Job Discussion Forums

[dondelion]

Here's a question to those boarders teaching in UAE universities and colleges of higher education who also have significant knowledge of the Korean uni scene -- can I ask -- is it similar ? Better? Worse? Totally different? Easy to break into, or impossible?

I am not asking about the private college scene in UAE -- no disrespect to those private schools, I have been there, done that, many years ago; I paid my dues and put in the hard graft, got my MA and teaching certs and diplomas etc -- I am curious about university teachers here on the board who worked at Korean unis then moved to university jobs in UAE.

Is it any better in UAE? Or is moving to UAE just jumping from one hassle to a slightly different set of hassles? By asking if it is 'better in UAE' I just mean less hassle in day to day life -- anyone who has lived in Korea will know very well what I am talking about -- it's pretty abrasive and rude here in Korea and non stop confrontational.


I have taught ESL for years, esp. writing skills, and have my MA and three kosher teaching certs . Thanks in advance for any of your views and opinions about it.

[nomad soul]

Korea can't be discussed in these forums. Instead of comparing two vastly different countries and cultures, what kind of lifestyle and work environment are you looking for in terms of teaching and living in the UAE?

That said, a few things you need to be aware of:

- The Emirati government will be phasing out the foundation year programs in the country's public universities effective 2018. These universities are the largest employers in the country's higher ed system, and hiring has already slowed down. Fewer jobs means higher competition for teaching contracts.
See http://www.thenational.ae/uae/education/foundation-year-at-uae-state-universities-to-be-scrapped-from-2018

- You didn't state what your MA is in nor what you mean by "kosher teaching certs," but you'll need a relevant MA (preferably in TESOL) + a minimum of 3 years' university-level teaching experience. That may not be enough if you're competing for jobs with others who have extensive Gulf experience.

- In addition to the related MA & experience, you need to be tech savvy. The Ministries of Education and Higher Ed are big on technology in the classroom, and I don't mean using PowerPoint.
See http://www.thenational.ae/uae/education/technology-is-key-in-modern-classroom-uae-educators-say

[veiledsentiments]

[nomad soul]

[rdobbs98]

Good luck trying to teach English in a university here. It takes wasta or luck. I am the Head of English at a private school but teach business admin at a local university and only as an adhoc professor, I have a MBA in addition to my English education.

A good friend of mine who is from USA like me and taught in South Korea says he wishes he never switched. He saved more money there even though being married, he enjoyed the more disciplined students, and even though he is Muslim he is wanting to go back.

Students here are horrible in general, no discipline. At least at my school they are tough on the students and don't play up to the parents. The principal is a Turkish woman who has worked here 25 years and will kick out naughty students in a heart beat. I was at another school where the students ruled and that was horrible.

The Foundation Program here is "slated" to be eliminated but everyone in the education system here knows this is a dream that won't become reality. In my university business admin classes, I have to eliminate grading for spelling and grammar because the students wouldn't be able to pass the subject papers because of the horrible English skills. If they eliminate the Foundation Program the wheels will fall off the wagon for the universities.

This is like how the Ministry is attempting to create "qualified" teachers. They are requiring all teachers starting September 2015 to take the TOEFL or IELTS exams, even if you are a native speaker. This doesn't create "qualified" teachers.

[nomad soul]

[Noelle]

OP

Been there- done that… the Korea to Gulf thing.

Things are changing quickly over here in the Gulf and it's becoming increasingly more competitive every single year. The Japan/Korea university experience may not be as helpful now as it may have been before. I've pm'd you...