Oh, I think there are sweet spots but everyone has different standards and expectations so mine might not be yours. At one time in my career I would have jumped on a job in Singapore but I don't think I would now.

The expat packages are becoming fewer as companies replace executives with local hires, ones who may not be as likely to send their kids to international schools.

I think the salary is probably right on for a first year at school, but the housing allowance seems a bit low for someone with a family so the provided accommodation might be a better bet.

PsyGuy

So what is your point? My point is kids, and often their parents, don't know this and it is a let down when they go home and many are ho hum about their exciting experiences. It can be a very disappointing.

Having said that, we have made some good friends at home based on our similar experiences.

Another thought, my kids found it the most difficult when they went home and nobody really cared where they had been or they had done. That was a big letdown.

Some good advice, but in the end all kids are different and will process the move in different ways. I have taken the same three kids overseas on three different occasions and have nine different stories to tell. Its not going to be a bed of roses but in the end you are giving your children an invaluable lesson in how to adopt to change. As long as you are going with a positive attitude and are an understanding and supportive parent, I don't see how you can go wrong. Good luck with your move, embrace it and it will be great.

Ask for it. In the end what do you have to lose, it's not like you're getting anything now.

If you are interested in air pollution data, here is a source of information

https://www.stateofglobalair.org/data

As if we really know what we are eating or drinking in the United States.

Yes the pollution in China can be bad and probably will be for the foreseeable future, however at least the country is moving in the right direction and change for the better is visible; unlike the USA where the current administration is apparently trying to rewind the clock to the time when environmental regulations were far and few between and fossil fuels reigned supreme.

Until you actually get sick and need those days.

PsyGuy wrote:
> @SJ
>
> Id rather live further from work and then say I cant get there and using a sick day
> I would otherwise not use. At the least I can get a later start, have a relaxed
> cup of coffee and watch the rain fall.

In fact, having experienced both living within the school bubble and downtown Shanghai, I agree with you. However, you would burn through your sick days in no time. Spending time in transit is a way of life here in Shanghai, which is why the upcoming CNY holiday is such a relief as folks leave town and the elevated highways empty.

Certainly some PD is required as a classroom teacher, particularly in the ES at our school. However, this doesn't happen very often in the secondary school where PD is generally a choice and teachers can go years without any, other than what is offered at staff meetings by their admin or coaches.

As a former BC teacher myself I thought you might find this article interesting

http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news ... -to-surrey

Good luck with your job search, and in the end the only people you have to satisfy are you and your family.

It doesn't really matter but cutting through the Convention Center doesn't make sense in any context. Shanghai has a marvelous modern subway system that is constantly growing. However, at this point in time using it to commute from downtown and the FFR to schools (SAS, BISS, SSIS, WCIS) in western Minhang district and Qingpu is not a viable option unless you have a great deal of time and patience. They are just beginning the process of building a tunnel that will probably make it possible, but tunnel completion isn't expected for several years.