Search found 36 matches

by Artrageous
Thu Nov 01, 2018 5:48 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Social isolation interationally
Replies: 16
Views: 20796

Re: Social isolation interationally

Book clubs are also another good way to socialise with people, either fun, light books and/or work related professional reading. I also think you shouldn't count out the married people- I often socialise without my spouse at lunches, brunches etc and he goes off and plays golf without me- you might find some married people to hang with if you put out feelers.
by Artrageous
Sun Oct 07, 2018 10:41 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Downsides of IT
Replies: 33
Views: 43338

Re: Downsides of IT

An upside for us has been that my kids have an open mind and experiences when it comes to the world and its people. They have friends all over. Another thing is having home help in some places. Very handy if you have a young family and it can make a difference in your life and your helper's.
by Artrageous
Mon Jul 30, 2018 9:53 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: How much easier to get hired as local hire at decent school?
Replies: 23
Views: 29157

Re: How much easier to get hired as local hire at decent sch

I would like to state that in my own personal experience in Singapore that top tier elite schools ARE tightening their belts as to what they offer people. I know that some schools may not mind if one half of a couple is ex-pat hire at their school and their partner is also ex-pat hire at another school/or same school but this is not the usual scenario- in my experience. Singapore seems to be a place where it is more usual for one half of a couple to be ex-pat hire and one is local. This is not always the case but is most common. As I stated earlier it is best to apply for jobs from outside Singapore prior to coming here and then it may not be an issue.
by Artrageous
Fri Jul 27, 2018 9:36 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: How much easier to get hired as local hire at decent school?
Replies: 23
Views: 29157

Re: How much easier to get hired as local hire at decent sch

Just wanted to add that even top tier schools in Singapore are now really tightening their belts and if his partner is on an overseas package it is likely he would only get a local contract and his benefits etc would be included in her package as a spouse.
by Artrageous
Tue Jul 24, 2018 8:34 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: How much easier to get hired as local hire at decent school?
Replies: 23
Views: 29157

Re: How much easier to get hired as local hire at decent sch

I think if he has time to apply from outside Singapore he should go for overseas hire positions first. It is very expensive and an overseas hire package is helpful. I agree that if he has no luck then turn up and apply for local positions, perhaps do some sub work at a school in the hope that this will lead to him being hired locally. In Singapore teachers are only allowed to sub at one school unless they are a permanent resident of Singapore.
by Artrageous
Thu Feb 01, 2018 6:03 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Bangkok vs. Shanghai with a family
Replies: 10
Views: 16440

Re: Bangkok vs. Shanghai with a family

I have no idea about living in Bangkok but lived in Shanghai for four years. I loved our apartment heating, it had under floor heating in the lounge and dining room and this heated up the whole apartment so we didn't need any heat in the bedrooms upstairs as the heat rose. It was lovely and cosy. Yes, some apartments don't have great heating, but most landlords are happy to provide heaters etc if no under floor exists. We didn't need electric blankets or anything, it was toasty. I really enjoyed having four seasons.
by Artrageous
Fri May 05, 2017 9:04 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Xujing DIstrict in Shanghai
Replies: 11
Views: 24876

Re: Xujing District in Shanghai

If you stay there for the first year to get your bearings you will be fine. It is close to school and convenient when you're settling in. If you feel like moving closer to town in your second year that is an option. When we lived there a few years ago we used to do lots of socialising with other members of staff who lived in the same compound and that was how we did our entertaining. By taxi you can travel about 15-20 minutes to Fashion Park which has a great hairdressers,movies, supermarket that stocks imported items, massage - beauty places, decent cafes and bars, this area was my "go to" on a Friday. You can also go into the former French Concession, the Bund etc in around 40-60 mins via the metro or taxi. In Xujing you can find cheap clothes, knick knacks etc and Chinese restaurants, and a Carrefore is close by too although it is not fancy like the European ones, it has a more local feel to it. You can buy lovely French bread there cheaply! Good luck.
by Artrageous
Sat Apr 01, 2017 10:18 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Ship it or just bring it in extra suitcases?
Replies: 11
Views: 26088

Re: Ship it or just bring it in extra suitcases?

Take shoes too as Western sizes can be tricky to find. We found cereal was very expensive there so if you can pack some of your favourite boxes for breakfasts do so. Ikea has most household things you will need.
by Artrageous
Sat Jan 21, 2017 2:56 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Teaching Couple
Replies: 18
Views: 31987

Re: Teaching Couple

I would have to respectfully disagree with Sid about spending hours writing personal cover letters. I would agree that you need to do your research and make your cover letter applicable to the school and the role you are applying for, the more personable the better. However, when you are working full time and job seeking, I personally don't have two hours to devote to a cracker cover letter that may or may not be noticed. Each to their own, perhaps for the dream jobs, sure give it your all, but generally speaking, who has that much time to spare? Working full time, being a parent, plus searching for a job, it can be a tough ride.
by Artrageous
Fri Jan 06, 2017 10:01 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Chinese food quality/safety
Replies: 8
Views: 14809

Re: Chinese food quality/safety

We lived in Shanghai for four years until two years ago. I was always worried about the food safety and pollution. We managed to eat well by only ever buying and using imported goods-- but be aware that you pay high prices for this luxury. I would say that we spent as much on our food budget as we do in New Zealand, so it is not cheap at all. Yes, as another poster said, you can buy cheap food from markets but the pollution is everywhere and there are no food safety standards at all. Some organic farms have sprung up, but again, it pays to be cautious and go visit them to see for yourself. Many people just don't worry about it at all, but it certainly concerned me and my family.
by Artrageous
Thu Dec 01, 2016 5:01 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Questions for Art teachers
Replies: 9
Views: 18089

Re: Questions for Art teachers

Hi Thomas, I'm an elementary teacher and have taught overseas in three art depts for 7 years. I don't have a masters and I am not an examiner. With your experience at both primary and secondary you could apply for positions anywhere in the school. What is your preference? If your recent experience is at a particular level then some heads may look at that first. It depends on the school and their needs. I have 5 years PYP experience.
by Artrageous
Mon Nov 14, 2016 4:46 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Questions for Art teachers
Replies: 9
Views: 18089

Re: Questions for Art teachers

Hi there Thomas, I'm not sure how to give you my email and still remain anonymous- feel free to ask me anything on here, I'll answer as truthfully and openly as I can :)
by Artrageous
Fri Nov 11, 2016 10:52 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: School Applications and Frustration
Replies: 12
Views: 23462

Re: School Applications and Frustration

I agree. They are a pain. I actually give a school a wide berth if their application process is too onerous!
by Artrageous
Fri Nov 11, 2016 10:50 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: IB School Interviews (w/o IB experience)
Replies: 9
Views: 17993

Re: IB School Interviews (w/o IB experience)

If you do some reading about the IB and the PYP in particular in preparation for the interview I am sure you will show you're interested. If you get a handle on the philosophy of the framework and be able to give examples of how you would be able to/may already be doing/ implement the philosophy into your teaching approach it would go a long way. Good luck!