Criteria for a school

So what is the criteria D and I are using to choose a school? Should there really even be a criteria?

To answer the second question first, yes there needs to be a criteria otherwise it becomes very difficult to navigate. That, and the fact that by deciding that we would settle for just anything would impact our future in numerous ways. All that being said the criteria looks like this

• Is this school in Africa?

Africa is a place that has been on my heart since the age of 10 and a place I have wanted wanted to return to since 2006. D having been there 3x as well can not wait to get back and fully embrace the role of documentary photographer/photojournalist and explore the infinite video possibilities.

• Can Daniel come with me?

We want to go somehwere together not seperately. In interviews this question comes up all the time. "Will you be coming alone or will your partner be accompanying you?"

• Does this school pay or provide benefits?

Certain schools require you to pay or fund raise in order to teach at them. While this may seem like an ok way to do things, it is not very practical. We could easily work with one of these schools as they are always in desperate need for someone to teach at them but at this current time it does not suit our future plans/goals.

• Is this an accredited school? Or a school in the process of seeking accreditation?

This also is something that needs to be considered when applying for shcools overseas. Will this school be recognized if I were to leave it and attempt to gain employment elsewhere. If not then that could be a wasteful few years.

• Is there any literature on this school? Have they been reviewed on International School Review? If so what do the reviews say?

I was made aware of the ISR website through a seminar at school. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking of working overseas as it helps give a clear picture of what certain schools are like.

There are a few other considerations as well but these 5 are the major questions that we are asking before we seriously consider the possibilities.