Search found 31 matches

by CanChi4
Sun Apr 23, 2017 10:18 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Talking to your own kids" future teachers
Replies: 16
Views: 33066

Re: Talking to your own kids" future teachers

Thanks all. I feel more confident about approaching the teachers. The school leadership indicated that we are parents first, then teachers, so I felt like they might be open to questions. Thank you all for giving thoughtful replies.
by CanChi4
Fri Apr 21, 2017 10:24 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Talking to your own kids" future teachers
Replies: 16
Views: 33066

Talking to your own kids" future teachers

So, some of us go to new schools not just as teachers but as parents as well with all the parents' worries about the new school. As merely a parent I would fire off an email right away to ask questions but as a future cohort of the staff I have to think about this carefully. I don''t want to come off as someone asking for special requests. For example, one of our children is an exceptional cellist and made it into a very special ensemble where we are now. He is absolutely furious that he won't be able to participate since we are moving. I would like to ask the future music teacher about possibilities for this child at the new school (I have been told the music program at the school is medium quality). I have other questions for the staff as well.
Helpful and positive advice welcome!!
by CanChi4
Mon Mar 27, 2017 11:46 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Feeling anxious/sad
Replies: 15
Views: 33204

Re: Feeling anxious/sad

chilagringa wrote:
> Let me quote the excellent film "Empire Records":
>
> "I do not regret the things I've done, but those I did not do."
> If you don't go, you would always wonder.

This is THE statement for us. We have not let fear stop us from taking risks. We don't want to be an old grandpa and grandma and agonize over what we did not do because we were so worried.
BUT, let me say - our stomachs are churning right now as well!!!
by CanChi4
Mon Mar 20, 2017 8:38 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Part 2 - told the kids
Replies: 18
Views: 30316

Re: Part 2 - told the kids

Thanks for all the info about clothes and such! Very helpful.
Sorry Splendid! We looked there but ended up elsewhere. Qingdao looks very beautiful, though! You should have some good hiking!!
by CanChi4
Sat Mar 18, 2017 9:24 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Part 2 - told the kids
Replies: 18
Views: 30316

Re: Part 2 - told the kids

Update:
The older one has been more open than I expected. She has told all her friends, and is asking lots of questions. She just warned me that I owe her new clothes and decorations for the new house (she's excited about that!) as a payback for moving her away from her friends. She already has it worked out for her and her BFF to vacation together (friend's mom is open to visiting us).
Younger one is determined not to go. She was looking forward to being part of several clubs here that don't exist there and is not open to hearing about new adventures. I told her that when she is ready, we can talk. After that she asked a few questions. She will have the tougher time though, for sure. Thank goodness for Instagram, Facetime, etc. All the ways to communicate with family and old friends back home...
We have been honest that we are nervous, too. But looking forward to new experiences!
by CanChi4
Wed Mar 15, 2017 8:00 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Part 2 - told the kids
Replies: 18
Views: 30316

Part 2 - told the kids

Ugh. We knew it would be tears and anger. It was. We told our children we were moving to another country. One said absolutely not and still is awake. The other cried and hid under the blanket. We are feeling guilty but have planned on doing this for many years. We will keep discussing it with them and have planned to follow some advice seen here and some from other friends of ours who have lived or are still living elsewhere.
I made a beautiful Power Point which showed all the great things about the area and pictures of the school. They were not impressed.
by CanChi4
Sun Mar 12, 2017 8:47 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Telling the kids
Replies: 42
Views: 69911

Re: Telling the kids

You guys are great. I have done so much research, but what you offered are real life stories - good and bad. The snack idea is a great one! I remember sending queso fixings to a friend in Beijing a few years ago. She was going crazy because she couldn't find Rotel and Velveeta (cost a fortune to send it!). Many of our family members grew up in other countries or have lived overseas so they are going to be thrilled for us. Plus, they all travel quite a bit so we will have lots of family visiting. We will be telling the kids this week. My homework is to have videos, pictures, and school information all ready for them.

I am creating a "to do" folder and will take all your suggestions and warnings and put them in the "kid" section.

Thank you again!!!
by CanChi4
Fri Mar 10, 2017 8:56 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Telling the kids
Replies: 42
Views: 69911

Telling the kids

We will be telling our middle schoolers soon about our move overseas. I have done a lot of research online about the timing, wording, etc, but would love to hear what did and did not work for the parents here on the forum. Our kids are seasoned travelers and are familiar with the country we are moving to. Also, what did you bring that brought the most comfort? We plan on bringing the stuffed animals, some special artwork, pets, etc.
Thanks!
by CanChi4
Sun Feb 19, 2017 10:28 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Cost of living in Qingdao
Replies: 9
Views: 17638

Re: Cost of living in Qingdao

Thanks to all! We want to make sure we can do some traveling and eating out. We are not extravagant, but we would like to enjoy our time off while there!
by CanChi4
Mon Feb 06, 2017 12:00 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Cost of living in Qingdao
Replies: 9
Views: 17638

Re: Cost of living in Qingdao

aburr wrote:
> Hi Canchi 4,
>
> In order to give a very good answer, I'll need a little more info. When you
> say "some traveling" do you mean traveling around SE Asia or
> Europe. Most salaries in Qingdao will not be enough to be sending you first
> class to Rome every break, but if you simply want to travel to Thailand and
> Malaysia a couple times, you should do okay on about $40,000 USD a year per
> contract. This is assuming that you ad your spouse would be hired with at
> least the stated salary. If it's less than this, your savings will be
> effected.

Just checking - are you stating that both that both spouses need to make at least $40,000 each? Or are you stating that a family of 4 can live on the $40,000?
BTW - We are fine with being cattle in coach although we dream about having those nice beds in business class!!!
by CanChi4
Mon Feb 06, 2017 11:34 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Cost of living in Qingdao
Replies: 9
Views: 17638

Re: Cost of living in Qingdao

Very helpful. I have Google'd cost of living sites, but they weren't very informative.
Thanks again!!!
by CanChi4
Fri Feb 03, 2017 9:58 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Cost of living in Qingdao
Replies: 9
Views: 17638

Cost of living in Qingdao

We are currently talking to a school in Qingdao and wonder about the stated salary. Our housing, insurance, and utilities (and of course schooling) would be covered by the school. How much would we need to exist happily as a family of 4? We do like to do some traveling and eating out, but we are not big spenders. Any other expenses that we need to think about that might not be obvious at this point?
by CanChi4
Wed Jan 25, 2017 1:43 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: NICS, LDi, school groups
Replies: 1
Views: 4407

NICS, LDi, school groups

We have been in contact with a few organizations such as NICS (Network of Christian Schools), ISC (LDI), etc. When one works with them one fills out a general application, not one for a specific school. We are only open to certain schools within each group, but I wonder how that works. Do they place applicants or do applicants choose the schools they are interested in?
Thanks!
CanChi
by CanChi4
Mon Oct 10, 2016 8:24 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Quest Education - China
Replies: 1
Views: 4117

Quest Education - China

http://questedu.net/en/cooperation-methods

A company named Quest Education is opening several schools in China. Does anyone have first hand knowledge of this company? Interesting section of the website talks about international schools yet seems to target Chinese parents who want an option to the local schools.
by CanChi4
Sat Sep 10, 2016 9:57 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Using TIE Online
Replies: 1
Views: 3817

Using TIE Online

We have filled out all the information in the TIE Online resume including setting up the confidential references. The website states that schools with subscriptions to TIE can find and contact teacher members of TIE, but I can't figure out if one can somehow paste the resume link into an email cover letter so other schools can view the confidential references (which are supposed to be so much better than basic references). I've scanned the TIE website and so far can't find an answer.
Thanks.