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interviews

by anon

Jan 28, 2011

Hi Everyone,

I am attending a recruiting fair this weekend - and have interviews scheduled for a number of schools. If anyone has any information related to the working environment in any of the schools, feel free to share! I never thought I would be seriously looking at schools in so many different geographic regions.

International School of London in Surrey American School Foundation of Monterrey Raha International School in Abu Dhabi Casablanca American School in Morocco American International School in Kuwait Sunway International School in Malaysia

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Dave I read that too, my experience has been that anyone with a review on ISR are almost all some shade of negative. I wonder though about the one or two glowing reviews among a bunch of negative ones. Do the schools pay for membership just to write a good review about themselves???

On 1/30/11, D. Thomas wrote: > FYI. Some very mediocre rev...See MoreI read that too, my experience has been that anyone with a review on ISR are almost all some shade of negative. I wonder though about the one or two glowing reviews among a bunch of negative ones. Do the schools pay for membership just to write a good review about themselves???

On 1/30/11, D. Thomas wrote: > FYI. Some very mediocre reviews for London on ISR: Poor > to fair resources, > not a great building (old and rundown) , no sports > facilities, very obviously a for profit venture, some > disputes over salaries. Nothing that would be a deal > breaker but some things to think about. > >> On 1/29/11, Dave -> Anon wrote: Yeah its still true, >> you have to understand the admins your interviewing >> with are very good at the "up sale". They >> weren't selected and sent for their ability to turn >> candidates off to their school. Remember principals >> are employees too, they most likely report to a >> board/owner or head master who is going to be very >> much from the local culture. Even if your principal >> is international your likely to have some >> Vice/Assistant principals who are from the local >> culture. (This does not apply in general if you >> talking about one of the "american" >> schools). That's why a lot of those horror stories >> are there, if the teachers had a clue it was going to >> be bad at the beginning they would have never gone >> and had the horror experience. Everything sounds >> great until you get there or your first pay check >> comes thats when the problems start. >> >> Anyone in education who's been to a job fair knows >> that the admin at the job fair (all smiles, all >> positive, telling you how great everything is) seldom >> compares to the reality. What did you really think >> they'd sit you down, tell you they have problems >> paying salaries on time, you'l be working 12+ hours a >> day, your coworkers will plot and whisper against >> you, and the kids are all spoiled brats, and they >> themselves are an ego maniac? Interviews are never >> realistic.... I'm sure you presented your "best >> side" what makes you think they wouldn't do the >> same? >> >> If the International School of London in Surrey >> offers you a contract take it. International School >> in Malaysia, I'd take if you didn't have anything >> better on offer, or down the line. The others I'd >> pass (unless were talking dessert money and a 6 >> figure salary), but thats my opinion. >> >> On 1/29/11, anon wrote: >>> Is that true when the administrators are >>> international (Canadian, American, British, >>> Australian, etc.)? Quite frankly, after each >>> interview - I felt like I would love to take the >>> position! The administrators from every school were >>> quite convincing. >>> >>> On 1/29/11, Dave wrote: >>>> I know I'm going to kick myself for this but >>>> really the reason why I believe there are so many >>>> horror stories in the middle east is because of >>>> the differences in cultural expectations. Middle >>>> eastern Admins just expect to be able to treat >>>> foreign faculty as they would local faculty. >>>> >>>> On 1/29/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>>> You really should invest in the $25 to join >>>>> International School Review. There are a large >>>>> number of horror schools in the middle east >>>>> especially and you need to be able to do >>>>> serious research before accepting a position. >>>>> >>>>>> On 1/28/11, Dave -> Anon wrote: The >>>>>> International School of London in Surrey is a >>>>>> very nice school. They are very and act >>>>>> rather elitest, very "old school". >>>>>> You might want to check the wikipedia link on >>>>>> the British School model of education, just >>>>>> knowing IGCSE, A level, O levels, etc will >>>>>> help you navigate the interview better. They >>>>>> have a very traditional curriculum, and >>>>>> approach to classroom management. >>>>>> >>>>>> Sunway International School in Malaysia is >>>>>> nice but you will work your butt off, so they >>>>>> look for candidates that express a strong >>>>>> commitment to "doing what ever it >>>>>> takes". >>>>>> >>>>>> I would advise against the middle eastern >>>>>> schools unless your keeping them as a safety >>>>>> school. Really they are starving for teachers >>>>>> there and unless your landing a 6 figure >>>>>> salary I wouldn't do it, though I was >>>>>> surprised there was a Casablanca school in >>>>>> Morocco (someone cashed in on the marketing >>>>>> angle on that one). Middle east schools just >>>>>> aren't any fun in my opinion. You have to go >>>>>> for the job and the money. If they are IB >>>>>> schools let me know the grade and subject and >>>>>> I can get you the course guides, they are >>>>>> about 80 pages long each and I can email them >>>>>> to you. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 1/28/11, anon wrote: >>>>>>> Hi Everyone, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I am attending a recruiting fair this >>>>>>> weekend - and have interviews scheduled for >>>>>>> a number of schools. If anyone has any >>>>>>> information related to the working >>>>>>> environment in any of the schools, feel >>>>>>> free to share! I never thought I would be >>>>>>> seriously looking at schools in so many >>>>>>> different geographic regions. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> International School of London in Surrey >>>>>>> American School Foundation of Monterrey >>>>>>> Raha International School in Abu Dhabi >>>>>>> Casablanca American School in Morocco >>>>>>> American International School in Kuwait >>>>>>> Sunway International School in Malaysia

Jan 30, 2011

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Dave -> Anon I should have clarified that one of my main reasons for taking the London job is that despite mediocre reviews, its in Europe and you'll get a work visa, and that once being "local" you can use in the future to find a better school and position. That and there isnt really anything thats bad about the school, as I said they are a very old school bot...See MoreI should have clarified that one of my main reasons for taking the London job is that despite mediocre reviews, its in Europe and you'll get a work visa, and that once being "local" you can use in the future to find a better school and position. That and there isnt really anything thats bad about the school, as I said they are a very old school both physically and in mentality.

On 1/30/11, Dave wrote: > I read that too, my experience has been that anyone with a > review on ISR are almost all some shade of negative. I > wonder though about the one or two glowing reviews among a > bunch of negative ones. Do the schools pay for membership > just to write a good review about themselves??? > > On 1/30/11, D. Thomas wrote: >> FYI. Some very mediocre reviews for London on ISR: Poor >> to fair resources, >> not a great building (old and rundown) , no sports >> facilities, very obviously a for profit venture, some >> disputes over salaries. Nothing that would be a deal >> breaker but some things to think about. >> >>> On 1/29/11, Dave -> Anon wrote: Yeah its still true, >>> you have to understand the admins your interviewing >>> with are very good at the "up sale". They >>> weren't selected and sent for their ability to turn >>> candidates off to their school. Remember principals >>> are employees too, they most likely report to a >>> board/owner or head master who is going to be very >>> much from the local culture. Even if your principal >>> is international your likely to have some >>> Vice/Assistant principals who are from the local >>> culture. (This does not apply in general if you >>> talking about one of the "american" >>> schools). That's why a lot of those horror stories >>> are there, if the teachers had a clue it was going to >>> be bad at the beginning they would have never gone >>> and had the horror experience. Everything sounds >>> great until you get there or your first pay check >>> comes thats when the problems start. >>> >>> Anyone in education who's been to a job fair knows >>> that the admin at the job fair (all smiles, all >>> positive, telling you how great everything is) seldom >>> compares to the reality. What did you really think >>> they'd sit you down, tell you they have problems >>> paying salaries on time, you'l be working 12+ hours a >>> day, your coworkers will plot and whisper against >>> you, and the kids are all spoiled brats, and they >>> themselves are an ego maniac? Interviews are never >>> realistic.... I'm sure you presented your "best >>> side" what makes you think they wouldn't do the >>> same? >>> >>> If the International School of London in Surrey >>> offers you a contract take it. International School >>> in Malaysia, I'd take if you didn't have anything >>> better on offer, or down the line. The others I'd >>> pass (unless were talking dessert money and a 6 >>> figure salary), but thats my opinion. >>> >>> On 1/29/11, anon wrote: >>>> Is that true when the administrators are >>>> international (Canadian, American, British, >>>> Australian, etc.)? Quite frankly, after each >>>> interview - I felt like I would love to take the >>>> position! The administrators from every school were >>>> quite convincing. >>>> >>>> On 1/29/11, Dave wrote: >>>>> I know I'm going to kick myself for this but >>>>> really the reason why I believe there are so many >>>>> horror stories in the middle east is because of >>>>> the differences in cultural expectations. Middle >>>>> eastern Admins just expect to be able to treat >>>>> foreign faculty as they would local faculty. >>>>> >>>>> On 1/29/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>>>> You really should invest in the $25 to join >>>>>> International School Review. There are a large >>>>>> number of horror schools in the middle east >>>>>> especially and you need to be able to do >>>>>> serious research before accepting a position. >>>>>> >>>>>>> On 1/28/11, Dave -> Anon wrote: The >>>>>>> International School of London in Surrey is a >>>>>>> very nice school. They are very and act >>>>>>> rather elitest, very "old school". >>>>>>> You might want to check the wikipedia link on >>>>>>> the British School model of education, just >>>>>>> knowing IGCSE, A level, O levels, etc will >>>>>>> help you navigate the interview better. They >>>>>>> have a very traditional curriculum, and >>>>>>> approach to classroom management. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Sunway International School in Malaysia is >>>>>>> nice but you will work your butt off, so they >>>>>>> look for candidates that express a strong >>>>>>> commitment to "doing what ever it >>>>>>> takes". >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I would advise against the middle eastern >>>>>>> schools unless your keeping them as a safety >>>>>>> school. Really they are starving for teachers >>>>>>> there and unless your landing a 6 figure >>>>>>> salary I wouldn't do it, though I was >>>>>>> surprised there was a Casablanca school in >>>>>>> Morocco (someone cashed in on the marketing >>>>>>> angle on that one). Middle east schools just >>>>>>> aren't any fun in my opinion. You have to go >>>>>>> for the job and the money. If they are IB >>>>>>> schools let me know the grade and subject and >>>>>>> I can get you the course guides, they are >>>>>>> about 80 pages long each and I can email them >>>>>>> to you. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 1/28/11, anon wrote: >>>>>>>> Hi Everyone, >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I am attending a recruiting fair this >>>>>>>> weekend - and have interviews scheduled for >>>>>>>> a number of schools. If anyone has any >>>>>>>> information related to the working >>>>>>>> environment in any of the schools, feel >>>>>>>> free to share! I never thought I would be >>>>>>>> seriously looking at schools in so many >>>>>>>> different geographic regions. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> International School of London in Surrey >>>>>>>> American School Foundation of Monterrey >>>>>>>> Raha International School in Abu Dhabi >>>>>>>> Casablanca American School in Morocco >>>>>>>> American International School in Kuwait >>>>>>>> Sunway International School in Malaysia

Jan 30, 2011

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D. Thomas Actually it's free to write a review. I'm sure some admin do write glowing reviews to offset the negatives (and others just have very different perceptions or expectations).

> Anon wrote: > I should have clarified that one of my main reasons for taking > the London job is that despite mediocre reviews, its in Europe > and you'l...See MoreActually it's free to write a review. I'm sure some admin do write glowing reviews to offset the negatives (and others just have very different perceptions or expectations).

> Anon wrote: > I should have clarified that one of my main reasons for taking > the London job is that despite mediocre reviews, its in Europe > and you'll get a work visa, and that once being "local" you can > use in the future to find a better school and position. That and > there isnt really anything thats bad about the school, as I said > they are a very old school both physically and in mentality. > > On 1/30/11, Dave wrote: >> I read that too, my experience has been that anyone with a >> review on ISR are almost all some shade of negative. I >> wonder though about the one or two glowing reviews among a >> bunch of negative ones. Do the schools pay for membership >> just to write a good review about themselves??? >> >> On 1/30/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>> FYI. Some very mediocre reviews for London on ISR: Poor >>> to fair resources, >>> not a great building (old and rundown) , no sports >>> facilities, very obviously a for profit venture, some >>> disputes over salaries. Nothing that would be a deal >>> breaker but some things to think about. >>> >>>> On 1/29/11, Dave -> Anon wrote: Yeah its still true, >>>> you have to understand the admins your interviewing >>>> with are very good at the "up sale". They >>>> weren't selected and sent for their ability to turn >>>> candidates off to their school. Remember principals >>>> are employees too, they most likely report to a >>>> board/owner or head master who is going to be very >>>> much from the local culture. Even if your principal >>>> is international your likely to have some >>>> Vice/Assistant principals who are from the local >>>> culture. (This does not apply in general if you >>>> talking about one of the "american" >>>> schools). That's why a lot of those horror stories >>>> are there, if the teachers had a clue it was going to >>>> be bad at the beginning they would have never gone >>>> and had the horror experience. Everything sounds >>>> great until you get there or your first pay check >>>> comes thats when the problems start. >>>> >>>> Anyone in education who's been to a job fair knows >>>> that the admin at the job fair (all smiles, all >>>> positive, telling you how great everything is) seldom >>>> compares to the reality. What did you really think >>>> they'd sit you down, tell you they have problems >>>> paying salaries on time, you'l be working 12+ hours a >>>> day, your coworkers will plot and whisper against >>>> you, and the kids are all spoiled brats, and they >>>> themselves are an ego maniac? Interviews are never >>>> realistic.... I'm sure you presented your "best >>>> side" what makes you think they wouldn't do the >>>> same? >>>> >>>> If the International School of London in Surrey >>>> offers you a contract take it. International School >>>> in Malaysia, I'd take if you didn't have anything >>>> better on offer, or down the line. The others I'd >>>> pass (unless were talking dessert money and a 6 >>>> figure salary), but thats my opinion. >>>> >>>> On 1/29/11, anon wrote: >>>>> Is that true when the administrators are >>>>> international (Canadian, American, British, >>>>> Australian, etc.)? Quite frankly, after each >>>>> interview - I felt like I would love to take the >>>>> position! The administrators from every school were >>>>> quite convincing. >>>>> >>>>> On 1/29/11, Dave wrote: >>>>>> I know I'm going to kick myself for this but >>>>>> really the reason why I believe there are so many >>>>>> horror stories in the middle east is because of >>>>>> the differences in cultural expectations. Middle >>>>>> eastern Admins just expect to be able to treat >>>>>> foreign faculty as they would local faculty. >>>>>> >>>>>> On 1/29/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>>>>> You really should invest in the $25 to join >>>>>>> International School Review. There are a large >>>>>>> number of horror schools in the middle east >>>>>>> especially and you need to be able to do >>>>>>> serious research before accepting a position. >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 1/28/11, Dave -> Anon wrote: The >>>>>>>> International School of London in Surrey is a >>>>>>>> very nice school. They are very and act >>>>>>>> rather elitest, very "old school". >>>>>>>> You might want to check the wikipedia link on >>>>>>>> the British School model of education, just >>>>>>>> knowing IGCSE, A level, O levels, etc will >>>>>>>> help you navigate the interview better. They >>>>>>>> have a very traditional curriculum, and >>>>>>>> approach to classroom management. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Sunway International School in Malaysia is >>>>>>>> nice but you will work your butt off, so they >>>>>>>> look for candidates that express a strong >>>>>>>> commitment to "doing what ever it >>>>>>>> takes". >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I would advise against the middle eastern >>>>>>>> schools unless your keeping them as a safety >>>>>>>> school. Really they are starving for teachers >>>>>>>> there and unless your landing a 6 figure >>>>>>>> salary I wouldn't do it, though I was >>>>>>>> surprised there was a Casablanca school in >>>>>>>> Morocco (someone cashed in on the marketing >>>>>>>> angle on that one). Middle east schools just >>>>>>>> aren't any fun in my opinion. You have to go >>>>>>>> for the job and the money. If they are IB >>>>>>>> schools let me know the grade and subject and >>>>>>>> I can get you the course guides, they are >>>>>>>> about 80 pages long each and I can email them >>>>>>>> to you. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 1/28/11, anon wrote: >>>>>>>>> Hi Everyone, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I am attending a recruiting fair this >>>>>>>>> weekend - and have interviews scheduled for >>>>>>>>> a number of schools. If anyone has any >>>>>>>>> information related to the working >>>>>>>>> environment in any of the schools, feel >>>>>>>>> free to share! I never thought I would be >>>>>>>>> seriously looking at schools in so many >>>>>>>>> different geographic regions. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> International School of London in Surrey >>>>>>>>> American School Foundation of Monterrey >>>>>>>>> Raha International School in Abu Dhabi >>>>>>>>> Casablanca American School in Morocco >>>>>>>>> American International School in Kuwait >>>>>>>>> Sunway International School in Malaysia

Jan 30, 2011

report post

anon Well, so far, . . . I was offered the Raha position, another interview with the London school and am getting an offer from one of the other schools. I certainly read any reviews of schools through a careful lens. My first teaching position was in northern Canada - the power often went out, the facilities were wonderful, but there were few resources...See MoreWell, so far, . . . I was offered the Raha position, another interview with the London school and am getting an offer from one of the other schools. I certainly read any reviews of schools through a careful lens. My first teaching position was in northern Canada - the power often went out, the facilities were wonderful, but there were few resources, lots of surprises, sometimes the water running out of the tap would be brown, or we would be under a boil water advisory for weeks, or I'd run out of oil, and have to heat my place using the stove elements, and one green pepper cost 8.00! But I learned to just go with the flow. My other colleagues from the south hated the experience and if they were to post anything about the school, it would likely be negative. On the other hand, I loved the experience and wouldn't trade it for anything. I am looking for an adventure. I want to wake up in the morning and feel lucky to be living where I am, and just absorb everything around me. Thanks for all of your thoughts and input.

On 1/30/11, D. Thomas wrote: > Actually it's free to write a review. I'm sure some admin do write > glowing reviews to offset the negatives (and others just have very > different perceptions or expectations). > >> Anon wrote: >> I should have clarified that one of my main reasons for taking >> the London job is that despite mediocre reviews, its in Europe >> and you'll get a work visa, and that once being "local" you can >> use in the future to find a better school and position. That and >> there isnt really anything thats bad about the school, as I said >> they are a very old school both physically and in mentality. >> >> On 1/30/11, Dave wrote: >>> I read that too, my experience has been that anyone with a >>> review on ISR are almost all some shade of negative. I >>> wonder though about the one or two glowing reviews among a >>> bunch of negative ones. Do the schools pay for membership >>> just to write a good review about themselves??? >>> >>> On 1/30/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>> FYI. Some very mediocre reviews for London on ISR: Poor >>>> to fair resources, >>>> not a great building (old and rundown) , no sports >>>> facilities, very obviously a for profit venture, some >>>> disputes over salaries. Nothing that would be a deal >>>> breaker but some things to think about. >>>> >>>>> On 1/29/11, Dave -> Anon wrote: Yeah its still true, >>>>> you have to understand the admins your interviewing >>>>> with are very good at the "up sale". They >>>>> weren't selected and sent for their ability to turn >>>>> candidates off to their school. Remember principals >>>>> are employees too, they most likely report to a >>>>> board/owner or head master who is going to be very >>>>> much from the local culture. Even if your principal >>>>> is international your likely to have some >>>>> Vice/Assistant principals who are from the local >>>>> culture. (This does not apply in general if you >>>>> talking about one of the "american" >>>>> schools). That's why a lot of those horror stories >>>>> are there, if the teachers had a clue it was going to >>>>> be bad at the beginning they would have never gone >>>>> and had the horror experience. Everything sounds >>>>> great until you get there or your first pay check >>>>> comes thats when the problems start. >>>>> >>>>> Anyone in education who's been to a job fair knows >>>>> that the admin at the job fair (all smiles, all >>>>> positive, telling you how great everything is) seldom >>>>> compares to the reality. What did you really think >>>>> they'd sit you down, tell you they have problems >>>>> paying salaries on time, you'l be working 12+ hours a >>>>> day, your coworkers will plot and whisper against >>>>> you, and the kids are all spoiled brats, and they >>>>> themselves are an ego maniac? Interviews are never >>>>> realistic.... I'm sure you presented your "best >>>>> side" what makes you think they wouldn't do the >>>>> same? >>>>> >>>>> If the International School of London in Surrey >>>>> offers you a contract take it. International School >>>>> in Malaysia, I'd take if you didn't have anything >>>>> better on offer, or down the line. The others I'd >>>>> pass (unless were talking dessert money and a 6 >>>>> figure salary), but thats my opinion. >>>>> >>>>> On 1/29/11, anon wrote: >>>>>> Is that true when the administrators are >>>>>> international (Canadian, American, British, >>>>>> Australian, etc.)? Quite frankly, after each >>>>>> interview - I felt like I would love to take the >>>>>> position! The administrators from every school were >>>>>> quite convincing. >>>>>> >>>>>> On 1/29/11, Dave wrote: >>>>>>> I know I'm going to kick myself for this but >>>>>>> really the reason why I believe there are so many >>>>>>> horror stories in the middle east is because of >>>>>>> the differences in cultural expectations. Middle >>>>>>> eastern Admins just expect to be able to treat >>>>>>> foreign faculty as they would local faculty. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 1/29/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>>>>>> You really should invest in the $25 to join >>>>>>>> International School Review. There are a large >>>>>>>> number of horror schools in the middle east >>>>>>>> especially and you need to be able to do >>>>>>>> serious research before accepting a position. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On 1/28/11, Dave -> Anon wrote: The >>>>>>>>> International School of London in Surrey is a >>>>>>>>> very nice school. They are very and act >>>>>>>>> rather elitest, very "old school". >>>>>>>>> You might want to check the wikipedia link on >>>>>>>>> the British School model of education, just >>>>>>>>> knowing IGCSE, A level, O levels, etc will >>>>>>>>> help you navigate the interview better. They >>>>>>>>> have a very traditional curriculum, and >>>>>>>>> approach to classroom management. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Sunway International School in Malaysia is >>>>>>>>> nice but you will work your butt off, so they >>>>>>>>> look for candidates that express a strong >>>>>>>>> commitment to "doing what ever it >>>>>>>>> takes". >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I would advise against the middle eastern >>>>>>>>> schools unless your keeping them as a safety >>>>>>>>> school. Really they are starving for teachers >>>>>>>>> there and unless your landing a 6 figure >>>>>>>>> salary I wouldn't do it, though I was >>>>>>>>> surprised there was a Casablanca school in >>>>>>>>> Morocco (someone cashed in on the marketing >>>>>>>>> angle on that one). Middle east schools just >>>>>>>>> aren't any fun in my opinion. You have to go >>>>>>>>> for the job and the money. If they are IB >>>>>>>>> schools let me know the grade and subject and >>>>>>>>> I can get you the course guides, they are >>>>>>>>> about 80 pages long each and I can email them >>>>>>>>> to you. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On 1/28/11, anon wrote: >>>>>>>>>> Hi Everyone, >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I am attending a recruiting fair this >>>>>>>>>> weekend - and have interviews scheduled for >>>>>>>>>> a number of schools. If anyone has any >>>>>>>>>> information related to the working >>>>>>>>>> environment in any of the schools, feel >>>>>>>>>> free to share! I never thought I would be >>>>>>>>>> seriously looking at schools in so many >>>>>>>>>> different geographic regions. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> International School of London in Surrey >>>>>>>>>> American School Foundation of Monterrey >>>>>>>>>> Raha International School in Abu Dhabi >>>>>>>>>> Casablanca American School in Morocco >>>>>>>>>> American International School in Kuwait >>>>>>>>>> Sunway International School in Malaysia

Jan 31, 2011

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Dave -> Anon Well if you want "adventure" then the middle east will provide that. Personally, I'm a bit more of a hedonist. I want to be surrounded by beauty (including woman) and a vibrant city thats fun (good wine, and food).... I've always believed that while teaching is my favorite job, its still a job. Tthen again how much is Abu Dhabi paying you?)
...See MoreWell if you want "adventure" then the middle east will provide that. Personally, I'm a bit more of a hedonist. I want to be surrounded by beauty (including woman) and a vibrant city thats fun (good wine, and food).... I've always believed that while teaching is my favorite job, its still a job. Tthen again how much is Abu Dhabi paying you?)

I'd hold out for the London school. You sound like the type of person though who would enjoy Malaysia, so that should be your number 2 choice. I'd decline the Rha position, really you should pass, really, really pass. Seriously jobs in the Middle East and South Korea are always available.

On 1/31/11, anon wrote: > Well, so far, . . . I was offered the Raha position, another > interview with the London school and am getting an offer from one of > the other schools. I certainly read any reviews of schools through a > careful lens. My first teaching position was in northern Canada - > the power often went out, the facilities were wonderful, but there > were few resources, lots of surprises, sometimes the water running > out of the tap would be brown, or we would be under a boil water > advisory for weeks, or I'd run out of oil, and have to heat my place > using the stove elements, and one green pepper cost 8.00! But I > learned to just go with the flow. My other colleagues from the south > hated the experience and if they were to post anything about the > school, it would likely be negative. On the other hand, I loved the > experience and wouldn't trade it for anything. I am looking for an > adventure. I want to wake up in the morning and feel lucky to be > living where I am, and just absorb everything around me. Thanks for > all of your thoughts and input. > > On 1/30/11, D. Thomas wrote: >> Actually it's free to write a review. I'm sure some admin do write >> glowing reviews to offset the negatives (and others just have very >> different perceptions or expectations). >> >>> Anon wrote: >>> I should have clarified that one of my main reasons for taking >>> the London job is that despite mediocre reviews, its in Europe >>> and you'll get a work visa, and that once being "local" you can >>> use in the future to find a better school and position. That and >>> there isnt really anything thats bad about the school, as I said >>> they are a very old school both physically and in mentality. >>> >>> On 1/30/11, Dave wrote: >>>> I read that too, my experience has been that anyone with a >>>> review on ISR are almost all some shade of negative. I >>>> wonder though about the one or two glowing reviews among a >>>> bunch of negative ones. Do the schools pay for membership >>>> just to write a good review about themselves??? >>>> >>>> On 1/30/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>>> FYI. Some very mediocre reviews for London on ISR: Poor >>>>> to fair resources, >>>>> not a great building (old and rundown) , no sports >>>>> facilities, very obviously a for profit venture, some >>>>> disputes over salaries. Nothing that would be a deal >>>>> breaker but some things to think about. >>>>> >>>>>> On 1/29/11, Dave -> Anon wrote: Yeah its still true, >>>>>> you have to understand the admins your interviewing >>>>>> with are very good at the "up sale". They >>>>>> weren't selected and sent for their ability to turn >>>>>> candidates off to their school. Remember principals >>>>>> are employees too, they most likely report to a >>>>>> board/owner or head master who is going to be very >>>>>> much from the local culture. Even if your principal >>>>>> is international your likely to have some >>>>>> Vice/Assistant principals who are from the local >>>>>> culture. (This does not apply in general if you >>>>>> talking about one of the "american" >>>>>> schools). That's why a lot of those horror stories >>>>>> are there, if the teachers had a clue it was going to >>>>>> be bad at the beginning they would have never gone >>>>>> and had the horror experience. Everything sounds >>>>>> great until you get there or your first pay check >>>>>> comes thats when the problems start. >>>>>> >>>>>> Anyone in education who's been to a job fair knows >>>>>> that the admin at the job fair (all smiles, all >>>>>> positive, telling you how great everything is) seldom >>>>>> compares to the reality. What did you really think >>>>>> they'd sit you down, tell you they have problems >>>>>> paying salaries on time, you'l be working 12+ hours a >>>>>> day, your coworkers will plot and whisper against >>>>>> you, and the kids are all spoiled brats, and they >>>>>> themselves are an ego maniac? Interviews are never >>>>>> realistic.... I'm sure you presented your "best >>>>>> side" what makes you think they wouldn't do the >>>>>> same? >>>>>> >>>>>> If the International School of London in Surrey >>>>>> offers you a contract take it. International School >>>>>> in Malaysia, I'd take if you didn't have anything >>>>>> better on offer, or down the line. The others I'd >>>>>> pass (unless were talking dessert money and a 6 >>>>>> figure salary), but thats my opinion. >>>>>> >>>>>> On 1/29/11, anon wrote: >>>>>>> Is that true when the administrators are >>>>>>> international (Canadian, American, British, >>>>>>> Australian, etc.)? Quite frankly, after each >>>>>>> interview - I felt like I would love to take the >>>>>>> position! The administrators from every school were >>>>>>> quite convincing. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 1/29/11, Dave wrote: >>>>>>>> I know I'm going to kick myself for this but >>>>>>>> really the reason why I believe there are so many >>>>>>>> horror stories in the middle east is because of >>>>>>>> the differences in cultural expectations. Middle >>>>>>>> eastern Admins just expect to be able to treat >>>>>>>> foreign faculty as they would local faculty. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 1/29/11, D. Thomas wrote: >>>>>>>>> You really should invest in the $25 to join >>>>>>>>> International School Review. There are a large >>>>>>>>> number of horror schools in the middle east >>>>>>>>> especially and you need to be able to do >>>>>>>>> serious research before accepting a position. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On 1/28/11, Dave -> Anon wrote: The >>>>>>>>>> International School of London in Surrey is a >>>>>>>>>> very nice school. They are very and act >>>>>>>>>> rather elitest, very "old school". >>>>>>>>>> You might want to check the wikipedia link on >>>>>>>>>> the British School model of education, just >>>>>>>>>> knowing IGCSE, A level, O levels, etc will >>>>>>>>>> help you navigate the interview better. They >>>>>>>>>> have a very traditional curriculum, and >>>>>>>>>> approach to classroom management. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Sunway International School in Malaysia is >>>>>>>>>> nice but you will work your butt off, so they >>>>>>>>>> look for candidates that express a strong >>>>>>>>>> commitment to "doing what ever it >>>>>>>>>> takes". >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I would advise against the middle eastern >>>>>>>>>> schools unless your keeping them as a safety >>>>>>>>>> school. Really they are starving for teachers >>>>>>>>>> there and unless your landing a 6 figure >>>>>>>>>> salary I wouldn't do it, though I was >>>>>>>>>> surprised there was a Casablanca school in >>>>>>>>>> Morocco (someone cashed in on the marketing >>>>>>>>>> angle on that one). Middle east schools just >>>>>>>>>> aren't any fun in my opinion. You have to go >>>>>>>>>> for the job and the money. If they are IB >>>>>>>>>> schools let me know the grade and subject and >>>>>>>>>> I can get you the course guides, they are >>>>>>>>>> about 80 pages long each and I can email them >>>>>>>>>> to you. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On 1/28/11, anon wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> Hi Everyone, >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> I am attending a recruiting fair this >>>>>>>>>>> weekend - and have interviews scheduled for >>>>>>>>>>> a number of schools. If anyone has any >>>>>>>>>>> information related to the working >>>>>>>>>>> environment in any of the schools, feel >>>>>>>>>>> free to share! I never thought I would be >>>>>>>>>>> seriously looking at schools in so many >>>>>>>>>>> different geographic regions. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> International School of London in Surrey >>>>>>>>>>> American School Foundation of Monterrey >>>>>>>>>>> Raha International School in Abu Dhabi >>>>>>>>>>> Casablanca American School in Morocco >>>>>>>>>>> American International School in Kuwait >>>>>>>>>>> Sunway International School in Malaysia

Jan 31, 2011

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