⌛ G'day and a High School Inquiry

Maayong gabii gentle people,

I originally posted this letter in the General Chat but upon further investigation of the site it might better be served in this section!

My name's Liza (pronounced Laisa). I’m originally from America but have made Australia home for the past eight years, and I hold dual citizenship. I've just returned home to Australia from an amazing two weeks touring the Visayas - Cebu, Siquijor and Negros Oriental. I can't begin to express to you how much I have fallen in love with this area of the world, its natural beauty is unparalleled and most importantly the incredibly generous and friendly people I met during my travels in the Philippines blew me away. It took me a good few days not to be shocked by the overt friendliness and forthrightness expressed, soul-satisfying things I sorely miss on a daily basis now that I'm back in Oz. Filipinos and their spirited smiles are the main reason I would like to return to this neck of the woods, hopefully to work for awhile.

I have a few questions about working in the Philippines for y'all but I'll give you a bit of background first.

For the past five years I've managed and facilitated education, recreation and community development programs for Sydney's homeless community and I am now working in the disability sector managing similar programs and community centres. Also, I chaired a non-profit organisation promoting recreation and meaningful activities as rehabilitation for these communities.

I hold a BA in Anthropology, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Counselling and am currently studying to be a history/social sciences high school teacher. I am also looking to take a TESOL/TEFL course here in Sydney, as I reckon this is an essential qualification for teaching anywhere overseas, if I can manage to squeeze it in between study and full-time work! I have extensive experience teaching visual art classes in a range of media to a range of age and community groups, although I am not formally qualified. I have experience coaching softball, basketball, rowing and volleyball.

As you might be able to tell, I love working with people and communities and have a passion for sports and the arts. I found Filipinos, on the whole, place great value on these aspects and activities as well. A perfect match?

Anyway, I was hoping y'all might assist me by answering some of my questions below, questions that have cropped up while scheming about how I can gain meaningful employment in Dumaguete or Negros Island in general! Or if you know of any opportunities that might suit me or people to speak with, please do not hesitate to pass any helpful details my way!

[*]What local/international non-profit organisations/programs work in and around Dumaguete?

[*]What is the best source of employment listings for Dumaguete/Negros, especially in my fields of work?

[*]Are there any International high schools on Negros? I know Cebu has the Cebu International School but haven’t managed to source any on Negros and I’d much rather spend my time in Negros!
(I have three month-long placements in high schools to complete for my teaching degree but I can only do them overseas at accredited International schools.)

[*]What is the teaching scene like on Negros? Would I be able to gain employment as a teacher before completing my degree?
(I'm doing it part-time, distance education so I do not have to be in Australia to complete it, just have internet access, and will finish at the end of next year.)

[*]Is it difficult for foreigners to gain permanent employment in the Philippines? What experiences have people had? I've read information on the Philippines Department of Immigration website and other chat sites, but it didn't help much...

If any of you reading this are some of those I met during my travels, thank you so much for being a part of an unforgettable, and hopefully life changing, adventure!

Salamat for your time and I look forward to hearing from you, Liza