There must be implications for not making payments, though, right? Assuming that you do return to your home country. Loans in default? Higher payments? Etc.

What an enlightening thread. Sure hope my American Stud boyfriend doesn't dump me while we're overseas, as options seem grim.

I'd probably be okay anyway since I'll be in Latino country and I do look like a supermodel. Wait...you mean he's not with me for my brains?

Good luck, justateacher. It's justashame that men have it so easy.

Done. You're welcome!

I do not have any information about living in Panama or what the school is like to work at, but I do have some information about the package. It is in a pdf format, so I will need your email address. If you are okay posting it, I will forward the email. You can always delete the email immediately after receiving the file.

Hope that helps. Panama looks like an amazing place to live.

Congratulations! I love the part about "leveling up" as a teacher. It's always inspiring when teachers are open to growth and change rather than stagnating in old habits. Just goes to show that effort pays off. Your students are lucky.

One more thing:

PUT A PHOTO ON YOUR CV.

Consider it an absolute necessity.

Don't give up! There is still a lot of time before the next school year starts and there is always next year as well.

I am a firm believer in things working out in the end, even when circumstances take on a form completely different from what you originally wanted or intended.

Good luck!

@nikkor

Staying in the Western Hemisphere. Teaching Special Education.

Eden, let us know what you decided.

Some of the outfits that I saw at UNI made me feel sad for people, as in, didn't they get the memo?

I saw a couple wearing jeans, a young woman wearing skinny red jeans rolled up over ankle boots, a woman wearing running shoes, AND a woman wearing a long button down shirts over tights.

It's so important to dress the part. Anyone considering going casual, don't! If money is an issue, I am a frequent thrift store shopper myself. There is usually a decent selection of jackets, trousers, blouses, and simple flats or heels that, with effort and time, you could put together at minimal cost.

Congrats again, Eden. Two offers, woohoo!

UPDATE!

I landed a desired position with a desired package in a desired location. Well, what I consider to be desirable, anyway. No, not a tier one, but a good fit and a respectable start to my international career.

Overall the UNI fair was a great experience. I, like everyone else, had some ups and some downs, but I found the staff to be professional and helpful, the fair to be well-organized and easily navigated, the recruiters to be in jovial yet sometimes frazzled spirits (I'm not gonna lie, though, one of them was a jerk), and Iowa itself to be freezing but full of friendly people. I highly recommend the fair as a place for people new to the international scene (like I am) to start.

There are loads of tips on this site, so I do not want to repeat too much what others have said, but here are my two cents:

--research schools ahead of time and, while remaining open to possibilities, have the general scope of your search pre-determined and the schools within your desired regions investigated (within reason). Too many people were doing this while at the fair. You will be busy enough with other concerns for this to be one of them. Take care of it ahead of time and enjoy the load off of your shoulders during crunch time. Save the researching for any schools that weren't on your radar but suddenly have a position or have taken an interest in you.

--take a bottle of water and decent snacks. There will be a lot of hustling about and you won't always be able to stop. Never underestimate the power of hydration and nutrition to soothe your nerves and keep you focused. I'm serious.

--if you don't have the luxury of staying at the fair hotel, being in walking distance to the fair, or having a rental car, research places to go away from the convention center. Find a library, a coffee shop, a restaurant, a bookstore so that you can get away from the energy of the fair for awhile. This made a tremendous difference for me. Being able to get away during my breaks, listen to music, and reflect on my experience was instrumental in keeping me calm and focused. The mood at the fair itself can be intense. Maybe that's your thing. It isn't mine.

Best of luck to everyone. Push through the disappointing times. Not everything will be a good fit, and that's okay. Stay positive and focus on your strengths.

Tell me what you know about American International School, Vietnam. They want to interview me, but I haven't heard them mentioned amongst the better schools in Vietnam.

Congrats, Bookshelf and Mr. Bookshelf! Super news.

@n@1yze!

Odd, indeed. Thanks, DCgirl!

I am at a loss in my attempt to fill in the blank. ________ the psych reports.

Thanks, DCgirl! You are one that I hoped would respond.

Are many SPED certified teachers able to adminster psych evals? In my state and district that is done by a School Psychologist/LSSP. Are LSSPs applying for Learning Support positions?