Okay, I've read quite a bit on this forum about fairs (Currently, I'm planning on going to UNI only), and the hiring process.

My wife--not a teacher--and I know that there is a distinct possibility that I won't get hired (I have a 9 month old as well).

When do most people really get hired? Feb? April?

We are currently planning on putting our house up for sale, she's quitting her job, and we want to be realistic about when we need to tell ourselves, "It's not going to happen, at least this year." So, that we can make decisions about what to do this coming year.

Would love to hear your insight.

Thanks.

Overhere,

You're not coming off as a wet blanket. It's nice to hear the truth and not have people sugar coat it. I am, however, trying to keep it positive, as we are making a big family decision by deciding to teach overseas. Selling the house, my wife quitting her current job, etc.

I just have to think that some of these schools, prestigious as they claim to be, would have to want a teacher with multiple certifications, overseas experience, and ten years as a teacher over some other, less qualified teachers.

I'm hoping, anyway.

True, I know tuition is not the only expense a family incurs, but boy, for many of these schools, we're talking tens of thousands of dollars they miss out on. Also, my kid isn't even a year old, so she wouldn't need a plane ticket. For housing, I'm trying to stay as flexible as possible. Looks like many schools have two bedroom apartments available.

But yes, a very real and unavoidable expense would be the insurance. I wonder how much that costs a school in a given year?

What does 'TCK' mean?

We won't be needing any tuition from the schools due to our kid being so young, plus my wife doesn't need any kind of employment from the school. I assume that should make me look like a "better deal" than many with school age dependents.

True?

Still hoping to hear some family stories.
Even if you yourself aren't with families (particularly with a non-teaching spouse, which is what I'll have), a second hand account would be useful.

Just curious how life is with wife and kids. Difficult? Very doable? Anything would be interesting to hear about.

thanks,

Trojan

Oh, I'm still sending out a bunch of cover letters and resumes. Am not mentioning the dependent situation until an actual follow up occurs.

Going to UNI fair in January.

Would love to hear some advice/stories from those with non-teaching spouses and/or families.

Trojan

I know this has been covered a bit, but I know some of the posts are older and possibly forgotten?
I have been a certified teacher here in the U.S. for 10 years. I taught for 2 years in Poland doing ESL stuff too. Certified in English, Social Studies, and Psych.

And I'm married, have a non-teaching spouse, and have an 8 month old and another on the way. Every school's dream, right?

1. Just curious on my chances of landing a position. I know it'll be tough.

2. Would love to hear from current families out there. I know there are a lot of teaching couples out there, would like to hear from them. Advice? Do's and Don'ts?

3. I ESPECIALLY would love to hear from any people out there who have non-teaching spouses and kids. Do you exist? Advice? Do's and don'ts?

Thanks in advance,

Trojan

Thanks for all the great comments.
I have a wife who is not planning on working, in fact, we see that as one of the bonuses of working at an international school. Hard to have a single income family here in the states if you want your spouse to stay at home (which is what I am doing currently).
We have only an 8 month old, so the tuition isn't really an issue.

Maybe I need to start a new post, but one of my original questions was about life as a family in a foreign country. It will be our first overseas living experience as a family (I taught for 2 years in Poland when I was single).

I would love to hear the ups and downs of handling the interview process when "selling yourself" as one who has a small family. Plus, just how life is in a foreign place with a family.

Puka, what is QSI? Quito School International?

Thanks again.

Beijing, so, it seems confusing in your post: do your recommend putting all of my dependents on the CV, or just wait to discuss that at a possible interview?


So, it sounds like transcripts are frequently a must. Do you guys have digital versions of your transcripts? Were your universities able to send you that, or did you have to scan in the paper copies?

Related question: When you format your attachments, do you leave them as the standard U.S. 8and a half by 11, or do you switch it to A4. which I hear is standard in many parts of the world?

Related to that question: do you make your cover letter the actual email, and then attach your resume, or do you attach resume and cover letter as separate files, and if so, what do you say in the email then?

Thanks,

Trojan

Overhere, thanks for the replies:

Is it possible to get a digital version of your transcripts? I've checked at my school--Indiana University--and so far it looks like a digital copy is unofficial or possibly a no go.

My wife just wants to be a stay at home mom, which, actually, is what I'm doing right now. We want to switch it up.

Oh yeah, I don't think we need to be traveling around non-stop. I previously taught in a small town in Poland, and the best memories I have are of meeting the people there and getting to know the people of the town and co-workers.

I am nervous about not putting that I have dependents on my CV. It seems like in the International world it is standard issue to put that kind of info on the there. I know some schools are okay with it and some are not. On one hand, I don't want them to rule me out, out of hand, but I also don't want to be misleading. I want them to know what they're getting into with hiring me.

Do you "old hands" at the international teaching biz just start emailing staff asking them what it's like?

I feel like we're pretty flexible, but this is the first time our family will be doing something like this. There is a lot of nervousness already.

Thanks for all the input folks,

Trojan

Yeah, I am aware of how to go to the schools' websites.
I've been to the ECIS site too, but since it is an organization of schools, I'm sure each school writes their own description. I guess I was more looking for outside ways of researching a school, not what they themselves write.

I've heard the online resume advice before. Sounds good. Is this something that people have had success with? Which brings up a related question:

--When you send Cover Leters, Resumes, etc to a school, do you send it as an attachment? I've read some people think that is taboo, as the HR people/Director may be wary to open attachments.

And how about those other questions?

I know there are a lot of posts from newbies with questions, but I haven't found the answers to these yet. So here goes:
1. Many job ads ask for transcripts. I've been out of college for 11 years. Do they really want those?
2. I have a non-teaching spouse and a baby girl. Chances of getting hired? Do I put that I have these dependents on my CV?
3. For those with families, what is it like financially? Still able to travel, for example?
4. Many advise to "Do research on the schools before you sign on." Other than ISR and their own websites, how do you do this?
5. Am always interested in anecdotes from families abroad. Hints, trials, do's and don'ts.
6. For those sending in CVs, cover letters, and picture to individual schools, when is the best time to do so? Now, or is it too early? Any advice on how to go about doing this, other than don't make it a form letter?

Thanks for your candor.