I will chime in here as well. I don't think you will need to attend the fairs either. I really regret having shelled out some significant cash for a database and fair registration, only to be hired via TIE contact and a Skype interview. I will be starting as an ES Counselor in Aug., unless you really want to cover your bases and vie for top schools, I think your chances are fairly good without Search or ISS.

Great posts, and useful suggestions. I am not, nor have I ever been a brand freak, so pretty much know that won't be an issue. Like the reminders to bring docs. on person. So looking forward to heaving burdents of all sorts and traveling light. Thanks.

@ Higgsbosun - and of these which has been your favorite and why?

I am curious about what people have learned to bring with them when moving to their new posts, and what they probably should have left behind.....minimum baggage allowance so I need to be conservative.

May seem silly, but one question I neglected to ask in the interview and when accepting the position..... are teachers expected to clear out of school offerred housing in the summers? Or do you just leave for parts wide and far returning whenever you are ready?

Such an agonizing decision. Starting to think I'm better off leaving the dog behind. What's he going to do all day in a tiny apartment. I can send for him if it seems right, but am now leaning against bringing him. Just seems like the smarter decision.

I am so happy to see a thread about bringing pets. I am in the process of trying to book my flight so my dog can join me. Unfortunately, his buddy the cat cannot come as they will only allow one pet per passport in Turkey.
I've been stressed about the process as well. I understand both BA and Lufthansa are expert at moving pets in cargo. (My dog is quite large) I too will be living an an apartment and am concerned, but others I've spoken to seem to agree that it's not all that difficult. I am NOT looking forward to arriving in the wee hours of the morning and having to lug all my baggage and his crate though.

So it's not such a "flat world" after all?..... particularly when it comes to money. Betting it's only a matter of time, but am truly surprised it's not already more easily navigable.

HeyTeach,
Thanks. I do have all of these things set up now through EFT's out of my credit union. So are you telling me that I can probably set up inter-bank transfers between where my paycheck will be deposited and my US credit union via on-line transactions?

I've been wondering about banking too. Maybe ISR should think about a blog re: how to bank internationally. I won't be in China, but am wondering how on earth I will manage to take care of automatic drafts back home like life insurance etc. Someone mentioned pay pal... wonder if that would work?

What a great posting. My kids are all grown and I am leaving for first overseas post in Aug. Your story was touching and gives me courage as well to make this huge life transition. Thank you so much for sharing.

"I feel like Search is the better of the two options, but that is because I am more familiar with them. However, upon looking at the ISS page it seems like their applicant files are more thorough and potential employers might prefer that. "

Pay attention to those feelings. ISS has a fantastic looking web page, and at the beginning are more than happy to answer questions... until they have you signed up. Slow to respond, no interest whatsoever in assisting you, and what appears to be a position, may in fact already have been filled. I would never use them again.

I am surprised at the comments re: Search, though I am sure each is a valid reflection of a real experience. I had a different experience with them as I have posted before, though I was never a paying client. At any rate, perhaps it's time to boycott bad service and as many other posts have suggested... create a movement away from agencies & fairs and towards Skype and better representation.

Based on my research and speaking with a number of people who have lived in Istanbul recently, I made a decision to accept a job offer there. While the package is not the best around, the staff seemed quite easy to get along with and the PD as well as the offer of housing and a few other perks led me to a final decision. I think Roberts College is extremely difficult to get into. They have limitations on any social science teachers (of which I am one) - must be a native speaker of Turkish. What school are you considering?

Agree. I have great classroom management skills, and I love my students, but I cannot teach MOTIVATION, nor can I force my students to THINK. I am leaving to teach internationally for the first time next fall. Two primary reasons:
1) Always been on my list to live and work in another country / culture
2) Sick and tired of the politics of education in this country - devaluation of the field, poor investment in education, public perceptions and lousy parenting that creates broken children.