I am going to have to agree with Overhere and JIS Alum . . . you have a compelling argument. The only difference of opinion that I would offer would have to do with your intentions. Do you intend on staying overseas or are you just going for a couple of years? Then again, most people plan on going for a couple of years and end up staying overseas for a long time. I really think in the long run it wouldn't matter. I would certainly choose to take advantage of traveling overseas while you are overseas! Take care :-)

Shansar

I would recommend doing whatever you want. I'm sure that doesn't sound helpful, but go with your gut. After a few months in your new life, going back home will be more like going back to visit people who still live where you used to. It may be helpful with the kids and their settling in experience, if they know that they can look forward to going back "home" to see family and friends. It is also really nice to travel to see new and exotic places with your children (these experiences are priceless . . . trust me). You may want to consider making it a family decision with your kids. This could give them a sense of control in a situation where they probably will be feeling very vulnerable. You could sit down with them and list places they would like to visit in the area and make a home and travel chart. Take it as you will! Good luck and it will be great whatever you decide! Enjoy :)

Lapaz, let me start off by saying that I did not mean to offend you or any other QSI employee. When I was in China from 2005-2007, I found that most teachers were compassionate hardworking people. I certainly don't understand your comment about "runner" is that a joke? In any case, you make a good point about schools having certified teachers teach outside of their subject area. I too have found this in many international schools over the years. In fact, I found that certified teachers in the States will sometimes teach outside of their subject areas depending on the State in which they teach. While they may be teaching outside of their subject area, like your "son's teacher", they are indeed certified teachers. My experience with QSI, and the point that I was making, is that QSI has a policy of hiring adults who are NOT teachers at all. This is one of the reasons our family left QSI. In fact, I'm sure that you have noticed that QSI will hire people without degrees as per their pay scale which says "3 years of college". QSI is not a horrible organization, but comparing it to my current school in Shanghai is a joke! I was tired of worrying about non-certified teachers or local hires teaching core-curriculum to our children. I was tired of battling admin over these issues as well. Maybe this is not the case in your school? My comment was posted mainly as a response to the local hire questions and I did not intend on writing further. I did feel that you were not giving an honest answer to ISR readers though and for some reason you felt like you had to personally attack me. You also claimed that it was unfair to say anything about the policy that QSI has of hiring only Christians. I am sure that QSI would not deny this comment; in fact I'm sure that they think it is a good idea . . . why else would they do it? Maybe you were interviewed by hired help, I was hired by Jim Gilson and he DID ask if we were Christians. No big deal, but it is a question that is asked of at least some people QSI hires. Be fair and honest to the readers Lapaz, they deserve it . . . and if you are admin, shame on you for pretending to be a "teacher"!!! And by the way, QSI in Shekou does have many singles take borders and share space with other teachers . . . maybe you should base your comments on FACTS.

If you are a single person, it is probably best to avoid QSI unless you get an overseas contract. QSI is living in the past in terms of the way it treats singles (and married couples for that matter . . . see comments below). There are many organizations that will give all of the benefits to employees regardless of their marital status. Also, QSI has some other policies that may be troubling for you personally. Many people have to hide personal choices (such as smoking) from their coworkers which leads to a dishonest workplace environment. QSI also asks about religion in interviews, and if you are not a Christian you either have to lie and say you are or go somewhere else! QSI claims to be non-denominational, but when you only hire Christians . . . My advice to anyone who is considering QSI would be to ask lots of questions and if your questions cannot be answered proceed with caution. Ask about the cost of living of where you are going and e-mail addresses of current employees to get a feel for what you are getting into. Also, ask a lot of questions about assessment and see if you are comfortable with their policies on that. My advice would be to keep an open mind, but proceed with caution. MANY QSI administrators are working outside of their area of expertise and there are many non-certified teachers in the ranks. Take that as you will :D my time at QSI was interesting but short-lived.