[quote="PsyGuy"]Europe this time of year is hard, that fact that you ahve no experience will make it even more so. My confusion is when you claim you have certification in all subjects K-12, I'm not aware of a State that has an all level all subject certification???? However, typically in such situations where a country doesn't have specific subject certifications, a teacher typically needs a degree, major, or certain length of college course work to be considered for a position.

Honestly, your a newbie and "waiting for your certification" still may have been the issue with your previous contract. In my years of experience I have heard of very few teachers with no experience that start off in western europe. I'd say it doesnt happen, as those school require a minimum of 2 years experience (and many of the elite schools, want 5). I highly doubt that you would be considered certified in "everything".[/quote]

If only my pending certification was the issue with my last contract. It was a matter of descrimination for which they took blame and I was esentially bought out of my contract. No this last contract was not in Europe or North America. It was a horrible situation that I still find emotionally painful.

I am American but trained in Australia. My actual training is actually in Secondary and Upper primary education. The focus and official degree title was in special education and social studies but I have also taught other topics. To kids between 11-19 years old. I also have minor early childhood training. My teacher training was in the form of a 2 year MA in Education.

I agree with you. Obtaining work in Europe will be a long shot, but believe it or not I do have a friend---same degree and same amount of experience as myself who has been working in Germany for about a year now. I figure I could at least try. :D

Hello everybody,

I know this is probably not an optimal time of the year to be researching for a contract but I am realistically planning to begin teaching this January 2012 (sooner would be better but not likely.)

I had offers to begin working abroad this August but unfortunately and due to no fault of my own the contract I selected was canceled. Instead of being jaded at the prospect of international teaching I have decided to give my prospects one more go.

I am a first year teacher with a MA in Education---all subjects upper primary and secondary. I am waiting for my official certification. I am American but would like a placement in western Europe e.g Germany at an international school; I know this is difficult but not impossible. I am perfecting my German at the moment.

My question is: what is the best way to approach international schools that recruit for teachers year round or otherwise have vacancies. How can I make myself stand out?

I have my own website that includes my resume, references and sample lesson plans. Of course I also have the ability to attach these things to an email.

I am also planning on customizing my cover letter for each position.

Thank you :)

I forgot to mention that I have a MA in Secondary Special Education.


Something that is also bothering me: all these schools have asked for my teaching prac reports, ref's, resume and supporting letter but they don't seem to care about my official teacher certification in Australia.

Is this normal or a warning sign? In general, how long does the hiring proccess take for those of you who are happy with your schools?

Hello everyone,

I am in a good but very difficult decsion making proccess. Your wisdom is very welcome. About me in short: Female 27, first year teacher (serial expat I am Muslim but not conservative at all. I have been to Turkey and enjoyed it very much. I have been offered three different teaching contracts and am trying to make the wisest choice based on personal and professional preferences. I would like to know where I am mistaken or should be weary.Here is some information I catagorised based on importance to me. I am worried about being legally taken atvantage of so any info about the importance of contracts etc welcome too.

[b]Ability to save money (Monthly pay)[/b]

Turkey: 2,500 USD no taxes, inc rent/utilities transport to and from school inc. Midday meal inc.

Singapore:3,200$ monthly after taxes, nothing inc---can I save on this salary? 4k 2nd year contract

Kuwait: 2,600 USD (750KD) no taxes, inc rent/utilities and internet and transport to and from school

[b]Social/Dating scene[/b]

Turkey: Excellent, would enjoy same freedom of movement as I would in US. Fond of Turkish men :)Socialising fun, but the 'rules' for men vs women are different.

Singapore: No info, probably decent potential partner may not be Muslim, could have a lot of fun socialising.

Kuwait: Limited due to gender and or location? Might be able to date fellow expats? Would find Muslim partner but not date? Too conservative for me?

[b]Legal and personal liberties[/b]

Turkey: Strict laws, no need for exit visa obtaining 90 day visa continuously be an issue? Not good? Why no work visa?

Singapore:Very strict lawsNo need for an exit visa Rights of expats? Employer wants to switch visa after 3 months emp.

Kuwait: Very strict, expats have few rights under law.
Contract states first 3 months emp are ‘trial’ I am afraid I would do something 'wrong' and not even realise it.

[b]Cost of living[/b]

Turkey: Istanbul seems to be on par in expenses with Kuwait, utilities more $ (but they are in contract) Cost of food?

Singapore: Rent seems very high, may need to get a roommate to be able to save $ Transport seems expensive too, worried I might not be able to save much on 3,200.

Kuwait: Contract includes everything but food it seems. Socialising might be a lot more expensive than in the other two choices...and it seems to stay sane you need to socialise a lot

[b]Curriculum & Classroom Dynamics:[/b]

Turkey: Attempting an IB curriculum (seemed vague) , once again not too in-depth kids are 3-7 years old. Turkish & expat..more Turkish

Singapore: Australian/IB curriculum---not to in-depth…kids are three years old. All expat. Interviewer didn't have much detail about curriculum.

Kuwait: Staff had some IB training, but doesn’t seem to have set curriculum. I would be in charge of 1st grade, Science, English, Maths and PYP instruction. Almost 100% Kuwaiti, English language learner. Have some concerns about student behaviour/my rights to classroom decipline.

[b]My ability to adapt:[/b]

Turkey: know from experience Blend in shockingly well. I feel very comfortable with Turkey’s blend of secularism & Islam. Such a beautiful country, kind people.

Singapore: I would obviously be ‘foreign’ but have no concerns. I have many friends from S'pore some seem to be a bit too materialistic.

Kuwait:Concerned about personal freedom restrictions that would not be an issue in other two places. Will not blend in, have no issues w/wearing abaya and following other social and legal rules.

Thank you guys very much :)