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Can I get a job in the UAE, Qatar, or Bahrain?

 
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PaulJam



Joined: 01 Sep 2006
Posts: 13
Location: London, UK

PostPosted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:09 pm    Post subject: Can I get a job in the UAE, Qatar, or Bahrain? Reply with quote

I have four years teaching experience with Shane in Taiwan...and have recently completed my CELTA.

I'm determined to get to the middle east and prefer the countries mentioned in the subject header.

Could anyone share info with me regarding these places and the feasibility of me getting a job there?

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks.

Paul.
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scot47



Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343

PostPosted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Do you have a degree ? From a reputable anglophone university ?
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veiledsentiments



Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA

PostPosted: Tue Nov 13, 2012 12:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

What or Who is "Shane"? If it is a language school doing conversation classes, it won't count for much of anything in the Gulf.

Most Middle East employers are looking for experience teaching adults. They want a BA + CELTA + a few years experience preferably after the CELTA. And most of the countries are now requiring a "related" BA. The best employers are looking for a related MA.

There are very few jobs going in Bahrain, not many more in Qatar, and UAE employers demand excellent credentials. You may have more chance with the recruiter based jobs in Oman. (as long as you have a related BA)

VS
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PaulJam



Joined: 01 Sep 2006
Posts: 13
Location: London, UK

PostPosted: Tue Nov 13, 2012 9:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the responses so far.

To answer the questions, no, my BA is not related (it's in Web Design) and Shane is a global English company which focuses mainly on group classes for children but also one-on-one adult tuition. I do have experience in teaching Business English, as well as preparing students for entry level exams such as IELTS and TOIEC.
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veiledsentiments



Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA

PostPosted: Tue Nov 13, 2012 3:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Tutoring normally doesn't count as "experience." Are you a licensed IELTS examiner? TOEIC is pretty much unknown in the Gulf and there isn't much of a business English market as there is in much of the world.

Language schools of the Shane type don't do any "foreign hires." They can fill all of their positions with local hires - part time... no benefits... no work/residence visa. So it isn't an option for you.

Have you thought about a place like Morocco? There are language schools like AMIDEAST and American Language Center (and probably British Council) that have schools all over the country and your experience would match better. It isn't high pay, of course, but enough for the local economy and more possibility of private lessons to make extra. It would also give you experience with Arabic speakers which would help you to eventually move into a Gulf job with higher pay.

VS
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PaulJam



Joined: 01 Sep 2006
Posts: 13
Location: London, UK

PostPosted: Wed Nov 14, 2012 5:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks so far to everyone who has contributed. At the moment my priority is money. So I'm starting to consider Korea. I thought the Middle East would be easier than it's proved to be, as I have known people who went there before. However, those avenues are now closed and it seems their situation may be indicative of the region in general.

I thought four years and a CELTA was decent experience, but it seems that competition within the industry is rapidly becoming more competitive.
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nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world

PostPosted: Wed Nov 14, 2012 5:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

PaulJam wrote:
I thought four years and a CELTA was decent experience, but it seems that competition within the industry is rapidly becoming more competitive.

You may consider your experience to be decent; however, you're at a disadvantage due to the type and level of your experience. The majority of employers in this region want to see (relevant) tertiary not language school experience. Plus, it seems most of your teaching was pre-CELTA, and as VS mentioned, a TEFL-related MA obviously trumps an unrelated BA. That's what you'd most likely be competing against.

Korea is probably your best bet; you should be able to earn a comfortable salary there as you gain post-CELTA experience. If you still have your eye set on the Mid East, you should think about getting a related MA.
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