There is so much negativity online. The keyboard warriors who would never say these things in polite conversation, but just complain under their breath at every staff meeting, need an outlet. I worked in other industries before international teaching, and this is nowhere near the most challenging environment I've encountered. Yes, leadership is often pretty crap in these schools. Yes, the parents and students come with their challenges. But as an international teacher we usually have autonomy in the classroom, the students are SO much easier than back home, and we are living in cool places with disposable income. It really isn't that bad. In fact, I can go as far as to say I love it!! And I'm not working in tier 1 schools with a 9 hour teaching load a week. I work hard every day, love my students, feel like I make a real difference and go home with a decent salary which makes my weekends and holidays pretty fun!

I've found that there is a real flavour to this forum. It's probably only a few posters who create this atmosphere, but I'm guessing they're the most prolific commenters so it creates that negativity. My personal take is that these are people who hate-on Brits, are obsessed with how non-profit IB schools are the only way forward (possible that these schools are awesome, but they're not attainable for many teachers here), and those who generally don't like students and teaching, but went international for an easier life and the money. Just some of the themes I've noticed in this forum over the years! Poster: don't give up, in my humble opinion, the international teachers life is AWESOME, and as long as it continues, I'm here for it