I'm looking into career opportunities overseas (Africa, Middle East) but know very little about the contracts that pilots in these positions have.

Are most contracts "take it or leave it", or is there some room for negotiating things like time off, vacation, travel, ect... I'd like to get back to the US for a few weeks at a time 2 or 3 times per year. That'd work out to about 5 or 6 weeks off. Who would pay for the flights to/from the US?

I'm also not "current" on the aircraft positions I'd be applying for (B737, E145), having not flown turbine or multi in over a year. What do most companies provide in the way of training? Would it be possible (and worthwhile) to negotiate the cost of re-current training into a contract?

Lastly, should I consider discussing provisions for returning home if the company goes under, or assuring I receive pay I'm owed? A non-aviation friend who does humanitarian work in Africa suggested asking for an arbitrary amount to put into escrow so I don't get "stuck over there".

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!