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Fair worth it?

by Teaching Couple

May 31, 2011

Sorry to ask about the CIS Fairfax fair again, but I just looked at the updated list of schools attending and the vacancies. They have none in my field or my husband's field. My husband is taking the Praxis II for Elementary Ed, so he'll be certified soon, but that isn't until after the fair so he can't even present himself as a certified Elem. tea...See More

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Dave -> Teaching Couple So how was the experience?

On 6/01/11, Teaching Couple wrote: > Thanks for your advice. My husband and I have talked it over at length > and have ultimately decided to go. We'll check it out, listen to some > school presentations, and maybe make some contacts. It really isn't a > bad drive, and we do have friends in Fairfax th...See More

Jun 6, 2011

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Teaching Couple ---> Dave It's actually this upcoming weekend. We'll head to Fairfax on Friday and home on Sunday. I'll let you know next week, thanks for asking!

On 6/06/11, Dave -> Teaching Couple wrote: > So how was the experience? > > On 6/01/11, Teaching Couple wrote: >> Thanks for your advice. My husband and I have talked it over at length &...See More

Jun 6, 2011

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Updated Fair List

by Teaching Couple

Jun 8, 2011

I checked the schools attending list yesterday on the CIS site for the fair this weekend. This list has shrunk from 11 schools to 2. Is this a mistake? Will there really only be 2 schools at the fair? Because that sounds like a huge waste of time. I thought at least we would listen to the presentations and maybe make some contacts for the following...See More

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Dave I dont know what CIS's reaction would be, or what problems you may refer too. I dont think the two schools will remember two people who they never met? Seriously though why CIS? If your serious, you need a bigger and better recruitment service, either SA or ISS...

On 6/08/11, Teaching Couple wrote: > We've talked, and since there will ...See More

Jun 8, 2011

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Teaching Couple We did cancel, it just didn't seem like it would be beneficial. We just began looking into international schools in February, and didn't know much about them, so when we were looking around for info CIS was what we came across. I didn't know anything about Search Associates until a few weeks ago when someone on here mentioned it. So over the next y...See More

Jun 9, 2011

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Sweden Question

by Dave

Jun 21, 2011

So new position in Denmark, this year but was looking into living on the Swedish side, maybe in Malmo, Lund, or Helsingborg. Is this possible, to live in Sweden with a Danish work permit and residence permit? What about the costs vs living locally costs or do they just cancel each other out?

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American teachers who want to teach in England

by Fred B

Jun 23, 2011

I'm finishing up my M.Ed in education (focus in special education, moderate disabilites), and hope to find a teaching job here in Massachusetts. I'm also able to teach history.

I'm a big anglophile, love England, and am curious if opportunities exist for special education teachers to teach in England (even for short durations). Otherwise, ...See More

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D. Thomas Actually, in the UK it's called SEN (Special Educational Needs). :-D

If you explore on that same TES site there is a whole section for OTT Overseas Trained Teachers trying to teach in the UK. Some people have been able to it, others are still struggling to find jobs and/or go through the complicated process.

On 6/23/11, Dave wrote...See More

Jun 23, 2011

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Dave See I learned something today (SEN), what we call IEP's in the states are called "action plans" overseas.

It's a very difficult and time consuming process in general though the people that I've met always seemed to indicate it wasnt a big deal or difficult. I suppose it depends on who you are and if you already have a school that wants to...See More

Jun 24, 2011

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Dissertation help from England, Finland and Australia

by Jen O.

Jun 24, 2011

My name is Jen and I am trying to get a good start on my dissertation for my Doctorate in Urban Education. I was hoping to find one participant from each of the countries mentioned above (Finland, Australia, and England). I'm doing a case study comparing the testing systems within each country to teacher morale and self- efficacy. I've been having ...See More

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D. Thomas Try posting on TES (the UK version of T-Net). They have a much more international membership.

[link removed]! : )

Jun 25, 2011

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Jen O. Thanks! On 6/25/11, D. Thomas wrote: > Try posting on TES (the UK version of T-Net). They have a much > more international membership. > > [link removed]! : )

Jun 25, 2011

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Starting salary question

by Angela

Jul 2, 2011

Can any of you tell me what an average starting salary is for a secondary math teacher in a bilingual school in Germany? I have been offered a position in Berlin and just wanted to know what I should expect as far as salary. Thanks!!!!

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Angela It is just me, single, recent grad.... They pay 3000 relocation... Half before I would go, half when I arrive... I only need a 1 bedroom...thanks for all the info... Still debating as I have several offers in the US. I have a math major and secondary math education.

On 7/02/11, Dave (Correction) wrote: > My mistake: 1 EUR = 1.45 USD &g...See MoreIt is just me, single, recent grad.... They pay 3000 relocation... Half before I would go, half when I arrive... I only need a 1 bedroom...thanks for all the info... Still debating as I have several offers in the US. I have a math major and secondary math education.

On 7/02/11, Dave (Correction) wrote: > My mistake: 1 EUR = 1.45 USD > > > > On 7/02/11, Dave (again) wrote: >> A crucial factor is how many people are going with you (Just you, >> husband, kids)??? and the housing situation??? >> >> So basically after tax you have 30000â‚¬ which is about 2500â‚¬ a >> month. They probably dont provide housing and they probably arent >> providing a housing allowance, so housing (rent/utilities) will be >> about half your salary (f your single you get a smaller place but >> you have a nightlife, if you have kids or are married you have a >> bigger place, but you dont go out, it all comes out about the same.) >> Here are some average prices for Berlin. (â‚¬1 Euro = $.69 USD) >> >> Restaurants Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant=7.88 â‚¬ Meal for 2, >> Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course=31.50 â‚¬ Combo Meal at >> McDonalds or Similar =6.75 â‚¬ Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) >> =2.25 â‚¬ Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)=3.50 â‚¬ >> Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)=1.98 â‚¬ Water (0.33 liter >> bottle)=1.88 â‚¬ >> >> Market Milk (regular), 1 liter)=0.68 â‚¬ Loaf of Fresh White >> Bread (500g)=1.95 â‚¬ Eggs (12)=1.76 â‚¬ Fresh Cheese >> (1kg)=10.67 â‚¬ Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg)=7.45 >> â‚¬ Water (1.5 liter bottle)=0.60 â‚¬ Bottle of Wine >> (Mid-Range)=4.62 â‚¬ Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)=0.87 â‚¬ >> Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)=1.33 â‚¬ Pack of >> Cigarettes (Marlboro)=4.50 â‚¬ >> >> Transportation One-way Ticket (Bus, Train)=2.25 â‚¬ Monthly >> Pass=74.25 â‚¬ Taxi (5km within center)=10.35 â‚¬ >> >> Leisure Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat=9.00 â‚¬ Club Cover=20 >> â‚¬ Massage (1 hour)=40 â‚¬ >> >> Clothing 1 Pair of Levis 501=71.25 â‚¬ 1 Summer Dress in a Chain >> Store (Zara, H&M, ...)=38.00 â‚¬ 1 Pair of Nike Shoes=60.00 â‚¬ >> 1 Pair of Men Leather Shoes=90.00 â‚¬ >> >> Utilities Basic (Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)=150.00 â‚¬ 1 >> min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff (no discounts or plans)=0.10 â‚¬ >> Internet (6 Mbps, Flat Rate, ADSL)=24.48 â‚¬ >> >> Rent Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre=875.00 â‚¬ Apartment >> (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre=825.00 â‚¬ Apartment (3 bedrooms) >> in City Centre=1,650.00 â‚¬ Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of >> Centre=1,400.00 â‚¬ >> >> >> >> On 7/02/11, Angela wrote: >>> >>> Thanks Dave. The offer is for 36,000 euro annual before taxes, >>> so I this is ok? >>> >>> On 7/02/11, Dave wrote: >>>> Depends on the rest of the compensation package, and your >>>> qualifications but about â‚¬30K/year would be right around >>>> average with a range of â‚¬28K-â‚¬32K... >>>> >>>> On 7/02/11, Angela wrote: >>>>> Can any of you tell me what an average starting salary is >>>>> for a secondary math teacher in a bilingual school in >>>>> Germany? I have been offered a position in Berlin and just >>>>> wanted to know what I should expect as far as salary. >>>>> Thanks!!!!

Jul 4, 2011

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Dave Scary, but thats practically the same package I had in Italy. The biggest problem was housing, the school set me up in temporary housing for like ten days (I think I got 12 actually), but their relocation specialist was so busy (she had multiple clients, outside the school) and not knowing the language or really anyone, well nothing happened for th...See MoreScary, but thats practically the same package I had in Italy. The biggest problem was housing, the school set me up in temporary housing for like ten days (I think I got 12 actually), but their relocation specialist was so busy (she had multiple clients, outside the school) and not knowing the language or really anyone, well nothing happened for those ten days, and so I had to eat into my relocation money to stay in the temp housing (basically short term/vacation rental apartment), which ate into my salary. I wasnt able to really move into an apartment until around the time winter break was happening. That was a lot of wasted money.

Housing is so crucial, you get off the plane after spending the day in flight and you have to have somewhere to go. Depending on when you arrive (most schools fly you out on friday because its cheaper, and you arrive on saturday, check in, and then you dont see anyone until monday) and how close to the start day (You need at LEAST a week of settling in time), your school should have some kind of temporary housing arrangement for you (that they pay), and have their relocation specialist meet you in a day or so to look at apartments. The relocation specialist should have contacted you or have you contact them before you even leave with what your looking for in an apartment (Furnished, 1 bedroom, near the school, on a bus/train line, etc) so that they have several places ready to show you. The goal is to get out of the expensive temporary housing and into something affordable as soon as possible. My story was that the temporary housing was about 1500â‚¬ out of about a 2700â‚¬ salary, when I moved my apartment was just under 1000â‚¬, and that extra 500â‚¬ made a BIG difference.

So how far does 2500â‚¬ go, for one person? Depends how often you go out really, thats the biggest cost differential for a single person. If you eat cheap (and that doesnt always mean at home, equipping a new kitchen can be expensive in itself, luckily in italy pasta requires a pot, a spoon, salt, and water), and stay in on the weekends you can do pretty well and save some money on 2500â‚¬. Its when you go shopping (check the schools dress code so you bring the right cloths, some schools are casual, some are business. You dont want to have to go shopping for a new wardrobe when you get there), and start just exploring the city that things start getting expensive (you have the metro, lunch at a cafe, you need to take a taxi after shopping because you have so many bags. You stop for a drink while reading a magazine or book. You meet someone, etc, etc.) If your a partier and want to do all the late night stuff, that will blow your budget quickly. You can either have a lot of fun over the year and leave with nothing, or save and either have a vacation or some money when summer comes.

Me I left Italy with a few hundred euro and my end of year bonus (1 weeks salary) which came out to about 900â‚¬. I had a lot of fun (lived in Rome), had a girlfriend, and went to Thailand. Didn't get to see much of the rest of Italy, no time really and its expensive (though the school did take us to Naples, and yeah the pizza is that good).

On 7/04/11, Angela wrote: > It is just me, single, recent grad.... They pay 3000 relocation... Half > before I would go, half when I arrive... I only need a 1 bedroom...thanks > for all the info... Still debating as I have several offers in the US. I > have a math major and secondary math education. > > > > > On 7/02/11, Dave (Correction) wrote: >> My mistake: 1 EUR = 1.45 USD >> >> >> >> On 7/02/11, Dave (again) wrote: >>> A crucial factor is how many people are going with you (Just you, >>> husband, kids)??? and the housing situation??? >>> >>> So basically after tax you have 30000â‚¬ which is about 2500â‚¬ a >>> month. They probably dont provide housing and they probably arent >>> providing a housing allowance, so housing (rent/utilities) will be >>> about half your salary (f your single you get a smaller place but >>> you have a nightlife, if you have kids or are married you have a >>> bigger place, but you dont go out, it all comes out about the same.) >>> Here are some average prices for Berlin. (â‚¬1 Euro = $.69 USD) >>> >>> Restaurants Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant=7.88 â‚¬ Meal for 2, >>> Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course=31.50 â‚¬ Combo Meal at >>> McDonalds or Similar =6.75 â‚¬ Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) >>> =2.25 â‚¬ Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)=3.50 â‚¬ >>> Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)=1.98 â‚¬ Water (0.33 liter >>> bottle)=1.88 â‚¬ >>> >>> Market Milk (regular), 1 liter)=0.68 â‚¬ Loaf of Fresh White >>> Bread (500g)=1.95 â‚¬ Eggs (12)=1.76 â‚¬ Fresh Cheese >>> (1kg)=10.67 â‚¬ Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg)=7.45 >>> â‚¬ Water (1.5 liter bottle)=0.60 â‚¬ Bottle of Wine >>> (Mid-Range)=4.62 â‚¬ Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)=0.87 â‚¬ >>> Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)=1.33 â‚¬ Pack of >>> Cigarettes (Marlboro)=4.50 â‚¬ >>> >>> Transportation One-way Ticket (Bus, Train)=2.25 â‚¬ Monthly >>> Pass=74.25 â‚¬ Taxi (5km within center)=10.35 â‚¬ >>> >>> Leisure Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat=9.00 â‚¬ Club Cover=20 >>> â‚¬ Massage (1 hour)=40 â‚¬ >>> >>> Clothing 1 Pair of Levis 501=71.25 â‚¬ 1 Summer Dress in a Chain >>> Store (Zara, H&M, ...)=38.00 â‚¬ 1 Pair of Nike Shoes=60.00 â‚¬ >>> 1 Pair of Men Leather Shoes=90.00 â‚¬ >>> >>> Utilities Basic (Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)=150.00 â‚¬ 1 >>> min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff (no discounts or plans)=0.10 â‚¬ >>> Internet (6 Mbps, Flat Rate, ADSL)=24.48 â‚¬ >>> >>> Rent Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre=875.00 â‚¬ Apartment >>> (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre=825.00 â‚¬ Apartment (3 bedrooms) >>> in City Centre=1,650.00 â‚¬ Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of >>> Centre=1,400.00 â‚¬ >>> >>> >>> >>> On 7/02/11, Angela wrote: >>>> >>>> Thanks Dave. The offer is for 36,000 euro annual before taxes, >>>> so I this is ok? >>>> >>>> On 7/02/11, Dave wrote: >>>>> Depends on the rest of the compensation package, and your >>>>> qualifications but about â‚¬30K/year would be right around >>>>> average with a range of â‚¬28K-â‚¬32K... >>>>> >>>>> On 7/02/11, Angela wrote: >>>>>> Can any of you tell me what an average starting salary is >>>>>> for a secondary math teacher in a bilingual school in >>>>>> Germany? I have been offered a position in Berlin and just >>>>>> wanted to know what I should expect as far as salary. >>>>>> Thanks!!!!

Jul 4, 2011

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Contemplating teaching abroad in 2013

by Mary D. Noll

Jul 12, 2011

erhaps someone can give me advice of where to begin looking. My dream has been to teach in Italy (or somewhere in Europe), beginning the school year of 2013-2014. I have a B.S. in Spanish, a M.S. in Curriculum & Leadership + 45 graduate credits that certify me as an Education Specialist. I am bilingual, having been born in the U.S. and lived in...See More

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D. Thomas I'm a member of Search. They are a reputable organization with a very good database of schools, openings and details on pay, benefits and packages. I've never found that their associates actually do much to actively try and find you a job, but, they are still a very useful resource.

On 7/29/11, Mary wrote: > Good morning, Dave, thank yo...See MoreI'm a member of Search. They are a reputable organization with a very good database of schools, openings and details on pay, benefits and packages. I've never found that their associates actually do much to actively try and find you a job, but, they are still a very useful resource.

On 7/29/11, Mary wrote: > Good morning, Dave, thank you again for responding. I have been in touch > with Search Associates and they have told me that it is possible to work > in some European countries as well as South & Central American > countries. Of course, Asia and maybe a couple in the Middle East. The > link that D. Thomas sent has some information that still gives me some > hope. > What do you know about Search Associates? Do you think I'd be wasting my > time going through the application/evaluation, etc. process? > > > On 7/26/11, Dave wrote: >> I'm sorry you just waited too long on this long term goal... >> Teaching in France or Italy, is a 30's something teaching dream. >> Well there are jobs out there but they will be pretty few and far >> between. Countries like S. Korea, Japan, China, etc have max age >> visa regulations that stop in the 50's. If your really really >> flexible you could find a position somewhere, such as the middle >> east, maybe private language schools (ESL) in asia. it would be >> differnt if you were an admin and looking for a principal position. >> Europe is going to be pretty much out for you, sorry. I really wish >> I had more information but this isnt really something I'm an expert >> on, except to relay the many stories of unsuccessful older people >> who cant find a job. >> >> >> On 7/26/11, Mary wrote: >>> Hi Dave, >>> >>> This is disheartening news! It's been such a long-term goal for my >>> retirement. Any ideas or suggestions? What about non-EU countries >>> in Europe? Would you have any information to pass on? >>> >>> Best Wishes, >>> >>> Mary >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On 7/14/11, Dave wrote: >>>> I was going to give you a big YES, until I hit your age. At 60 >>>> you wouldn't be employable in EU countries due to labor >>>> regulations regarding retirement. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On 7/12/11, Mary D. Noll wrote: >>>>> Perhaps someone can give me advice of where to begin >>>>> looking. My dream has been to teach in Italy (or somewhere >>>>> in Europe), beginning the school year of 2013-2014. I have a >>>>> B.S. in Spanish, a M.S. in Curriculum & Leadership + 45 >>>>> graduate credits that certify me as an Education Specialist. >>>>> I am bilingual, having been born in the U.S. and lived in >>>>> Spain & Mexico for 21 years. If there would be a need for >>>>> Spanish teachers, it would be my greatest joy; however I did >>>>> teach ESL in Mexico for 5 years. >>>>> I guess my question really is if any of you think there is a >>>>> possibility for someone like me to apply and get a paid >>>>> teaching position at 60? >>>>> Any tidbit of information you can give me will be greatly >>>>> appreciated! >>>>> I hope all of you are enjoying summer:-) >>>>> >>>>> Best Regards, >>>>> >>>>> Mary

Jul 29, 2011

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Dave ossible yes, I mean when it comes to international education, yes anything is possible. Thomas tends to be more optimistic then me, where I'm more pragmatic. Europe could happen, I would just hate to see you put all this time and money, and a year or two later not really having anything to show for it. Search is the biggest of the recruiting agenci...See Moreossible yes, I mean when it comes to international education, yes anything is possible. Thomas tends to be more optimistic then me, where I'm more pragmatic. Europe could happen, I would just hate to see you put all this time and money, and a year or two later not really having anything to show for it. Search is the biggest of the recruiting agencies, but it depends what your real intention is. If your really only interested ina couple of european countries, you can pretty much keep tabs on them yourself. ISS is another option there smaller but they have a more exclusive list of schools, and there schools tend to be more flexible when it comes to age issues. I don't think it would be a waste, one thing about search is that your references are already in one place. You realize for you to really stand out you would have to go to a Search or ISS recruiting fair, right?

On 7/29/11, Mary wrote: > Good morning, Dave, thank you again for responding. I have been in touch > with Search Associates and they have told me that it is possible to work > in some European countries as well as South & Central American > countries. Of course, Asia and maybe a couple in the Middle East. The > link that D. Thomas sent has some information that still gives me some > hope. > What do you know about Search Associates? Do you think I'd be wasting my > time going through the application/evaluation, etc. process? > > > On 7/26/11, Dave wrote: >> I'm sorry you just waited too long on this long term goal... >> Teaching in France or Italy, is a 30's something teaching dream. >> Well there are jobs out there but they will be pretty few and far >> between. Countries like S. Korea, Japan, China, etc have max age >> visa regulations that stop in the 50's. If your really really >> flexible you could find a position somewhere, such as the middle >> east, maybe private language schools (ESL) in asia. it would be >> differnt if you were an admin and looking for a principal position. >> Europe is going to be pretty much out for you, sorry. I really wish >> I had more information but this isnt really something I'm an expert >> on, except to relay the many stories of unsuccessful older people >> who cant find a job. >> >> >> On 7/26/11, Mary wrote: >>> Hi Dave, >>> >>> This is disheartening news! It's been such a long-term goal for my >>> retirement. Any ideas or suggestions? What about non-EU countries >>> in Europe? Would you have any information to pass on? >>> >>> Best Wishes, >>> >>> Mary >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On 7/14/11, Dave wrote: >>>> I was going to give you a big YES, until I hit your age. At 60 >>>> you wouldn't be employable in EU countries due to labor >>>> regulations regarding retirement. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On 7/12/11, Mary D. Noll wrote: >>>>> Perhaps someone can give me advice of where to begin >>>>> looking. My dream has been to teach in Italy (or somewhere >>>>> in Europe), beginning the school year of 2013-2014. I have a >>>>> B.S. in Spanish, a M.S. in Curriculum & Leadership + 45 >>>>> graduate credits that certify me as an Education Specialist. >>>>> I am bilingual, having been born in the U.S. and lived in >>>>> Spain & Mexico for 21 years. If there would be a need for >>>>> Spanish teachers, it would be my greatest joy; however I did >>>>> teach ESL in Mexico for 5 years. >>>>> I guess my question really is if any of you think there is a >>>>> possibility for someone like me to apply and get a paid >>>>> teaching position at 60? >>>>> Any tidbit of information you can give me will be greatly >>>>> appreciated! >>>>> I hope all of you are enjoying summer:-) >>>>> >>>>> Best Regards, >>>>> >>>>> Mary

Jul 29, 2011

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ESL in SouthKorea

by tex

Jul 22, 2011

Has anyone had experience teaching in South Korea? I will be in Daegu and am looking at the various opportunities. Does not sound too bad. I know the pay is not what I get in TX as a teacher, but my wife will be supporting us completely this is for boredom and spending money

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Dave It should take you a day to find an ESL position. You dont need sponsorship, your already in country.

On 7/22/11, tex wrote: > Has anyone had experience teaching in South Korea? I will > be in Daegu and am looking at the various opportunities. > Does not sound too bad. I know the pay is not what I get > in TX as a teacher, bu...See More

Jul 24, 2011

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D. Thomas Congrats to your wife and good luck to you!

Two thoughts

Check out any international schools in the area (there must be some). If they have openings, they would probably jump at the chance to have a certified and experienced teacher who is already in country. Some of them be a bit dodgy, but you have the distinct advantage of not ...See More

Jul 27, 2011

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Korea International School

by Hippy Mama

Jul 27, 2011

Saw a posting for a job on TIE online. Good reviews on International School Review.

Anyone know anything else about them?

Thanks, HM

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Dave Good school, nice package, high stress and expectations.

On 7/27/11, Hippy Mama wrote: > Saw a posting for a job on TIE online. Good reviews on > International School Review. > > Anyone know anything else about them? > > Thanks, HM

Jul 28, 2011

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