Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies

Worldtrvl123-
As one half of a teaching couple, do you prefer attending a job fair to skype?

Davey-
you appear to be a wise woman. I'm sure no matter what, you'll make smart decisions wherever life leads you.
Hopefully, you're able to find a city/school that you can enjoy and feel secure in. Either way, I wish you the best.

"I know kids are expensive and are financially a bug money hole"

LOL, PsyGuy, what in the dickens is a bug money hole?

"To say "Guatemala City is no different than any major city in the world so take the usual precautions" is not accurate".

Based on my experience traveling in several 3rd world major cities, I wouldn't call the above statement inaccurate. But I'd agree it's a different perspective.

Calcio-
I totally agree with what you're saying about not moving there with a family. I also remember hearing stories about "political" hits. The country is not too far removed from the civil war of the 80s and early 90s. However, I do not think Guatemala is any more dangerous than any other country located in the 3rd. I think most CA countries are poor and tend to be lawless. I also think that a young single could safely enjoy the region (for a couple of years) if she is cautious and aware of how/where crimes happen in such an area. I never traveled the roads at night, never took up with local men, didn't get involved with politics, never went out drinking/bar hopping, never got involved with the drug culture, didn't show signs of wealth, etc...In other words, I never made myself vulnerable. Not to say that works for everyone but it somehow worked for me. My gringo brother-in-law worked as an engineer in Petén, married a Guatemalan and would rather live there than in the U.S. They have 2 kids. Would I settle there with my kids? Heck no! But I would have taught there for a couple years so that I could travel all CA on the cheap. But I do agree with you, Davey should proceed with caution.

HoraceMann,
All locations I asked about are/were listed on their site

JISAlum,
did you feel different in a negative kind of way when you returned to the states? Did your interaction with other kids contribute to those feelings or did you feel you missed out by not being raised in the states? For example, my kids only have 1 living set of grandparents and they are 80+. Of course we'll return home each summer, but, did you feel you missed out on bonding with your grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc...? Also, like Kleikm asked, did you resent your parents in any way?
These are really important questions because we all want what's best for our kids while we are living our dreams. In hindsight, what is something your parents could have done differently?

Having taken my eldest to several countries since she was only 4 months and my second to only 2 countries, I have to agree with PsyGuy about food being the biggest issue. People seem to openly love and embrace kids all around the world. Especially in non-western cultures. I've also heard several expat parents express the same views as Danda. I guess one thing that's often overlooked in 3rd culture kids discussions is that not all kids of american international teachers are "white." Some are biracial and some have one parent who’s from another culture. So, with that being said, is it better to make the move while the kids are prek to elementary? That way they don't suffer academically and socially as much as a secondary kid? I also think that as parents we have to figure out what our long term commitments are. If staying overseas until your kids graduate high school is your goal, then it will be necessary to seek out schools with good academic rigor. That's especially important if you want your kids to attend a competitive college. If you only want to teach internationally on a temporary basis, It may be better to get them back home by 7th grade.
Kleikm, I think you are the former and I am the latter :). I also think it's normal for cold feet to set in now that leaving is becoming a reality.

PsyGuy,
I only know of Alaska. However, I think you must retire from the states to apply for it.

A few questions:
1) Do you find that sexual violence against women is a bigger issue than other places, or is it more - as you said - on par with any big city in the world?
*Not at all. It's about the same as other places where machismo rules. However, be mindful that you are in a 3rd world country that can be somewhat lawless. Crime is not dealt with the same as in western culture so make it a point to dress modestly and stay out of compromising situations -walking to/from bars late at night, inviting strangers into your home, making it obvious you live alone. Just be cautious. I saw many western women walking topless on beaches and even walking around the city in tank tops and miniskirts. You just can't do that in a culture where you will obviously stand out as a non-local. I don't care what the local women are doing/wearing. You cannot allow yourself to get THAT comfortable.
2) I also read a lot about ATM fraud. As my debit card info just got stolen, I don't relish that happening again. The idea that the majority of ATMs are unsafe concerns me, as you definitely need to know about that so you could adjust your actions accordingly. On top of that, I even read some accounts where people said you shouldn't even pay at a restaurant with a card unless you're right there at the till to watch them run it through. Have you heard much about any of that?
*This is partially true. But, it can happen anywhere. It happened to me right here in the good ole U.S of A. That being said, I used my cards when there was no other option and had no problems. Just try to use cash/quetzals as often as you can. If possible, go inside banks to withdraw money from the teller. They will allow you to do this with a credit card and a debit card. You may also want to frequently check your account online to keep track.
***Guatemala is a really diverse country- mountains, beaches, rivers, lakes, hot springs, jungles, volcanoes, etc...You will enjoy your time there. It is truly one of the most underrated places I've ever been. You will also meet people from all over the world who are there for one reason or another. To study Spanish, wannabe hippie trust fund babies, backpackers, former Israeli soldiers on gap year, Aussies on gap year, Brits on gap year, and humanitarians - Peace Corps, Docs w/o Borders, SPCA, Habitat For Humanity, etc... You name it, they're there. I hooked up with many of these people for weekend travel. You will have a blast. Just be smart, be observant, and most of all be kind. This is a poor country. But the locals will share all they have with you to make you feel welcome if you show them some respect. If you're hired, purchase yourself a Rough Guide-Guatemala/ Rough Guide Central America and enjoy the region.

Overhere & Danda-

thank you kindly for your responses. You both have made things clearer for us. I can't say too much at the moment because we are still in the "process." Once the "process" is finalized, I promise to post an update. That update should come really soon.
Thanks Everyone.

Hi,
I have no idea about the schools but I lived in Guatemala and still travel there. Guatemala is a nice country for travel. I have traveled solo throughout the country and never felt unsafe. I'm not saying there are not dangers, but I’ve never had an issue. They have the same social class issues you find everywhere. Guatemala City is no different than any major city in the world so take the usual precautions. If you do not flash signs of wealth and stay out of dodgy areas/situations you will be fine. It's also one of the better places to learn Spanish as the locals speak clearly and slowly. I do not find the local people to be as warm and fuzzy as say Costa Ricans, but they are kind if you make an effort to get to know them. You will find many foreigners living all over the country. You will also have cheap/easy access to other countries in the region.
Let me know if you have more specific questions.

PsyGuy- you're back! Welcome back. Australia seems like a nice break.

Thank you Gengrant! Much appreciated.