Best of luck to you, Jill. I was a veteran stateside teacher attending her first fair a year ago, and landed a job and country in which I'm very happy. You're right to read the reviews with a very critical eye; I don't think happy people write reviews very often. Of course there are annoyances here but as veterans we learn to suck it up, be flexible, and be creative. It's not a "top tier" school but then, I've never taught at one in the States, either; however, it's better run and more...humane... than previous schools I've been at.

It's great you're looking far and wide; that only increases your chances. Colombia is quite safe and beautiful by all reports; a number of colleagues vacationed there during Xmas break, and it's high on my list of destinations as well. I've traveled to Mexico many times and have always felt quite safe there.

Good luck to you, and I'm sure we'd enjoy hearing where you end up.

[quote="sevarem"]

So it's not quite a major, but it's enough to get subject endorsement.

[/quote]

I don't think anyone will care much that it's not your major. I have a secondary English endorsement and got a good job with it.

Stop worrying, you're in good shape!

[quote="sevarem"]

So it's not quite a major, but it's enough to get subject endorsement.

[/quote]

I don't think anyone will care much that it's not your major. I have a secondary English endorsement and got a good job with it.

Stop worrying, you're in good shape!

What's important to you? For me, the deal breaker on several promising prospects was having to share housing. Another was a health insurance plan that didn't cover pre-existing conditions. If you think you're getting to the stage where it looks promising, start asking about the things that really matter to you. Until then, ask questions that show you've done your research about the school; ask specific questions about curriculum, professional growth, etc.

A number of countries have age restrictions for issuing visas. The recruiters will ask you flat out your age; at 53, I was already too old for Tanzania because their age limit is 55! If you're seen as qualified and upbeat, I don't see why you wouldn't be hired. BTW, Ecuador doesn't have that restriction.

If you're going to the UNI fair, they have a really good forum for their applicants on the Web site. It's usually pretty positive and helpful.

I attended my first fair in February and landed a wonderful job in South America. I met a number of administrators on the puddle jumper to the fair who were all very friendly and had some interviewing advice for me. That made me relax.

To prepare, I scouted schools ahead of time that interested me and sent an e-mail expressing my interest, with a cover letter and resume attached. Some responded, some did not. Don't worry if they don't. To take to the fair, I prepared a short handout with a generic cover letter and my resume. At the top of the resume (which I presumed they would be more likely to keep), I pasted a small color picture of myself so they could connect a name with a face.

I also prepared a teaching portfolio. A number of people on the fair sponsor's forum said not to bother, no one asks to see one, but I didn't wait to be asked--I whipped it out during interviews, and feel it really helped me garner six offers (out of the 12 interviews I set up). In it, there were: my resume, yet again; transcripts; teaching certificate; recommendations; sample unit/lesson plans; handout from a presentation at a national conference.

As for clothing, a suit wouldn't be out of place. I don't wear dresses or skirts but wore twill pants, turtleneck, and wool blazer. There's a lot of running around so wear shoes that are comfortable (not athletic shoes).

As for questions, what's important to you? Having housing to myself was important; I'm past the roommate stage of my life. I enjoy meeting/interacting with locals; how easy is it to make friends? You can also ask them to clarify any information on their Web sites that's not clear. Ask about health insurance; is it in-country only, or international? Especially confirm how they handle your visa and work permits.

I attended the social event but am just not a schmoozer so left early.

Good luck, and hope you land a great job like I did!

UNI published a late-season list of openings in the spring, some weeks or maybe months after its fair. There was a surprising number of openings, some that weren't filled at the fair, and some that had apparently opened up later.

Trojan,

Like you, I was obsessed trying to do everything just right as I started preparing for the job search last winter. After going through a fair and about a dozen interviews, I can say that it was a more relaxed process than I expected. Here's how I handled it: I looked at school Web sites for job possibilities, and, after registering for the UNI fair, through their files of job openings. For each job, I sent a very brief e-mail (2-3 sentences) expressing my interest in the particular job, with a mention that I was attaching a more thorough cover letter and my resume. Please don't worry about the size of your paper. I just don't think it makes any difference. All my materials were standard U.S. size. Remember to tailor your cover letter and resume for each position (I'm certified in four areas so emphasized the one I was applying for).

Several administrators e-mailed back and expressed interest. Several did not; UNI had told us not to worry if they didn't. The school I ended up at did not reply but I set up an interview at the fair and got the job.

I put all my materials in a portfolio for the fair, including transcripts. They were easy to get from the universities, and I graduated probably before you were born! I did have to bring copies of all my transcripts to my new school; they did not have to be official. They also required photocopies of my BFA and MA.

Contrary to what some have told you, I would NOT mention dependents in your resume; stick to the professional facts. That you have dependents will come out in the interview or formal application. They can, and will, ask you personal questions that would be illegal to ask in the U.S.

Good luck.