From the looks of it, nothing has been done to this site since 2003.

As psyguy says, what does the contract explicitly state? There should be language as to what will happen in the event of a breach. Generally it's paying back some of the airfare/settling in allowance or maybe some of the salary. I'd say some countries might be easier for a relationship where there is some "gray area." But a country with a massive narco-war and gang activity is probably not one of them.

AETNA worldwide is fantastic. I think any school that only offers local/regional coverage is really being chintzy. I get 100% back on doctor's visits, limited coverage of non-essential treatments and a tax rebate on any prescription purchases.

One thing that does tend to happen though is that doctors tend to over-prescribe medications in markets where drugs are relatively cheap (ie, anywhere outside the US.) I just spent $20 on a visit and $200 on drugs for a minor respiratory infection.

Aside from Anglo American St Petes/Moscow, what other schools extend diplomatic status to teaching staff? ie, special passports, visa rules, maybe special legal status? Just curious.

Congrats

It's reputation is not good.

One would think that with the high concentration of expats in the city and Morocco's growing strength as a regional player things might be a bit better. It is solidy for-profit. Teachers are underpaid, housed in dumps and left with few resources. They recruit at Bethesda and offer one-year contracts. The reviews on ISR are not flattering. I have a contact teaching there now that I would be happy to put anyone in touch with if PM's were enabled on this board.

I'm curious about Iraq and Afghanistan as well.

Thanks to all!

Of course my intention is not to go all the way to Egypt to only hang out with Westerners. (Who would do that?) My point is places with large expat populations tend to be far more interesting that those without. A support network of people who operate at more or less at the same cultural frequency are indispensable at those inevitable times you begin to tire of the local population.

The currency issue does give me pause. If the Egyptian pound tanks, I'm screwed.

I have an offer at a school in Cairo. Ok package, dynamic expat community from what I can tell.

I'm on the fence considering where Egypt could be going, and especially where their currency could be going in light of the fact that I'd be paid in Egyptian pounds. I'd be curious to hear any thoughts, perspectives, musings, tirades etc. (Psyguy, I know yours already but thanks.)

I think I could do better in the US on 50k. I'm single, frugal and don't have any outstanding loans, debts, payments etc. If I was in the public system in a large metropolitan area and even spending $1000/month on rent I think I'd come out on top. Step increases, pensions, etc make saving over the long-haul pretty viable and certainly more attractive since I'd like to have a family someday. If I was at a private school, I'd probably be looking at the same scenario I have now.

Well, sure, I teach overseas to live a little (though I would say my primary reason is to teach a population I find eager to learn.)

But my query about savings is more on projecting just how much I might save over the long haul if I stay in i-schools. After all, this industry has very little earning potential--unless you are making a high tax-free salary. It does have significant savings potential and I'm curious to know what people are looking at this year.

Ouch! Maybe we need a Psyguy charity fund :)

When it's all said and done, when the books are balanced, when the taxes are paid (or not), how much are we looking at putting in our savings accounts this year?

I'll start: 30k of 44k salary.

searchassociates.com

there's a tool called Google that also might help