Can anybody give me some current info on the school, package, etc.? Also, what is Panama like as a country? Is it safe or easy to travel around?
Thanks.

Let's say your goal was to be at a school near decent beaches, (within 1-2 hours) but in a place that wasn't extraordinarily expensive. Where would that be?

Thanks for all of the information. I get that the ME doesn't have all of the cultural opportunities that WE has, but it all depends on what your goals for your next position are and interests. I am just trying to be realistic about where my wife and I might end up. Being new to the international scene, I realize we may not get a top tier school in a region we prefer starting off. (although we are still applying anyways) Especially since we want a safe place where we can save a fair amount of money, that eliminates certain regions/schools right away.

@inman - Thanks for all the information. My wife and I have applied at schools in all three of those cities, so it's nice to hear some perspective. From the sounds of the reviews and personal opinions, Abu Dhabi sounds like it might be the better choice for us if we have the opportunity.

Can anyone share experiences with this school and the city of Abu Dhabi?
How does Abu Dhabi compare in relation to Dubai and Doha?

[quote="gus"]I am at another IS in Abu Dhabi and am familiar with the country and school so if you have specific questions, ask away.[/quote]

@Gus or others, what would you say about the American Community School of Abu Dhabi?

Can anyone comment on what housing is like at the schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi? Specifically, the American School of Dubai and the American Community School of Abu Dhabi?

Anybody currently living in school provided housing? Where are you and what do you think about your living situation?

As far as schools that provide housing, not an allowance, what are some of the schools which have fantastic housing? One of my biggest fears is accepting a position at a school where housing is provided and living in a dilapidated and run-down apartment nowhere near anything. I would love to hear what people have been impressed with or not impressed with.

What are some of the other schools in HK that are considered on par or better than HKIS, especially in relation to compensation? I appreciate the responses!

I appreciate the responses. I don't have a concern about it being a "Christian" school. I was more interested in it's compensation package, reputation vs. other HK schools, and it's location in HK.

Just looking for some current info on this school. Reviews are mixed, and there doesn't seem to be much current on the forum. Anybody have any recent experience here? How does this school compare to others in HK as far as reputation, compensation, etc.?

So my wife and I have accepted an invite to the Cambridge fair. Looking through the candidate schedule, we noticed an early interview sign up session for counselors and administrators on Thursday while teacher sign-up times are on Friday. She is an elementary/middle school counselor. Can I go with her to this and play up the teaching couple card and start trying to set up interviews early? I am a primary teacher. I assume this is a big advantage over the mad rush that will be happening the next day at the teacher candidate sign-up sessions?

I am noticing that job openings are beginning to filter in for the 2013-2014 school year. Is this purely a way for schools to build a candidate base for upcoming fairs, or is this a more legitimate way for schools to hire early via Skype? My wife and I have already been invited to Search Cambridge, but are wondering if we should be applying directly for some of these openings instead of waiting for the fair.

So my wife and I are headed towards our first international teaching assignment.

We have accepted an invite to Search Cambridge.

My wife is a school counselor, 6 years experience and her Masters, although the majority of her experience is at the elementary level and middle school levels. (1 year at an alternative high school)

I am a primary teacher with 6 years experience and my Masters, having taught grades 3-5. I've lived abroad in Eastern Europe, not teaching at that time, however.

We don't even know what type of school to try and aim for.

Any suggestions on level of school we should strive for?