Worst place? Difficult as even places that I wouldn't return to now I enjoyed at the time. I think most places are ok for a year or 2. For me the big problem would be climate, I've avoided South East Asia for that reason - way too hot and sticky.

I wouldn't return to Kuwait, it was good fun at the time lots of house parties and trips to Dubai and Bahrain. But after a couple of years you get a bit fed up seeing the same people every weekend at every p-a-r-t-y (don't know why that word's not allowed) and as a single female there wasn't much to do, we weren't even able to stay in beach hotels as we didn't have a male relative with us.

Safety is also a concern. I had a great few years in Ecuador but having people shot dead outside your apartment and friends shot makes you wonder whether it's worth the risk. Saying that though, it was an amazing country, possibly one of the best places I've ever been.

I guess it really depends on what you're after. There are some good schools but what would your life be like?
I considered Jeddah before, I fancied doing some diving there and it was more relaxed than Riyadh, but I ended up taking a job elsewhere.
I know single women that have enjoyed a couple of years there, mainly in Jeddah or near the Bahrain escape route, but after that it's got to them. I know others that hated it completely. Hmmm, not really much help then.

I'm from the UK so can't comment on how bad the situation in the US but I've never had a problem with my American students internationally.

I would point out that teaching spoilt rich kids can be a right pain as they don't care at all. They don't need to worry about good grades as they've got family money/Dad's business etc to keep them going in life, they have no need to work to achieve anything, as they see it. I've found this isn't so much of an issue the younger you go.

In addition to this you have the parents, whose view it is that they're paying so it's your job to turn their child into a genius. They also forget that you teach any other kids and think you're there to be at their beck and call.

Oh, and let's not forget that many international schools are businesses and decisions are made based on this rather than educational value.

Just wanted to point out that it's not all wonderful in the world of international schools. There are some very good schools, but most will have their issues.

The perks for me are the location, money and less paperwork. I teach young kids so mine have been pretty great everywhere.
The cons are schools run as businesses and ungrateful parents with completely unrealistic demands (there are some good ones too though)

Thanks for the info.

Does anyone have experience working at Yew Chung in Hong Kong, in the primary dept? Good, bad, ugly?
I've read the reviews, but they're all mixed up between the various schools and not much primary detail. Cheers.

Thanks for the info wrldtrvlr.

wrldtrvlr123, any idea when ESF interviews are happening? Wondering how long to wait before giving up hope.