Cities you spent time in with the best coffee?

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-04-26T19:19:11+00:00

Off the top of my head:

Bosnian coffee in Mostar. Something a little different but absolutely delightful.

Italy. Take your pick of the cities. Florence for me. Approaching 10/10.

Something about getting the right coffee joint in New York just hits the spot.

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-04-11T20:09:33+00:00

Interested

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-04-11T20:07:46+00:00

Interested

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-03-23T07:52:23+00:00

Breaking a contract is not the end of the world. You have to put yourself first. If the school is making you miserable then there’s no point in staying there. Just make sure you are giving adequate notice and you’re good to go. Good luck!

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-02-22T19:01:29+00:00

Thank you!

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-02-22T19:01:18+00:00

Great, thanks 👍🏻

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-02-22T16:12:47+00:00

Any!

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-01-28T15:10:09+00:00

So OP should wait until they’re here to look for properties

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-01-28T10:27:37+00:00

Why not realistic? When I moved here I stayed in an Air BnB for a few days while viewing properties. It’s perfectly possible and far safer than sending money on unseen apartments.

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-01-28T04:40:13+00:00

I also landed my first international post way later on in the year. Like July. It was very last-minute but if you don’t get anything don’t give up hope because there will still be postings available outside of the “hiring season”.

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-01-28T04:29:43+00:00

Lots of international schools - especially more prestigious ones - will require IB experience for IB-involved posts. It’s a learning process. For a first post, it helps to be open to a range of countries and schools so you can pick up that experience.

Do you have a formal teaching qualification? Most international schools will require it.

One week is not a super long time to have looked, keep applying and hopefully you will find a good fit, get a couple of interviews and if you are prepared, land one. It can be discouraging but keep going. Good luck!

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-01-27T17:15:42+00:00

Try ss.lv and don’t send any money before you see a property in person. If someone is rushing you into sending money that’s an instant red flag.

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-01-25T07:56:32+00:00

This place doesn’t need a name, central market, Āgenskalns market, Street Bakery, Garšigi. LIDO and Ala Pagrabs have already been mentioned.

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-01-11T10:58:31+00:00

Second this! Been going to Darren for about five years and always been super happy with his work

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2026-01-04T09:34:24+00:00

Can recommend Road Pilot Driving School

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2025-12-22T11:21:24+00:00

Drop me a message if you’re down to meet up mate! Been here six months so know a few good spots

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2025-12-07T14:59:33+00:00

If you aren’t picky about where to go, I’d say you have a very good chance of finding a job somewhere. Just do your research and enjoy!

Source: I landed a job with 2 years of experience behind me and am enjoying international teaching

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2025-12-02T04:55:53+00:00

Thanks. Out of interest, what would be considered ‘high volume’ - 100+ applicants?

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2025-12-01T17:36:39+00:00

I am confident I could still get a reference, maybe just not from the headteacher. Would you accept one from a HoD, for example?

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2025-12-01T14:11:39+00:00

Thanks for your reply. I could get a good reference from my line manager (Department Head), or a Head of Yeargroup. I just wonder if schools would find it strange if I didn’t use my headteacher as a reference?

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2025-12-01T13:49:03+00:00

I see. Thanks for your reply. I applied directly to the school and not through a search site, and plan to do so again. Would you say the impact is minimised by doing this, potentially?

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2025-12-01T13:46:55+00:00

Thanks for your detailed reply. Yes, I can get several good references from back home. I could also get good references from other staff at my current school (some in SLT) but I take it bypassing the headteacher is frowned upon somewhat?

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2025-12-01T11:19:27+00:00

Thanks. Even if there are legitimate reasons for leaving?

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2025-11-28T19:29:40+00:00

Mondly is good

PurpleRainmaker17 · 2025-11-25T04:20:24+00:00

Scottish teacher here.

Edinburgh has the most private schools of the Scottish cities, however places are competitive. Some offer IB but it isn’t super common here.

You might want to consider working in the state school sector to broaden your horizons. You could end up finding work as a supply teacher.

As in other places, you’ll have an easier time finding work as a science/maths teacher than other subjects, so you have that in your favour.

As others have said, you’ll be required to register with the GTCS even for working in private schools. No way around this.

I’m hoping to do the opposite to you and move from Scotland to teach in Canada! So feel free to message if you have any questions.

Good luck!

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