WiseTeach - be sure to come back and post what you decide to do. I am also trying to figure out whether to take some bait in a different location or hold out for the fair. If only the fair weren't 2 1/2 weeks away. A lot can happen in the meantime - good or bad! I don't think I can go from $70,000+ to $33,000. There's not THAT big of a difference in cost of living!

Yeshko, the Search Associates website gives the salary for a person with a Masters and 8 years experience as $33,000 USD. And a housing allowance monthly of $1,000 USD. Although I think they actually provide the apartment for free. We only pay utilities. I've learned the salary posted on the SA website is not always accurate. But based on that, how could a person live in Istanbul on $33,000? Could they travel a lot and save? I'm not sure I can swallow the idea of that gigantic of a paycut. But if the cost of living is drastically less, then it would even out.

Yeshko, I totally think it's worth applying. You never know. I do not have international experience and I've had a lot of correspondence and interest from AISB. However they said they would wait to skype or fair interview me if they haven't filled the job before then with someone with IS experience. so it's not required, just highly desired.

[quote="PsyGuy"]. . . The second issue is sometimes getting your home authority to accept the PD.[/quote]

That is my concern. My state can be kind of picky about what they will accept. As soon as this time of interviewing and hiring frenzy dies down, I'm going to look into this some more. I am really appreciating the input on this topic.

[quote="WiseTeach"]Right about the salary. Housing is provided hence the question. I've a feeling there would be no savings in Turkey. I am also in a quandary in that I have a skype interview with a school there yet the fair is 3 weeks later. I don't want to lose out on what may be a great opportunity, but I dont' want to sell myself short either on any positions that may come up via the fair.[/quote]

I am in the exact same situation WiseTeach. Hard to know what to do. I just do a lot of praying for guidance! Otherwise I'd wear out the lining of my stomach! :)

Do you have 2 years of international school experience? They told me outright that right now that's what they want. If you don't, that could be why you haven't heard from them. I got the impression they will consider candidates without 2 years of IS experience if they don't find someone they like that does have it.

I am also wondering about MEF Istanbul. I hope someone has some input!

I got an email acknowledging receipt of my email the same day I sent it to AISB. But that was back in December. I have been corresponding with one of the principals at AISB and I know they have been very busy going to the various fairs. So I'm not surprised that the communication isn't as quick right now.

I've always gotten pretty prompt responses from all the schools, except one. So I finally sent everything again, saying I'd never heard from them, not even the typical automated form email, to let me know if they received it. I heard back that time.

PsyGuy, that's good to know about the CA certification. I will check it out for my specialization. I never used to think all the required PD every 5 years was a big deal because I always have tons of it. But now that I'm going abroad and don't know what the PD opportunities will be like and how exactly they issue credit for it, I'm forced to think about how I will keep my certificate current. This thought never entered my mind until following this post. It would be nice to just pay money to keep it current.

[quote="lightstays"] Eat gouffres everyday and then go for the free health care. I think you'll be fine.[/quote]

Again lightstays, where is the "like" button? I must meet you some day. You are funny! Which I find refreshing on this forum. It helps me slog through the insults these children can't help but sling at each other.

I wouldn't say I'm even close to being paralyzed by fear, but I am freaking out just a tad. I'm waiting until I make a final decision and accept a contract before I start selling stuff! Not sure whether to accept a really good job (although not my 1st, 2nd or even 3rd choice) or hold out for the fair since I have a couple other irons in the fire. Of course I could end up getting nothing and kick myself for not accepting this job. I'm praying for peace and guidance for both of us!

To get information about the pollution in Bejinig, you might read some of the responses to my recent original post "Beijing City International School." If you read through other past forum discussions about China & Beijing, pollution has been discussed a few times.

Psyguy - Well, I guess it's a good thing I'm not counting on finding a husband abroad! :)

Wrldtrvlr123 - people say almost the exact same thing about where I live due to the gray overcast days. Some people just can't handle it but it doesn't bother me too much. I don't have respiratory problems. But I don't want to develop them either. I appreciate your perspective. I will move forward with the possibility of living in Beijing and see what happens!

Lightstays, where is the "like" button when I need it! :)

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. I have traveled extensively through China and know I would love my time in Beijing. But I've gotta admit, the main thing holding me back is the pollution. I realize pollution is an issue at many of the large city schools I've applied to. However I keep hearing how truly terrible Beijing is. I do remember the pollution was bad when I visited. But as a tourist I was so enthralled with everything around me it didn't bother me. Not sure about the day in and day out toll on my health. I do hear conflicting reports by people about how bad the pollution really is and that makes it hard to know what to do. I guess that just reflects that everyone is different and so it will really bother some and not others. Which like you say, I won't know until I get there. So I will do my usual and pray like crazy and ask God to not let me get a job offer there unless it will be a good thing for me.