Signing a contract photo cred: http://www.flickr.com/photos/komunews/3926788177/sizes/o/

Now, and in  the coming months, I think a lot of new international teachers will be getting job offers.  Before, you sign that contract, there are a few things you need to do:

After you have found your dream job (or your recruiter found it for you) and before you sign on the dotted line of any contract, check out these two websites for comments about the schools, read reviews, find salary information, and to talk to a teacher who has taught at that school previously:

https://www.internationalschoolsreview.com $29 per year

This website provides TONS of info but it might be propaganda from a current admin of that school or a previously burned teacher.  The more info the better is my personal motto, so while I would devour every review of my new school, I would also take them each with a grain of salt. However, if there seems to be a general trend of poor reviews I might take a second look at that contract before I signed it.

http://www.internationalschoolcommunity.com/ Free for 7 Days/$30 per year

This website is a bit newer than the others.  They really focus on the community aspect right now. With enough comments, one can extend the free trial.  With a “premium membership” that is $30 for a year, you can initiate conversations with people who have worked at the schools you are interested in and see salary pay scales for different schools.

I have used both of these services and I love them!  They both basically provide the same services, but if you are knowledgeable and/or have worked in a lot of places, you can get a free premium membership with International School Community for many months so it might win if cost is an issue.

Like most international teachers who have been in the business for a little while, I would tell you to do your research before you sign a contract. These websites are great places to hear things that wont necessarily make it onto a school website or that a teacher currently working at a school might not feel comfortable saying.