This is one of the top schools in the region. I believe all the division principals are changing with the hire of a new head of school - the former head of Singapore American School.

The school has experienced explosive growth in recent years. That has its own set of challenges but the school remains one of the great spots to work in the Middle East.

Is anyone aware of doctoral programs (EdD or PhD) that work well in terms of calendar and delivery for international educators?

Please mark your calendars...I'm going to agree with PsyGuy. The unwritten tier system exists...somehow those coming straight from the States often get to circumvent it all, with mixed results. It's always possible to jump tiers - view the trajectory of the current head of JIS. It means you offer exactly what schools are looking for. Also....network, network, network.

We've always said we'd be happy if we liked both the school culture and the culture of the greater community. Satisfaction with each depends on the individual. We prefer a happening city where we can easily detach from the fishbowl of school. It often boils down to the age old question....little fish in a big pond or big fish in a little pond.

Librarians seem to be a dying breed - you could do very well even without experience. Chances are you'd start at a tier 3 or 2 school but quickly move your way up. If it's your passion...go for it!

The first time I tried to attend the UNI fair, it was full by October.

At the point that "manic" is detrimental to reaccreditation it is a problem. I only heard through 3rd parties so will leave it to current ISB people to comment.

I agree with PsyGuy that you get an impression about the schools after a few years' experience on the circuit. I find the tricky part is keeping track of a school's current climate. Things can change so quickly under new administration. Used to want to be at ISB in Bangkok but now it seems a bit manic and I've not heard good things about working there (except the money).

How would the readers of this forum rate NIST in Bangkok? I'm leery of what I consider "tier 2" schools but have heard really good things from former teachers and parents.

Unless you are bilingual in Spanish, I wouldn't bother with any schools except the top 3. It depends on the experience you are looking for. Only the top 3 will have salaries comparable to other international schools and have the benefits associated with the circuit.

If you want to live in Argentina no matter what - go ahead and contact the other schools. Do not expect an international schools experience - but you will get to live in an amzing country with a beautiful clmate.

Good luck!

You don't mention how many years you've been a principal. I've seen some top notch international schools hire people straight from the States, with varying degrees of success. If you are prepared to be flexible and appreciate ways international schools are different from home, instead of expecting to make them like "at home" - you'll be fine.

Many schools in Africa would jump at the chance to hire an experienced principal. If the location is not one of the top desired ones, schools will get you any PYP/MYP training you might need. If you're a good leader, that's all academic and you can quickly be up to speed. You can get an overview on the IBO website.

You mentioned seeking a post as a director (supertintendent). That is much harder to break into for a) principals inexperienced in international schools and b) those with elementary backgrounds. There is still the perception that old white guys who've been in high schools are best at leading schools.

This is an exciting lifestyle - good luck on your job hunt! (By the way, admin positions start getting posted in the summer and as the dominoes fall, can get posted as late as spring for the following fall.)

You must establish tax residency in your first year. This means you have to stay either July 1 to Dec 31 the year you are hired or stay Jan 1 to July 1 the second semester. ISKL does not pay for a flight home the first year, probably due to the fact people would get a couple of weeks at home at the most. You must be fastidious about keeping track of all of your ins and outs to the country by documenting stamps in your passport. This is in order to collect all of your retirement when you leave.

Hope this helps.

Has anyone had experience with this organization that appears to recruit primarily for Asia and China?

Scary stuff. We all need to instill in our students the necessary skills to advocate for themselves and to provide safe ways to report bulling, abuse, etc. I do see a time in the future when background checks will be standard.

1. Best overseas food: Thai or Vietnamese
2. Strangest overseas food you have tried: raw horsemeat (Japan)
3. Best beer/spirits: Any of the beer at the Munich Oktoberfest
4. Best festival/event: Carnival in Brazil
5. Best place you went for vacation while overseas: Antarctica

You sound like a couple who would be sought after. WAB hired externally last year for IB coordinator and schools will in order to get the best candidate. It's a high stakes position - the only downside is that people can sometimes stay in those positions forever, especially in the desirable locations. Good luck!