Well I shared all the above concerns both before starting and after. I was very nervous about pay for a long time, even after then first pay, but he did always pay eventually. The work itself was good fun and was a nice way to see Slovakia. The schools themselves were often extremely hospitable.

The whole culture is less organised, but whilst this is stressful at times, it's also a blessing. There is time in the afternoons to do other things, one isn't constantly running to keep still like in the UK. I mean you're not being constantly monitored, but you do meet up with teachers form time to time to compare notes. For me this is ideal because it gives me space to innovate and then pool resources and ideas. Also you do see a huge variety of schools and you often pick up ideas, share resources in them too. In fact I'm startingto talk myself into going back.

Also I appreciated it because a previous job didn't work out, cut backs due to credit crunch, and he didn't hold it against me but gave me a go. He seems to take the attitude that if he hires then you will be fine unless you aren't, if that makes sense. It is a bit of a baptism of fire though so I think it's better if you've done some teaching before. It suits a relaxed 'happy go lucky' type who isn't too stressed about moving around and enjoys the freedom. At a risk of soundind sexist I wonder if it is one job that does suit blokes better in this way.

so yeah I think it's ok. an adventure in the East. If someone has had enough of beaurocratic fascist big brother suspicious untrusting Blighty then it might actually be quite refreshing because the frustrations are actually closely allied to its blessings too, both in Slovak culture and the school itself. Also it's a good way into teaching in schools. If you're ok and you fancy it you may well find a few offers to teach in a school for a year from David and the schools themseleves. But that's another story...