Well as usual, US tax law is as clear as mud and somewhat arbitrary. Sounds like I would be best off just filing. Now need to look into other things and make a final decision. Great helpful information all! Istanbul is looking better day by day.

@ psyguy -
Re the mortgage... so true, but not ready to invest in a place I may not retire in. I am about 10 years from retirement so thinking that I may move around a bit internationally before I get ready to invest in home..... however that said... I may look into it. I really didn't know that one has to make over $80,000 internationally before paying US taxes. That REALLY is an added value as I most certainly would not be making that in Turkey.

You both are thinking along the same lines as I am. Add to those facets you mentioned, I will no longer be an instant ATM for grown children. Also... no car insurance, union dues, gas expenditures, mortgate, (must sell my house) and a number of other financial leakages would disapper in the exhaust of my plane leaving the country. You are helping me come to some conclusions.

I am leaving around $55,000 year so comparatively... add the $33,000 to the $1000 mo. for housing and the cut is not that deep, particularly if the school does have rainbows and butterflies circling over it. Still and all... it seems maybe not so smart to go backwards in salary at this point in my life. Also... recieved word that the ISS fair is "short" candidates for the Boston IRC. Does that mean better chances for us who have signed up Do I pocket the grand in expenses and take the other job.... Hate making decisions like this. And yes dreamgiver I will post on final answer.

Yeshko - Thank you. You need to work for the tourism board for Itanbul! You almost have me convinced. Psyguy - yes it seems low to me as well. But may be a small price to pay working with a pleasant team - Interview went very well... and they were somewhat apologetic re pkg, but shoot... the hiring fair is 3 week away.... do I jump or wait?

I have one scheduled as well. Wonder if it is the same school. I also am nervous. The principal was very reassuring, but still, will I blow it? Also I really don't want to have to make any decisions before the fair. I am going into it committed to doing my best. If it becomes a learning excersize, so be it.

Thanks to the posters. Pray I will! I would jump at the job NOW if I could be sure of the housing situation. Of course it hasn't even been offerred yet. Dreamgiver... keep me posted if you take a job at MEF. We may be colleagues! Also thank you so much Yeshko.

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.

THanks for help. Has anyone taught at MEF/ Istanbul? Can you tell me a bit about the smaller apartments in Ulus? I have a dog and am wondering how feasible it will be to take him there. Also is package good? I know a bit but am hesitant... Turkey wasn't even on my radar but looks like a possiblilty now. HAPPY MLK day.