I have worked in many schools over many years. Some schools have been truly excellent and some have been pretty awful. The majority of these schools have been reviewed and/or dicussed on this website at one time or another, and all (save one, perhaps, due to unusual circumstances) have been very accurately and fairly described indeed.

Of course, we all have different experiences and therefore different opinions about the schools that we work in. However, over the course of my career I have learned to become ever more prudent with my job choices, and especially so when it comes to working in the Middle East (yes, I worked in several countries there over several years).

Although it is true that one person could hold a grudge against a particular employer and spread bad press like wildfire, but when I read negative comments over and over again about a certain school - and also - I hear specific stories to back these comments up, I know enough to keep well away, even if only just as a precaution.

Remember: There's no smoke without fire.

Schley, you must have been very busy comparing all the packages of all the schools in all the world in order to be able to make such a bold, emphatic statement. Must have been a very big fair, as well, what with all those thousands of international schools there from the 200+ countries or so which exist. How did you even find the time to interview?

The point is, you are comparing only what you know or have personally seen or experienced. Everything is relative. In terms of finances and benefits, I have experienced better. In terms of quality of life, I have experienced much better. But this is something you may eventually find out for yourself.

Meeting outside the fair depends on the school, really.

I've been in both situations. A principal from a school in Tokyo was happy to meet with me independent of the recruiting fair, but a head from a Dubai school refused as it was 'against school policy'.

Once as a young teacher in Africa, I was paid by my school to do a Master's degree in a specialist subject. However, I had to sign a contract which stated that I would stay on at that same school for a minimum of two years beyond completion of the degree.

The summer before I finished the degree a new principal was recruited and the school went downhill very quickly. I wanted to leave but couldn't afford to pay back the school the money they had spent on my education, and I had to stick out two very bad years as a result.

By the way, I've also read that post by TTB and from my understanding he / she has only there since August and planning to resign, I imagine at the end of the contracted year (which is fair enough).

Anyone work/ed there? Package looks reasonable but cost of living does not. Comments?

Sorry, Saudi Aramco NOT best package in the world. Worked there and many other places. Several have been better than Saudi.