Good luck! I was hoping for a position at AISB last time I went looking for a job. Even with experience at two international schools, the most recent one at a top tier school, they would not even give me an interview at the job fair.

Not before the interview, but about 10 minutes into the interview, I felt like I knew they were going to offer me a position.

Religion may not be part of the curriculum, but when I interviewed with QSI I was asked several "lifestyle questions". Do I smoke? Do I drink? Do I attend church regularly? etc. If you are planning to interview with QSI, be prepared to answer such questions.

For what it's worth- I don't have a webpage, but when I was leaving a top tier school in Asia to look for a new position, my principal strongly recommended that I create a website. He's now a head of school in Africa, so maybe that would be the kind of thing he would look for from a candidate.

I agree with ichiro. I have never heard of teach anywhere, but Search is quite reputable. You did not mention all the languages you are fluent in, but I would imagine that being fluent in more than one foreign language would make you quite marketable and perhaps even more appealing to smaller schools who want to offer a variety of languages, but do not have the resources to hire several teachers.

I have always been very lucky to get excellent jobs with Search. It is expensive to attend the job fairs, but I more than recouped that cost in the positions I found through them.

Good luck!

Actually, I'm not sure the school hires international teachers for PE. I believe all the PE teachers are Brazilian. Many employees at the school are. It's due to a Brazilian law that states:

"There is a ratio of foreign employees an employer may have in Brazilian jurisdiction. With a few exceptions, the general rule is that companies have to maintain at least two-thirds of Brazilian employees, or two-thirds of the total amount of salaries payments to Brazilian employees"

Because of this, most of the positions that go to teachers from overseas are in areas like English, Science, Math etc.

There are other reputable international schools in Sao Paulo that might hire PE teachers from overseas if you have your heart set on Brazil. You may want to look into Chapel or St. Paul's.

As far as safety concerns, you need to be careful, like in any big city, and you hear stories of bad things happening, but I have never personally felt unsafe

What specifically do you want to know?

School climate - colleagues are friendly, student population is about 50% Brazilian- many others from other countries in South America, atmosphere is very professional- A LOT is expected of teachers, curriculum was all over the place, but this is being addressed,

Facilities- A little outdated (but all classes have projectors, e beams, etc) & a little cramped right now. Beautiful new Arts Center. Architects have been consulted & developed plans to refurbish the rest of the school. Pretty decent sports facilities for the fact that space is at a premium in Sao Paulo- but there is no pool.

Living conditions- depends on your situation as housing allowances vary greatly. Almost all new hires are put in apartments within walking distance of the school.

Salary- Generous (especially considering what most Brazilians live on), but Sao Paulo is a VERY expensive city. If you're a saver, you can do well. If you are not careful, the money can go quickly. The school does give you the option of a retirement contribution

Philosophical debates aside, I can only speak from my limited experience (only 3 international schools), but I think JIS (Jakarta International School) in Indonesia is certainly one of the best.

Teachers are highly qualified and driven. Students are highly motivated (for the most part!). It truly is an INTERNATIONAL school. No one nationality dominates. Students almost always speak English on campus, because it is the only language they have in common.

The campuses are lovely. The new science labs are incredible. They have the latest technology available in every classroom. They are constantly doing renovation projects to keep the campus up to date.

Pay and benefits are very generous, especially in a country where the cost of living is low.

I also looks really good on a resume & as you travel to other schools, when you say you taught at JIS, everyone will know someone who has taught there- so you will establish a lot of connections.

Having traveled to other IASAS schools for conferences or tournaments, I think this is true of those schools as well.

Hi there. I also debated about going with ISS or Search when I decided to go overseas. I finally decided to go with Search & was happy I did. I had been teaching 9 years, went to a job fair in February & ended up at a Tier 1 school in Asia for my first placement. I know for a fact that my school hired several people from both ISS & Search, some of whom were first time overseas teachers. I am now at a second international school, that I also got with the help of Search. My second school also hired from Search & ISS.

I do think you should know going in that competition is stiff for elementary positions. I have been fortunate enough to teach science & have not had trouble finding positions, however I have met several people at the job fairs that were there for the 2nd or 3rd time, trying to get an elementary job. As much as I hate to recommend doing so, you should do something to give yourself an edge, like create a website with some videos of you teaching a lesson etc.

International teaching has long been a competitive market, but I think it has become even more competitive with teachers in the US losing jobs & looking fro work overseas. Best of luck!

I have worked in overseas schools for the past 3 years and have not had to pay any US taxes at all, as I live outside the US long enough each year. This is the case with most of my colleagues who do not have many assets besides their salary. I pay my accountant, who is also an expat, to file my taxes for me & have not had any problems.

Depending on the school you go to, I don't see why you can't have a very comfortable life overseas. When I taught in Indonesia, we had all the comforts of home- nice housing with air conditioning, washer & dryer. Additionally, most people had full time staff, such as maids, cooks, drivers and nannies. Most people I know went out a few times a week for movies, drinks, dinner, etc. and still managed to save thousands of dollars each year.