I don't have it, so I have a few questions.

1. Is working in an IB school so drastically different than a non-IB school? Most IB schools seem so intent on making sure their hires already have it. Why so unbending?
2. Why are so many unwilling to hire non-IB teachers and just train them? I get the impression that most would prefer, say, a teacher with two years IB experience over a veteran teacher with ten. Is it such a huge paradigm shift that a competent teacher couldn't adapt?
3. What does the official training look like?
4. Why is it so hard to get in on a training? Last I read, you couldn't get trained unless you already had an IB job. That doesn't seem to make sense, even from a business standpoint for IBO.

And just to reiterate: even though most of us won't eclipse that 96K mark ( I thought it was 70 K, but I guess it's gone up), US citizens still need to file.

I have done UNI, but not SA.
Every description I've read of the SA fairs sound identical to the UNI. Hell, I think it's safe to guess that SA modeled their fair experience off of the previously established UNI fairs.

If you have a job offer you like at the first, I wouldn't do both.

Apostille is a state thing, yes. Any docs you have--this is how it worked for my state anyway--that are issued by a state agency get this seal of authenticity. There are many global countries that participate in this agreement. I took mine to my Sec. of State office. They did it for free. Took 20 minutes. I believe I got my marriage license, my transcripts (state college), and birth certificate done by them. It was definitely required by the Latin American country I am in, as far as them getting the appropriate work visa for me.

1. Even rich schools have struggling students, whether they like to admit it or not.

2. Mostly 2 years.

3. I went to UNI and it was professional, lots of job opportunities, lots of actual hiring being done, plenty of central , South, and Mexican schools there, and a really worthwhile experience. Definitely worth going. As has been mentioned before, 700 bucks is small potatoes when you consider how important the activity is and it's the next year+ of your life.

Well done shadow jack!

I have to say the story ain't complete without the where and with whom, but I understand your privacy.

I had a very similar experience at UNI that landed me my current job--phone call on the last day. I have really enjoyed it.

Jokes aside, I actually think this would make a compelling story.

If it has already been done, I'd love to see it.

If not, someone should do it.

In light of how interesting shadow jacks posts are, it amazes me no one has made a documentary or reality show about the international school job search. Gripping! Even for non teachers.

Exotic locales like Bankok, London, and Boston.
Follow five or six candidates: no experience noob, teaching couple, a silver fox, an admin, someone with too many dependents, someone who hasn't done it in awhile, etc.

The prep. The homework. Selling of houses/not selling houses. The trip to the fair. The drama. The interviews. Late night canoodling, and so on.

Then, see where they end up, maybe do a follow up after a couple months or a year.

"It's gold, Jerry!"

Depends, also, on what kind of rent you could conceivably get in the market you're in. No point if you can't get your mortgage and then some. There might be some additional taxes you'd have to pay as a landlord too.

Getting friends or family to manage for you could be a slippery slope too.

Give yourself time to sell, as having it still for sale when you are out of country sounds like a nightmare. Giving someone else power of attorney, not being able to focus fully on the new challenges in your new country and job, etc.

Also, if it sells quickly, be ready to move somewhere else on a short term lease, live with family, and so on.

A big "agree" with inman. Bring as many originals and apostilled (when applicable for country) docs as you can get. Marriage cents, birth cents for whole family, diplomas, licenses, transcripts,etc. everything. In triplicate if you can.

Have digital scans available too.

Thanks for your replies. They are sunnier than I would have guessed.

My spouse will have income too. It is not dependent on location.

Our kids have US passports. My EU passport, if attained, would be through descendency, so it cannot be conferred on our children.

Do you have any schools/countries you would recommend, in western, central, or eastern Europe? I know it's all subjective, yadda, yadda.

Also, I have read here that European schools recruit much later than the rest of the world. Why? Is it true for all of Europe, or just certain schools/countries?

Does that mean if you roll the dice on Europe, and lose, you miss out on the rest of th world( barring emergency, maternity, people backing out, etc.)?

Couple questions about working in Europe:

1. How valuable is a EU country passport in getting a job? Are there that many schools there who will only hire those w passports? If you have one, would it help supersede other "negative" aspects of your candidacy, like multiple dependents?
2. Are the schools that require EU passports really that interested in hiring non Europeans (this seems like a dumb question, I know)?
2. What if only the teacher has an EU passport, but dependents don't ? Does that matter? If so, how?
3. Any chance of two tuitions paid for? Just curious, as I know typically the answer is no.

Not a math or science teacher, but do have 15 years experience (5+ international) AP, and tech.

Thanks!

Yep, as long as you keep your options completely open, and you are patient, you will likely get some interviews.

Does your husband work? That could soften the blow considerably if you are working with a not so fantastic salary.

As mentioned, some of these places that may not be at the top of your list can end up being great places to work and grow w your family.

I have always found his advice helpful, with a healthy serving of sarcasm. This doesn't bother me at all, but I know that some people can be more sensitive, a little thin skinned. Understandable when the IS life is such a big step.

The forum is a far more entertaining place w him in it.

I went to UNI three years ago with a non teaching spouse and a child and got many interviews, offers, and a job we've been very happy with in Latin America.