Post expatriate comments? (renting, schools, deal)

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Earlier this year I was asked by my employer to consider taking a position with the company in the Middle East (Dubai), and I did some research and had agreed to go. However, when the deal was almost done, HR asked 'oh, BTW, do you have any children that need to attend school?'. Oops. The answer was yes, and that broke the deal because of a two year waiting list to get into the American schools.

No big deal, another opportunity will come up in 2009, but this has allowed me more time to consider the whole thing. My wife and I are not opposed to it, but I have begun to inventory what I have here in the US, and what I would miss. It would only be for 2-4 years, and there are lots of benefits that I can think of, saving money, and travel paid by the company.

So, I post this thread to ask those of you who have been in my shoes in the past, or present, what the experience was like, were you ready to come back, was it too much, did it cause problems with the family, or were there problems with your co-workers, etc. Also, would you do it again, and what advice would you have for someone like me? BTW, our kids are young, the oldest is 5 years old.

There are many things to consider like selling the house, or having a management company take care of renting it out, selling the cars, furniture, etc.

Please do not use this thread to bash any country, or culture.

Thanks