In Asia, some of the larger and better run 2nd tier for-profit schools would be decent places to work (I can't name them for fear of being censored or banned). The problem is that in the same markets, the non-profit, tier 1 schools are excellent places to work. Most conclude that if they are going to be in that location, they would want to work for the best school and have the best lifestyle and savings opportunities.

When you look at the smaller cities, there are decent non-profits here and there, but the for-profit schools are horrible without exception.

@joanveronica,

If you get an interview, please let us know what their process is like. Good luck.

You can see most of Abu Dhabi in about 1 day. As a previous poster stated, the corniche is great. Very comfortable and clean. Decent beach and good food for cheap. I would not want to spend more than 4-5 days in Abu Dhabi

It seems like there are tons of places. All over south east Asia and east Asia, some places in Europe, some of the Middle East, select places in Africa and South America. Unless you live in a region controlled by ISIS, I don't think that recent global events have changed anything.

Can you give us more details about what your concerns are, "in light of recent events?"

I understand how these situations can leave you feeling like you've been sideswiped. I would encourage you to not think of this as if your principal is asking you to change who you are.
Try to step back and as objectively as possible look at the situation as if feelings were not involved. It sounds like you are in a two vs on situation. You'll probably need to get an ally to join you, or work out a solution with the other two parties. I (on a good day) would go back to my principal and say that I've been thinking a lot about her comments and I find them interesting and I'd like to learn more about what's going on. Hopefully this would open up some transparent dialogue and armed with this info, you should be able to work towards a solution that is supported by your principal, thereby getting your principal invested in your success and back on your side.

joanveronica wrote:
> I checked with ISS and his school is considered an IS, but I agree that it
> doesn't feel right to claim IS experience. We are in Hawai'i and do have
> many students from different ethnicities and cultures (even at my public
> school) but I don't think he will claim IS experience.
>
> Thanks for the feedback!

Hi Joan,
From your comments, it sounds like your husband is at (school name removed by forum moderator - please do not post school evaluation type material to the forum, be it from a positive or negative perspective.), the largest and one of the most reputable private schools in the USA. Many educators in the intl school world know of this school, and I would encourage your husband to educate others on the wonderful teaching and learning that occurs there. His experience will be valued and on par with the work that occurs at better intl schools. I would strongly consider interviewing any teacher with experience there.

If you are thinking about intl teaching as a long term gig, then it's all about delayed gratification. Find a job almost anywhere for almost two years, and then apply to mid and upper level schools in Bangkok. Once hired,my ou'll enjoy a better work environment, and you'll live in BKK like a king. Best of luck!

My advice is don't count yourself out of any sped position that is posted at the fair. Schools prefer to fill positions like that well in advance of fairs with people who can be vetted by current teachers or friends of teachers at the school. If they couldn't do that, the position really is up for grabs.

Google special Ed network in Asia (senia), and go to one of their PD events if you can. I know it will be inconvenient and expensive, but it will give you the chance to network with ALL the right people. These guys know when the next spots are going to open up, and who is likely to be hired for them. Chances are ASIJ won't have an opening but another IASIS school will. If the current person working there likes you and thinks you would do a good job, you're already 50% of the way there.

I've been to two fairs (3 counting the BKK fair I signed up for but didn't attend), and they can be intimidating. Generally, I heard people talking about all their intl experience, and I felt like I didn't measure up. No matter, I did my best, and came away with multiple offers every time. Try to have a great time just talking to people, learning about what else is out there, and offering encouragement. You won't be competing against 97% of the other candidates anyway.

I've heard some rumors that might be worth sharing here. I've heard of a teacher at HKIS who got the highest review on the merit pay scale, and did all the extra coaching, etc, and makes over usd 200k. Plus, a friend of a friend at Singapore American makes about 120k per year. In China, IS Beijing, WAB, Shanghai American School and Concordia pay up into the 90s. Taipei American, SFS, ISKL, JIS and ISM all have excellent packages, but fall a bit behind the schools in China. Maybe that's not a bad thing, since you receive an air quality trade off.

You could consider trying to move to Manila or Bangkok. They are much more livable than Jakarta, but you still get the perks of SEA.

MedillinHeel, back to your original question, have you ever visited China? It probably goes without saying, but It's a much different place than South East Asia. An entry level teacher will generally have a much better time living and working in SEA. Compared to the big cities of China, SEA features a lower cost of living, better quality of life, and much, much cheaper and better holiday opportunities.

Unless you are getting into an upper tier 2 or tier 1 school in a major city in China, I would try to avoid China, and go for a middle-tier school in a place where you will actually be happy. HCMC would be perfect for you.

Oh, and if you end up getting 6 months off to relax. Make sure you don't stay in Thailand the whole time. Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines all have tons of amazing things to see (with Indo and Myanmar being my favorites).

I suggest you try to keep working. Of course this depends on your school's maternity leave policy. Since you are in China, you should be able to hire an Ayi who will make things much easier for you as a new mother. There really isn't an easier place to raise young kids than places like Asia, where you can hire affordable help. I know TONS of teachers who have had children in China.

Great work. Thank you for posting this.

A couple of suggestions, take them or leave them:

Under subjects you may want to add counselors

Under tier 1 schools, I would also add

East Asia
Concordia International School Shanghai
Taipei American School
Hong Kong International School
Chinese International School Hong Kong

South East Asia
IS Manilla
UWC Singapore
Tanglin Trust
Saigon South

South Asia
AS Mumbai

Middle East
ARAMCO
KAUST

First, forget about Europe. Cast your net wide, and maybe you'll catch it anyway, or maybe you won't. You are just starting. Get some experience, and work your way towards your dream job. Institute Monte Rosa in Switzerland is my European dream school. For now, I'm happy in Asia.

Second, focus on primary and middle school counseling jobs. College counseling is a huge piece of most HS counselor positions. If you don't have any experience in that area, it will be hard for you to be a competitive candidate. However, keep in mind that some schools split the social/emotional and the college guidance pieces. You may fit really well into that niche.

Best of luck to you.

Personally, the situation in BKK doesn't worry me at all. There is still a higher chance that you'll be killed in traffic, than killed in a bombing in Bangkok.