Job Discussion Forums

[slquoue]

Hi all,

I imagine you get similar questions to this quite a lot, but googling 'Teach English Middle East' leads to dozens of results that never quite provide the right information! So I come to this forum hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

So, I want to teach English in the Middle East for one year with my girlfriend. I have a CELTA from IH London, and 3 years of teaching experience in high schools in South Korea and Japan. I have a postgraduate MA in an unrelated field, and have worked in ELT publishing.

My questions are:

1. The main aim of the year would be to save money. Could you name a top three list of Middle Eastern countries in which to do this? I wouldn't necessarily go for number one if, say, number two or three had a big cultural advantage in terms of a more vibrant quality of life, interesting culture etc.

2. With my stated experience, what kind of jobs can I realistically expect? What kind of salary can I realistically expect, and how much can I expect to save? I heard that a lot of jobs provide free accommodation.

3. Would these countries be happy for me to bring my (unmarried) girlfriend with me given cultural considerations?

4. What specific job sites / companies / universities would you recommend me contacting if I'm intending to try to get a higher level / non-entry level teaching job in the Middle East?

Many thanks for any help you can provide and apologies for the vagueness of questions in places!

[nomad soul]

Without the girlfriend: Since you don't have a relevant degree, your best option would be with a contracting company in Saudi Arabia. Most of these companies post ads on the Cafe's international job board where you'll find qualifications, salaries, etc. Similarly, head to the Saudi forum for info on working for these companies. A couple of the companies that supply teachers in Oman may be interested in you; it depends on how flexible they'd be with requirements. However, Oman is at the bottom of the GCC for salaries.

With the girlfriend: Try Egypt, although the country is unstable. Possibly Morocco, but the earnings are so-so.

Anyway, even if you had the qualifications (relevant MA + 3 years' university-level teaching experience), you'll find none of the Gulf countries would be "happy" to see you with your girlfriend, especially ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia.

[rtm]

[scot47]

Girlfriends, concubines and mistresses are not eligible for visas. The fact that you have not twigged that simple fact indicates you have not read very widely on the Middle East !

[MuscatGary]

You can't 'bring' your g/f in on your visa. She could come in to some of the ME countries on a tourist visa and do visa runs every couple of months but if you're caught living together then out you go. BOTH of you.... and that is the best scenario.

[Rostom]

Indeed.

[SirAristede]

With the plethora of general information in cyberspace regarding customs and practices in the Middle East, there is simply no reason not to know certain things about the ME. The ME is different from America is different from Asia is different from Latin America. In the past, many people had no access to the amount of information we have today....

[psychedelicacy]

[slquoue]

Thank you for your help and apologies for my ignorance on the girlfriend issue. If we go down this route then looks like we'll be tying the knot!

[MuscatGary]

[The Fifth Column]

[returnee2014]

If you're going to get married, go somewhere nice. Hit Saudi after the divorce.

[caliph]

Hit Saudi for the divorce.

Shariah divorce is the simplest in the world, regardless of your religion.

If you're a man, just bring three pebbles.