I returned to the USA after a 10 years stint abroad. I felt like I got the 10 year pin and it was time to go home. Wrong move. I changed and everything that I expected to stay the same, changed too. I returned to a familiar city and to familiar public schools. Oh man. I lasted 2 years and I'm now out of schools. Surely depends on the public school you land in BUT it's nowhere near the international teaching culture. I miss the expat life...meeting interesting people...having interesting conversations about travel. No one wants to hear about your international travels back home. They might ask...but will listen for 2 seconds. I don't think I realized how impactful my decision to leave the USA would impact the rest of my life. It changed me and it's very difficult to go back.

yes...my figures were before taxes...straight salary

my school paid the taxes...

Are there websites that admin might use to blackball a teacher? I know they can do this through the Search database with the confidential forms but just wondering if there is something else admin uses to talk about different teachers...just kind of a quick reference for admin rather than calling/emailing?

Lifestyle is easy. You can find housekeepers that will take care of your kids when needed...and it's cheap. That being said, HCMC is a crazy city and air quality isn't always great...although its better than many SE Asian cities. Some might choose not to take small children in this environment, I reckon. You will have to rely on taxis and the city is getting more and more congested with traffic. You can ride a motorbike too...but depends on your abilities. I know people that raised/are raising kids there. It's a very dynamic place. Fun expat community.

Depends on the school with salaries and allowances...but if you are making 50k+ with $800 housing allowance, you are living the life of luxury. $30k + $600 is very doable but not much left over after doing some travel. It all kinda depends on your wants/needs.

Has anyone been to Daegu? Can you give me any info on what it's like living there?

I see that its very hot...but what else can you tell me?

I'm a 20 year teacher...10 of which were overseas. After 10 abroad, I returned to the USA...got a teaching job. Alls good until the principal that hired me retired and I did not do well during that admin transition. To make a long story short, my non-tenured contract was not renewed...essentially getting fired.

How do I represent this experience on a resume? I'm tempted to omit this from my resume but I do not want to be dishonest.

The job was not a good fit for me and it showed. It was the single worst experience in my career.

Look up "ISST"...any international school that is in this "conference" has a good sport program. To be a member of ISST, the school must meet certain requirements such as large enrollment. This is a European centered league.

NECIS is another good league formed by all N. European schools.

From my experience, large ISs generally have well developed sport programs...contrary to what has been mentioned here.

I've heard reports about bad air quality in SW Taiwan...I've never been there but I've lived in S. Vietnam and traveled heaps in Asia.

Can anyone compare SW Taiwan to another area? Anyone have any experience with living in Taiwan?

Kind of depends on your market. I live in a University town with a tight rental market. I would say keep and rent as I did for 10 years. Over that 10 years, I developed an unbelievable credit rating and the house increased in value. We came back to the USA, refinanced the house and bought another one which we live in now. Like you, I'd like to head out again soon. We will keep the houses rented and build up some equity. Like I said though, it depends on your market.

I"ve done it 2 ways.

Rented to friend: In the beginning, everyone is enthusiastic. Friend says he will do all kinds of upgrades to the house. I charged rent but it was fair. When I returned after 2 years, it didn't look like he had walked out the back door in 2 years. Really?! All I could do was grin and bear it...he did me a favor by just living there.

Property manager: This is the way to go. No major worries as long as they provide proper services. You can pay anywhere from 6-12%...maybe lower?!.

I would keep the house. You always have a place to come back to and it's a good place for your money to stay. I live in a high growth area, so I've seen the value of my house rise. I guess it also depends on how active or stagnant your market is. If there's little chance for growth, maybe it would be good to cash out...but if you like the house, location and low vacancy rates...keep it!

Good luck!!

I need some advice on how to become qualified to teach ESL in an international school based on my experience...

20 years teaching experience (not in ESL)
10 years international teaching experience
1 year teaching for VIPKID

I'm back in the USA but not currently teaching in a brick and mortar. We are looking to go back overseas in the coming years. I am a certified teacher and I want to be an ESL teacher in an international school. How do I become qualified? Is it enough to get an online TESOL/TOEFL or CELTA cert.? or do I need a degree in teaching ESL with certification? or do I need an endorsement on my current license? I could certainly rank these as far as effectiveness but I have significant experience overseas and plenty of years under my belt...that's what makes me wonder if I can simply get an online cert to be qualified.

Also, do you see any need for the CELTA over the TESOL/TOEFL?

THANK YOU!

I've heard it's pretty chill there. Lots of smuggling goes on there...but if it's like any crossing into VN, expect stern expressions and plenty of locals trying to cut in front of you. I doubt you will have any issues...they don't mess with euro white trash too much.

A lot to do about nothing. You are safe. These kind of things happen every day. Not worth it for them to pursue you across international borders...they will write up the loss. Forgive me if this sounds rude but you are not that important. Extenuating circumstances could prove me wrong, I reckon but don't respond to anything...move on with life.

Clearly, your family is suffering from the "CNN effect". I once turned down a job in Tel Aviv for the same reasons...in hind sight, I wish I had gone there. What everyone is saying is true on this forum. Antwerp is as safe as anywhere else in Europe. Lots of hasidic Jews in Antwerp making millions on diamonds...not sure if anyone would ever target that though. The whole country must have upped security which means less of a chance now. I would feel safer there than every big city in the USA. Tell your family to chill and come enjoy a trappist beer with you :)

You are a beer snob?! Haha...well, you are looking in the right place. Belgium is THE place for beer. As far as your chances for hubby's work...well, I would throw caution to the wind and go for it. He could at least sub at the school...if he can deal with it. If he has some moxie and such, he can find something to do there. The problem with Americans is that we are taught to fear too much...play it conservative...but if I was you...seeing that you are a beer snob...I would go for it. At worst, it's an incredible 2 year adventure. If hubby doesn't find work...again, he can sub at the school and pick up a few extra euros...then you try to travel on the cheap. So many discount airlines in Europe...often times even cheaper than taking the train. I taught in ISs in Europe for 7 years and it was great. Yes, I didn't save a lot...I was able to save some...but Europe is a great lifestyle!!