Thanks to you all for the advice, it's been enormously helpful.

dpurple, is APIS at all religiously affiliated? I grew up Christian but am now more "spiritual" than religious (whatever that means - more of a universalist I suppose). I have no problem with any religion in particular I'd just rather not be in a school that was promoting any one set of beliefs. I just noticed there were a lot of Christan schools in Chiang Mai so I wanted to check.

ExpatGuy you make a very good point. I do think I would actually enjoy the non-traditional role with students, and as far as the other points you make about Thailand I agree. I've been there before (Thailand, not Chiang Mai) and I know I'd really like the style of life. And I'm single no kids so I'd definitely be buying a bike. Do you or have you worked at APIS?

Also it seems that though the monthly salary is technically less in Thailand, it includes all meals and utilities and it's a lot cheaper to live there, so I should be able to save at least twice as much there, probably more. I think Izmir would be a nice place to live too but given all the above I'm close to making a decision with the Thai school soon...once again any last minute thoughts?

Thanks again so much for all your input.

Well I've been offered the position from MEF Izmir - still feeling pretty torn about the decision. I've done a little more research and have found really mixed reviews of the school, so I'm not sure what to think. I did get a really good impression from the interview at least...

I know living in Chiangmai wouldn't be demanding, I've heard great things, but it was the boarding responsibilities as buffalofan mentioned. My position is specifically a combined resident advisor & counselor so I assume I'd have more than the average teacher. Though this actually appeals to me in a way I know it's something I need to seriously think through. I haven't been officially offered the position from APIS and at this point I'm not sure if I would take it if so, but I would love to live in Thailand. It seems like the better school overall, I'd just have to accept the additional job duties.

Any more last minute advice???

Thanks so much - lucky for me you've taught at both schools! The thing is, the MEF position I'm interviewing for is in Izmir - do you think that'd still be worth it over Thailand? I feel like in some ways I'd be happier at APIS but it does seem like a demanding position.

Hi again everyone - I've recently been contacted by both of these schools for a position. I looked through the forums and saw some good things about APIS (American Pacific International School) and some bad things about MEF International School (the Istanbul branch) but both were a bit outdated.

Just wondering if anybody has any new opinions of either??? My feeling is the APIS school would be a better place to work, and I know Chiangmai is great but I'd be living a bit out of the city. I imagine Turkey would also be a great place to live but the reviews I read of the Istanbul branch sounded like the school was poorly run so I wonder if that goes the same for the Izmir branch.

Haha, thanks. I know I made the right decision, but it's hard to turn anything down when it's the first offer I've had in a month.

Thanks so much for all you guys' input, I really appreciate it.

I've decided to turn it down, I just let them know. I'm sure some people do have a great experience there, I just couldn't move forward with the reservations I have now.

Anyhow thanks again! Looks like I'm stuck in America for now...

@PsyGuy: That's ok, I just thought it was clear that I am a newbie, and I also was just hoping for some more specific advice on the branch in Almaty.

@mathgym: Thanks - I didn't realize there were so many newer threads. I've read through a lot of them and that's been really helpful.

I probably agree with you PsyGuy and I'm now more aware of the negatives, although from what I read Almaty is one of the better schools. Since I don't have international school experience it'd at least be a way to get my foot in the door, but my reservations are definitely growing.

Thought I'd chime in as I was recently offered a position (as a counselor) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. I was glad to see it's the largest city in Kazakhstan so less isolation, and I'm not too worried about the air pollution since I last lived in South Korea and it's pretty bad over there too.

The things I am worried about are the strong religious bent - I grew up religious but am no longer and I know the feeling all too well of being the odd one out. I'm also a little worried about the lack of a social life. Does anyone (CoolDude or Danda) know about the singles/social scene in Almaty? Does it even exist? After reading some of the previous posts it honestly might be that that keeps me from going there. It may sound less than noble but I know what a difference it makes for quality of life.

Hi all, I've recently been offered a position at the Quality Schools International branch in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and I'm considering it. I've already read most of the things people had to say about QSI on here, but what I could find wasn't that recent, so I was really hoping for current opinions on this organization and that branch in particular.

I'm aware of the basics - the type of candidate they're looking for, non-smoking, etc. Any other thoughts - good or bad - would be greatly appreciated!

@WEEN - Yeah. I've sent letters of interest to over 20 schools, and I did hear back from a couple but one wanted me to also be teacher certified (I only have counseling cert and TEFL) and the other asked for my resume and I haven't heard anything since. I'll look for social studies or ESL and keep you posted. Yeah the states are pretty bleak right now. Thanks for the tip about that website!

@maya - I'm somewhat hesitant to give my email out on a public forum, but what the heck! kathrynardis@yahoo.com Thanks in advance for your help.

After reading this thread I'm guessing I may be a little late in the game as well, or maybe I'm just not experienced enough. I wanted to ask the forum's opinion on my employment chances if anybody has any thoughts.

I've got a Bachelor's in Psychology, Master's of Education in School Counseling, one year as a counseling intern in public schools and one year as a full-time high school counselor in a public school. Recently I've come back from Korea where I worked for two years a full-time English teacher at a public high school. I'm certified as a counselor K-12, TEFL certified, I have excellent references and all that good stuff, only really frustrating blemish on my record is a DUI I got back in Nov 2003.

I'm registered with Search Associates looking for school counseling positions and so far I haven't heard anything promising back - I'm wondering is this because of my lack of experience or the DUI or anything else? I'm willing to work practically anywhere and with any grades, K-12.

Any thoughts would be appreciated - thanks!