I have had two jobs where the schools have profiles on Search. Both schools listed considerably higher salaries on Search than what they offered. The first school had a habit of being dishonest, so I don't think it is unintentional. The second school was in a country where the currency had fluctuated and they were willing to negotiate my salary, so I think it was an oversight. I think you need to take the profiles with a grain of salt, since they are self-reported. I agree with doing your own research on cost of living. At my first position the cost of renting an apartment was almost twice as high as what the school had told me to expect. On some level all schools (even the not-for-profits) are businesses and they are trying to obtain the best teachers at the cheapest cost possible.

let us know what you decide! I see a position posted in Guatemala that I'd be qualified for. I'm so tempted because I love the country, but I don't want to live in Guatemala City.

I love Guatemala and have spent a lot of time there over the years as a single woman (most recently for several months in 2011), although mostly in the mountains and Quetzaltenango (Xela). I personally wouldn't want to spend a lot of time in Guatemala City. It is unsafe in a way the rest of the country isn't. Definitely ask lots of questions of your school about safety and lifestyle. Even in Xela I avoided being outside alone after dark.

Guatemalans are friendly and I have friends who dated/married local men. There is a culture of machismo but certainly not everyone. It helps if you speak Spanish to meet people. As far as dating other expats there are lots of people but more in Xela/Lago Atitlan/Antigua. Also a good place to learn Spanish as the accent tends to be slow and clear.

It is beautiful outside of Guate. You will be able to live well on whatever they pay you, but traveling outside of CA and southern Mexico will be difficult on the money.

I agree about the SFO fair, unless it is local for you. I went in the past as I lived nearby and could take the train rather than stay at a hotel. It was a waste of time. Many advertised schools didn't come because they had filled the last of their positions in Boston. The schools were primarily from the Middle East and China, depending on your location interests if that is good/bad. If it is still in the same location it is in an industrial neighborhood in the South Bay, far from SF, so you can't even make a decent vacation out of it.

I used SA and had a good experience -- found a job I am excited about.

However, I was surprised at some of the candidates I met at the fair I attended. I met one teacher who had a trailing spouse and SIX dependents. I met a woman who was a native Spanish language speaker who had only taught in South American schools. She had less than fluent English and was looking for primary school positions. I was pretty shocked that SA had accepted them as candidates.

I would say you should do your best to evaluate your competitiveness and if the SA fee is worthwhile.

Thank you! Very helpful. I did a little research and I currently live in a state without reciprocity (CA). Before I go overseas I will be using my family's address in Ohio as a permanent address. Ohio has full reciprocity so I am wondering if I get an Ohio driver lisence this summer if it will count or if I will be seen as trying to cheat the system. Thanks for any help!

I recently accepted a position in Germany. Has anyone had experience with using their American driver license to get a German license? I don't intend to purchase a car, but it would be nice to have the option to rent a car on occasion. Or does anyone know about the validity of an international driver license?