IAMBOG wrote:
> I encourage you to look at this page before you spend thousands of dollars on air
> filter machines.
>
> http://smartairfilters.com/

IAMBOG, have you used these smart filters? I've come across them before and the numbers are impressive.

Hi guys,

I'm very excited to say that I'm heading to China this year for my first international teaching post! I'm in the process of planning for the big move, but as its my first posting I'm rather lacking in experience.

Are there any blogs or books by international teachers that would give me an idea of the day to day experiences of international teachers? China-focused would be great, but I'm also interested in reading blogs from teachers all around the world.

Thanks Sid, that's a massive help!

What do you (or anyone else!) think my timing should be roughly? At the moment I'm thinking that I will apply for jobs as they come up from now until mid January. Then from late January onwards I will step up my attack in terms of more repeated contact with schools.

Does this seem like a good plan, or do you think I would be better served by holding off on applying until after the big job fairs have come and gone and the top candidates are off the table? I'm not sure whether I'm better off making early contact with schools or waiting until schools are prepared to seriously look at a candidate with my limited experience in the hopes that my application will be near the top of the pile.

Also, when you say 'less desirable schools', do you think I have a reasonable shot at 2nd tier schools in bangkok or should I be looking further down the food chain? I've been looking at various fairs and it seems like only the top/upper 2nd tier schools from Bangkok that attend them (ISB, NIST, harrow, Ruamrudee etc). Is there a fair that I don't know about where the majority of middle tier schools in Bangkok do their recruiting or do they rely more on internet applications and skype interviews?

Hi Sid, thanks for taking the time to reply! I'm considering beginning my masters of education shortly, which would take 2 years to complete. This would mean I would obtain my masters sometime during my 2 year contract with prospective schools. Is this something that would improve my chances, or does it only help if I already hold the degree before applying?

Also, is there any advice you could give to help my cv stand out from the pack? One of my biggest concerns is that because I am only applying by email, my cv will not attract any attention due to my lack of experience, and will be left languishing in a pile with the other hundred or so mediocre resumes.

thanks again for your help, it's very much appreciated!

Hi all, I'm looking to land my first international teaching gig during the upcoming recruiting season and I have been scouring the forum for any tips I can find. I've been trying to get a clear picture of where I stand in terms of my attractiveness as a candidate and I was hoping to receive some advice from some of the more experienced players on this forum.

I'm a 24 year old Australian high school teacher. I have a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology and a Bachelor of Teaching. I am certified to teach junior science, senior biology and senior chemistry. I have 2 years full time teaching experience during which I have been teaching General Science to junior classes as well as senior Earth and Environmental Science and senior Biology. I also have a long list of extra-curricular activities that I've taken over. These include coaching basketball and rugby, school coordinator for the Duke of Edinborough award and assistant year advisor. Overall I like to think that I am an enthusiastic and effective teacher (aren't we all?) and I will have excellent references from my current heads.

Does this sound like an appealing candidate for international schools? Ideally I would be focusing on schools in Bangkok.

I'm also not going to be able to attend any recruitment fairs due to the travel involved from Australia. Will this be a hindrance? There is a Search fair in Melbourne, but there aren't any Thai schools down as attending so I don't know if it will be worth my while.

Thanks in advance!