I am in Abuja now, teaching. (Not at the American School.)

We are aware of the bombings (on the news) but have been untouched so far. Life continues normally in Abuja.

Abuja is extremely hot. While you will be offered air-conditioned apartments, the truth is, the electricity outages are frequent and of long duration so you swelter at 35 degrees all day and night. Mosquitoes are very bad with no active programme to combat them. (Yellow fever and malaria are transmitted).

There are shops but it is basic shopping. I have been advised by local residents not to eat fresh veg (salads) as the water with which they are irrigated is not safe. We eat fruit but without the skins. Drinking water must be bought. The cost of living is high.

Due to the frequent electrical outages, internet communication is limited and using an IWB in the classroom is frustrating.

The public transport consists of little green taxis, in various states of disrepair. I have been unable to call one, but rely on waving them down in the street.

I do not feel unsafe so that I will resign. However, I will be pleased when my contract ends and I can go back to normal life.

I will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.

Is that the one in Nigeria?

We have never attended fairs and have managed to get work. However, there are some dodgy "schools" so take care.

Avoid Lesotho.

Terrible racism. Violence used to intimidate and even murder.

Interesting map from the World Economic Forum rankings. Red countries are less welcoming. The more blue, the friendlier they are to expats:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wor ... oreigners/[/img]

Check if it is really an international school.

If it is mostly local people it will not be fun!

Best: Eastern Europe

Worst: Lesotho, Africa

Well, for those of us already here .... we make the best of it.

Try to be part of the community.

Link with like-minded folk, e.g. through forums.

Try to enjoy the new experiences.

Try to find the best school for our kids ...................

There are two "international" schools that I know of - one American, one European.

The American one has expanded and seems to be doing well again this year. My daughter is starting there in September. I have two teacher friends there and they enjoy the workplace and the children - mostly expat kids and faculty.

The European one has had three Directors in two years. I met two of them - both great guys. I don't know why they have all left. I visited when I was looking for a school for my daughter and noticed that the demographic of the school is mostly local children and local faculty.