Search found 12 matches

by Wonder
Tue Apr 11, 2017 6:41 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Single parents
Replies: 10
Views: 21869

Re: Single parents

So, as I stated in an earlier post, as a single with a dependent, I would be hired when a school found they still needed to fill a post after all the fairs were over. (I didn't go to any fairs this time around, so this was particularly true.)

And that is just how it played out. It all happened in a rush, like at a job fair. Suddenly, within the stretch of a day or two, I had 4 offers, was shortlisted with two other schools, and had received feelers from another 3 schools. Three of the offers were from excellent, tier one and tier two schools. All offers and potential offers were in Asia and Eastern Europe. (I didn't apply to schools in Europe due to the lack of savings potential, and I can't consider schools in the Middle East because my child's other parent won't consent to our child going there.There were only a couple of schools in Africa and South America that I could afford to consider, but I guess none of them wanted me ;-()

Just hang in there and don't stop actively looking. It is harder to get a job as a single with a dependent, but it not uncommon.
by Wonder
Thu Mar 23, 2017 5:49 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Is this really a career anymore? Economists, can you answer?
Replies: 95
Views: 1193039

Re: Is this really a career anymore? Economists, can you ans

Hmmm. In it for the money? I wouldn't say I'm in it for the money, but if the money isn't in it, then I can't take the job. I am a single mom with financial responsibilities - one being that I don't want to be dependent on my only child in my old age. I have to be able to save, not only for the future, but in case I lose my tenant and have to pay my mortgage while I'm away; in case I get sick; for summers when I want to see my family, etc., It certainly makes it harder for me to find a job, not only because I am single with a dependent, but because I cannot accept an offer but from a select number of schools where the money is in it.

As for being greedy, I don't think I would have become a teacher if that had been my aim.
by Wonder
Wed Mar 22, 2017 3:02 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Medical Insurance for a Month?
Replies: 12
Views: 40700

Re: Medical Insurance for a Month?

Thames Pirate wrote:
> You could also check with insurance companies in your country of employment
> as they may offer policies that work for you. However, this would be a
> major red flag at the school for me. You can't be the first person with
> this issue, and it's a big one!

Many, if not most schools do not provide more than emergency coverage in the US, if that much. This includes top tier schools. It is just too expensive!
by Wonder
Wed Mar 22, 2017 2:41 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Typical Interview Questions
Replies: 3
Views: 8533

Typical Interview Questions

Hello,

I feel sure this topic has been covered, but I can't search the forum any related threads as the words are "too common" and therefore, ignored in the search.

I'm going into a second round of interviews with a few schools starting tomorrow, and I am just curious about the sorts of questions to be prepared to answer. My first interview with each of the schools seemed to go well, but there is one school in particular I'd like to nail down in this round. The more I can prepare, the better I'll feel.

Any other advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!
by Wonder
Mon Mar 20, 2017 7:39 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Search Associates...what else?
Replies: 5
Views: 12452

Re: Search Associates...what else?

TIE is good for finding listings, but it is not free and you have to pay an additional fee to store your references and to reply directly to the schools listed on the site.

I signed up with TIC but forget to check back with them.

I'm not familiar with TES.
by Wonder
Mon Mar 20, 2017 3:10 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Medical Insurance for a Month?
Replies: 12
Views: 40700

Re: Medical Insurance for a Month?

I know that travelers insurance companies, companies that will insure travelers to the US or US citizens/residents traveling abroad, will not cover US citizens/residents on visits home to the US. However, the current law allows for you to get insurance for short periods even if you are not currently insured.

There are two options. One is short-term insurance, and that is affordable. (About $300/month in premiums. I don't know what the coverage includes.) However, it will not cover pre-existing conditions and I don't know if it allows for wellness checks.

The other option is through the exchange. That is NOT affordable. I looked into covering myself in the US while I was abroad when the benefits package from one of the schools that made me an offer did not provide more than emergency coverage in the US. If I end up with a serious illness, I want to come home for treatment, etc., and I would like to have my wellness checks every summer in the US. It would cost me over $8K/year in premiums, and that was with a 6K deductible.

I would check with the General or one of those for automotive insurance. I plan to just rent a car when I come home. I think it will be cheaper that way.
by Wonder
Sun Mar 12, 2017 7:34 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Age Restrictions in China
Replies: 4
Views: 10231

Re: Age Restrictions in China

Thanks, PsyGuy. That makes sense. So is it just as expensive to renew a contract at the age of 55 if you have been hired before that age? Or is it not as expensive but more expensive than for a teacher under that age? Just wondering because I'm under 55, but approaching.
by Wonder
Fri Mar 10, 2017 10:42 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Single parents
Replies: 10
Views: 21869

Re: Single parents

I don't think it is a matter of the school having a moral issue or even a social/cultural issue with single-parents. It really is as Psyguy explains that we are more expensive. Teaching couples without dependents are the least expensive. Then singles without dependents, then teaching couples with dependents, and finally singles with dependents. It's unfortunate, but it makes sense.
by Wonder
Fri Mar 10, 2017 10:27 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Search Associates Shrinking?
Replies: 24
Views: 52653

Re: Search Associates Shrinking?

I don't know if SA is shrinking. I don't think it is, but the last time I joined was almost 20 years ago. I do know that I have gotten only one bite through SA. I've become quite discouraged because I know I have the experience, the qualifications, and excellent references, and I didn't see how there was any way I could improve my odds next year. So I'm glad to read that this has been a drought of a year. It's not just me!

I'd like to know where other people are finding jobs outside of SA or ISS, though. I've gone through TIE, Schrole, and TeacherHorizons, but only received two offers and neither was not right for my situation at this point in time. I'd be happy to know how others are finding viable options outside of SA, which isn't working for me this year.
by Wonder
Fri Mar 10, 2017 10:05 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Current Employer References
Replies: 13
Views: 18061

Re: Current Employer References

I completely agree with Dredge. If you are in a public school in the US, and probably even if you are in a private school, you have nothing to worry about. For one thing, you are not leaving your school to go to another school in the district, which might indicate that you are unhappy with your school or your admin. You are possibly leaving your school to go abroad! There is no insult and anyone worth their salt would be supportive of you doing that.

The first time I went abroad I had just gotten hired on by a school in my dream district. Before I took the job abroad, I explained the situation to my new principal and stated that I would stay on if my leaving would put him in a difficult spot. He said if he had the chance I had, he'd go as well.

At my current school, I told my principal before I started looking. In fact, I had to tell her so she could complete the confidential reference with my agency. I told HR as well, though I still have not resigned, and won't until I have a contract in hand. Everyone has been very supportive and even envious.

I do agree with you, though. In every school I've worked except the one I'm in now, the principal would be the last person to ask about me as a teacher and often as a person.
by Wonder
Fri Mar 10, 2017 5:28 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Age Restrictions in China
Replies: 4
Views: 10231

Age Restrictions in China

I read somewhere that the restrictions for work visas for teachers in China include an age restriction of 65. Is that correct?

I see that a lot of schools set their restrictions much lower than that, some starting from about 55, and I assume that is to ensure that the teachers they hire will be able to remain for a reasonable amount of time if it works out that all parties would like that.

My question is related to the fact that I know of at least one former colleague teaching in China who has to be over 65. Are there exceptions? Can you be "grandfathered" in?