Job Discussion Forums

[wailinwonder]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anybody can provide any information on inlingua int'l language centers in Dubai? I'm a recent college grad and have about a year and a half ESL teaching experience to int'l grad students within a program at my university.

I'm considering going to UAE to learn some Arabic while teaching. Reading this forum has been really helpful. Maybe somebody has more specific info on this particular language school and what I could expect in terms of salary and work environment?

Thanks a lot!

MJ

[younggeorge]

I don't know this one, but language schools in general here are pretty dreadful. They employ people part-time or on dependents' visas so they don't have to provide accommodation or pay air fares. If you've got another reason to be in Dubai and another means of support, it could be OK: otherwise, if you just want to support yourself while learning Arabic, then try Lebanon, Syria or North Africa. They're better places to learn Arabic anyway because in Dubai you'll hardly ever have a reason to use it - for shopping, taxis and everyday life, the people you're likely to talk to will almost all be non-Arab.

[james van cleave]

Yes, stay away from language schools in general, and ELS in particular. I would check out the AMIDEAST site for starters. They were advertising a position in Morocco recently.
The UAE is great for making moolah (or at least, it used to be) but you won't learn much there. You'd be much better off in Casablanca, Tangiers, or Alexandria.
The American University in Cairo sometimes hires grad students to teach English. They've also got an excellent Arabic program, from what I hear

[luck4me]

Your better off getting a part-time job and getting experience. From what I've heard, the pay is horrible!

[Gauguin]

I worked for �inlingua� for 5 years in France, Lille and they were a very professional group of people. Their in-house training, teaching methods, and materials all work well, albeit a little dry.

However, I recently had friends who attend TESOL Arabia and who had interviews with the Dubai 'inlingua' recruitment team. They were, I quote "shoddy", With no information about training, pay or clientele forecoming.

I expect it�ll take a little while for them to get going, bless.

[stoth1972]

I worked for Score-Plus in Dubai. Based on this ad, it appears they have bought the rights to Inlingua for Dubai and quite possibly the rest of the UAE. Please PM me for details. Lots to tell!

[veiledsentiments]

Thumbs up or thumbs down Mr Stoth? You needn't tell us every detail, but do share a bit for the many readers who don't have access because they haven't registered...

VS

[stoth1972]

My former employer actually reads the comments in threads like these. Too much work, never enough money, no respect for local labour laws.

[veiledsentiments]

That's pretty clear, I'd say. Hopefully if he reads it, he will attempt to improve the reputation of his place by correcting some of the problems.

But I fear that it sounds like the usual language school situation. More reason to get that MA so one doesn't have to work in any of them.

Thanks...

VS

[stoth1972]

He mocked these postings when I was still working for him. I cautioned him that people read these threads before accepting jobs. I wouldn't expect improvement-he thinks he's running a sound business. It's a shame-I believe he's purchased the ME franchise rights for now a 2nd ESL franchise, as well as a large American exam preparation franchise. That means a lot of bad academy jobs in the Gulf and beyond! "Shoddy", as described by a previous poster, sums it up.