was a nervous wreck and just wanted to go home! I thought what have I done??? Read more posts on this great forum. Every time I read it I always thought how much I envied you all and what you were doing. How cool is it that you get to travel around the world meet new people and take amazing vacations??? I wanted that for my family and for us. I really wanted to show them the world a bit. I say that but I myself had NEVER been Overseas in my life!
Well the next day in Starbucks we talked to quite a few experienced Overseas teachers to get there words of advice. Talked to our parents and then made one last call to our 3 children ages- 5,9 and 11 to get there scoop on things. They all said they trusted we would do what was best and the 11 year old said I can't believe I am saying this but I think it would be kind of fun. Well I am done with my cocoa and all I want to do now is go back to my old school as I am coaching a game that night. We now have it narrowed down to the one school that happens to offer every single thing that we had asked and prayed for. Premium on family time as that is what this place is all about. I am just getting ready to leave and my wife grabs my hand, looks me in the eyes and says "Let's do it!". I get goosebumps and can't believe it when I hear myself say .........ok! We sign the paperwork and then all the preparing begins along with all of the questions!
That was a whirlwind and a TON of work. We kept our house and had to figure out what to do with our cars, pets and other things. Hard on our parents as they are so close to us and adore their Grand kids. I still feel bad for taking my Mom's only 3 grandchildren and the fact that none of them complained a bit made me feel even worse. They were great about it. They appreciated the fact that we felt we were doing what was right for our family.
The bonding started with us and 15 suit cases at the airport. It continued with a 17 hour flight that the kids were great about. The feeling we got walking off the plane in Singapore was indescribable. It felt like us vs. the world! We were really off on a family adventure! Never felt so worried or so close to my wife and kids!
I am sorry but I have to cut this short but I will get back to the rest of this soon. Prep work I have to do! Also sorry that this is so long. Happy ending coming soon. Hope you all are well and sorry it is so darn long.
MMMC if you have other questions I would love to help you if I can.
:)

So funny to read this as this was me 2 years ago! Oh and thing have changed. We did it and I am SO thankful that we did. We have had some wonderful vacations and have been to take our kids to places that we never thought we would ever see. The teaching part has been amazing and I am so thankful that we have taken this wonderful journey.
Unfortunately with the economy and the fact that if we didn't return to the states we would NO longer have a job we have been forced to return back to our old school district. It has been one of the toughest decisions that we have ever made and we are sure leaving the door open to return to Overseas. This has been one heck of a ride! I still am in shock that we have done it. So many emotions and now I personally find myself nervous to return to what we used to call home!
Thank you all so much for your words of encouragement! You guys are great! :)

I can and do sympathize with some of you single teachers with dependents. I am sure it would be upsetting if you really felt the only reason you didn't get offered the job was because you weren't married to another teacher. At the same time did it ever occur to any of you that maybe you just didn't get offered the job because they felt you weren't the person for the job? Also feel like I need to point out that not all teaching couples have a weak teacher as part of the pair. I know hard to imagine but they are out there!
:wink:

Wow, jut got a note in my box today asking if we planned on coming back next year or not!!??? We have to sign it and return by September 5th. Doesn't that seem a LITTLE early to have to decide? We are in our 2nd year and still not sure what we plan on doing next year.This really forces our hand. I totally understand wanting to get out and recruit early but we haven't even been in school now for two weeks. I suppose I can't do anything about it?
Just wondering if this is normal? It was my understanding that before winter break was more typical? Sure appreciate any advice. Actually a pretty good school (ISS) but the package is beginning to DWINDLE.
Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom!

We are just finishing up our first year of teaching Oveseas after 16 years in the states. What a year of ups and downs!! So happy to be going home for the summer and then back in a couple of months. Still not sure if we will return home or make a go of this but one thing is for sure it is an adventure.
Wow.
So funny looking back at us doing this and this board really was such a great resource for us deciding to go Overseas. So while some days I wanted to post you all and ask what in the heck have I got us into there were a lot of great days along the way.
Thanks for all of your help.
Hope you are well and have a great summer!

:)

Great questions Johnwest. Well we did all get on that plane back here. Now back we are in our routine and doing good. If I had to to it again I would go back home and visit still doing it the same. So glad I took the advice of people on the this board and didn't overreact. I think it was just part of the emotions of going back home to visit when you have never been overseas before. I think if we wouldn't have done it, I would have felt bad myself not to see all of my family and friends.
Not sure if it makes sense or not but in the end we are really glad that we went home to reconnect with our family and friends. Most of the teachers here used it as an opportunity to travel and I can sure see where that worked out great for them. :)

Best of luck Trojan!
Try to relax and enjoy it the best you can!
You will definitely look back on it.
Please let us know how it goes. :)

EB-
Without saying what school you are at is it by chance managed by ISS?
Similar stuff happened here and we are still trying to sort out the details. Here they don't actually charge you for tuition but they are now saying it is a benefit and we are going to be taxed on it. This was NEVER mentioned before. It will cost us as we have 3 children and it will put us over the amount. Not happy about it.
Good luck to you and please let us know how it goes.
Hang in there.

Johnwest was that the Bangkok Fair you just got back from?
How did that go? From what I have heard there were a lot of positions that went unfilled and more jobs open than teachers.
Good to hear your input. I know for a fact the ISS Fairs are NOT cheap adding to the pressure if you don't find that position.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Trust me I can use them!
Very good points made about not returning for the first 6 months.
While I say that of course we had a great time maybe too great of a time!
I am just hoping when we get back and into our routine that we will all feel
better about where we are at. Could be a long 20 hours in the plane ride tomorrow but here we go!
Thanks again for the encouragement. :?

What an interesting topic and one that really hits home for me. I guess I would have to say that I am the other side of the coin. I admire all of you that teach overseas and the opportunity you give your children. That was a huge reason that we decided to give it a shot. We really do love teaching overseas when we are there but we made the decision to come home for Christmas this year. What a wonderful time we are having! I must just be lucky cause I really haven't had any family or friends make us feel guilty for being away. Being around them and spending time with our families has just made me miss being around them even more. (I know what a wimp!) I should add that we have only been overseas for 5 months so in NO way am I even close to being a veteran.
My 5th grade daughter today let me know that it is going to be hard to get back on that plane Dad! The worst part is that I agree with her. (Of course I never said that to her!) Not trying to whine at all and we will fulfill our two year commitment as we should but I would be lying if I said I was excited about it. I am not sure that we were doing the right thing for our family.
I have so much respect for all you that teach overseas and the neat places your children get to see and visit. What a great opportunity for your family. I guess I am just now realizing that after 15 years in public education in the US that maybe I am just more cut out for that then the Overseas life. Wish that wasn't the case!
:?

My principal at the time was getting contacted during the Fair. In our experience some schools were doing it after our first interview. One of the schools had figured that we were a good match for the spots they had open and actually contacted our references before the Fair.
It is definitely a roller coaster of a time!

:)

Wow that is a tough one. I think you could sure find yourself in a tough spot as I don't know that a school is going to be willing to let you wait a bit and get back to them. In our experience they all wanted an answer by the time the fair was over. Then again this was in February and they wanted to make sure to fill their spots. Surely someone on this board has experienced something similar?
Sorry I couldn't help more but I would sure try to figure out a plan before you get there. Are you positive that your #2 choice is your #2 choice? Sounds like you guys have done your research and that is great.