Dear Lincoln
Thanks for your long and thoughtful post. This was extremely gracious of you.
Yes, we have heard good things about Mona Nashman-Smith, she is a good friend of our current director. I sometimes think that many of the posts in the main part of ISR are from time-served idlers who resent being made to think by progressive, good quality directors. It does not sound as though this school has many of those!
I appreciate your comments on housing as many posts in the middle east, and indeed, parts of China, are becoming difficult owing to the rapidly rising cost of housing.
Thanks, once again, for caring enough to post so much useful information. Lucky us, we are now getting to a 'spoilt for choice' with Amman now figuring highly on our list of possibilities. Isn't the world a wonderful place?!!
Draug
AKA Becca

I worked at ECA for several years. It is an excellent school with the best remuneration package in SAmerica.
I agree that in parts of Caracas you are virtually guaranteed to get a gun stuck in your face. However, if you have half a brain and don't do the stuff that in most cities will get you into trouble, you will ususally be ok.
The people who are likely to rob you mainly want what you have got, and are rarely out to hurt you. There will be exceptions (granted: I know the previous poster took a very dim view so I am not trying to totally discount what he said) but generally, no amateur heroics, and don't go out dripping in expensive accoutrements and that will be a big step towards staying out of trouble.
I have a variety of fairly close friends working there now, none of whom, in the last 3+ years, have reported any difficulties to me.
The school, though, really is first class. Definitely one of the first-strongers. Jean Vahey is a superb director and the staff is generally top notch.

Hi All
I am busily researching our next move....anyone out there in Oman (AISM, or British American perhaps), who would care to comment briefly on
1. Family-friendliness
2. Savings potential
3. School atmosphere and how 'dynamic' and pedagogically progressive it is

Thanks.
(BTW we are a fully credentialed teaching couple with extensive international experience, not newbies! We are debating between HK, Oman, Saudi Aramco, Taiwan and several schools in China, and have expressions of interest from most of those.......not asking anyone to be disloyal, just wanting to explore the 'fit' if y'know what I mean :wink: )

Thanks for replying. No, we don't expect 'all mod cons' but your point is well taken. We did survive Bangladesh, so just about anywhere outside war zones beats that! Seriously, our deal breakers would be pollution, poor package (we made the leap and bought a house this summer) and anything even vaguely hinting at contractual funny business. We've done 3 'first string' international schools on three continents so we are researching as thoroughly as possible.
Thanks again.
Draug

Can you IM me? We are experienced internationalers and are in the early stages of looking around.
Sounds like previous reviews were written by typical lazy old-timers who don't like working for their money! Personally, I prefer change and innovation.
We have two little boys too, aged 4, so I would appreciate the input.
Ta!
Draug

my email: science8teacher@gmail.com