There's a reason why some schools are considered top tier. The package I described isn't at all out of the ordinary for these schools. In fact, I've friends who are clearing close to 60K at a couple of the schools on the list that maxsaidno posted--they are on the Masters degree salary table and have many years' experience.

But I've no desire or motivation to prove to you that these packages exist. It's really your loss if you disbelieve it and don't bother doing your own research. Good luck to you.

I can't even imagine seriously considering going back to teaching in the States. At my new school, I'll be clearing over 50K and have a townhouse free of rent, not to mention an expensive, top-notch, tuition-free high school education for my son. Plus, a nice retirement to boot! Adding it all up, including the taxes I'm not paying and prof dev and home flights and other perks (such as a wellness allowance and an annual 5% cola), we're talking over a six-figure salary! Is there a US school that would even come close? I think not.

I would say though that how one weighs the advantages of overseas teaching depends largely on the international school chosen. So, the moral of the story is...choose your international school carefully.

Well I attended the recent ISS Bangkok and did hear from many, many people that it was a rough fair/year all around. It was my first recruitment experience (though I'm already teaching at an international school) so I didn't have anything to compare it to.

Super-huge schools barely had openings. So many things filled up already by the sign-up dash. I was lucky in that I got interviews with everyone I wanted--minus Singapore American School, which stopped people in line to say they wanted couples only--and 3 offers ahead of the fair, one of which I ended up accepting the very first day I was there. In fact, I think I succumbed to the tension and pressure early by canceling all my second interviews, making up my mind by the first afternoon, though I'm very happy with my decision and think I lucked out. I shudder to think of how differently it might have turned out had I not done my homework and Skyped with those 3 schools ahead of time. Anyway, should I head out again, I will most definitely think hard about accepting an offer without the bother of a fair.

I have always gotten top-tier schools and I'm a single mom. I'm currently working at such a school and already have some interviews lined up with others at next month's job fair. In fact, I got an offer from a top-dog school after a two-hour skype video interview just the other day that I'm seriously considering even though I'm still going to the fair. I honestly think it just depends on your qualifications and experiences, as well as how well you interview. No one [i]ever [/i] pauses or thinks twice when I bring up my kid. Instead, they are excited to tell me how their particular school would fit his personality. So definitely don't get discouraged. Before I entered international teaching, I worried about this, just like you. But it's never been a problem.

You just have to be the most desirable candidate ever, and they won't care at all that you've got a dependent. PM me if you have further questions.

You're so good, Ichiro. I wasn't sure if I could just post a hotel name like that. ISS is sooo secretive with their Bangkok conference location even though it appears to be the same year after year.

If you PM me, I'll tell you the cheap alternative to the hotel that's hosting the conference. You'll save over $100/night and it's just a 2-minute walk away.

Cheers.