Job Discussion Forums

[auslestat]

Hi,

I have tried a search for rates of pay for international schools, with little success - probably as most of you teach (and therefore comment mostly on) University level.

Anyway, I am unfamiliar with what is a decent salary for working at an international school in the U.A.E. So if you could help that would be great. I am certifed in my home country, with a B.Ed, with experience there at the primary level (3 years) and overseas government schools (3 years).

Thanks, even if you couldn't help but took the time to look.

[veiledsentiments]

As you have already found, we are mostly university level here... just because there are not that many ESL/EFL teachers at primary level - and few of those that are there come to post here.

So, just a guesstimate here, but I'd say that depending on the status of the school and what they think of your CV, you are looking at perhaps 8000 - 12000 DHs a month with varying benefit packages. If no housing is provided you would want to be at the top of that scale, if housing is provided, offers may be at the lower end.

Once you start applying, try to do as much checking as you can on the schools as it seems that the worst stories are about some of these 'international' schools with bad management and unruly students. Check it out here and try to communicate with current and past teachers to get the real story on the situation.

Good Luck

VS

[The_Hanged_Man]

I went to the UNI recruiting fair this past Feb, and have the info on several American schools in the UAE. I won't list the names to avoid any potentials issues, but here are the salary ranges listed for the UAE schools there.
School #1: $22,492-36,471
#2: 25,000-$35,000
#3: 27,200-41,279
#4: 30,000-35,000
These above rates are pretty consistant with most of the Gulf States except for Saudi which usually pay more (One school paid 42,000-103,320!!!). The British schools mostly pay more, but usually offer less in terms of benefits such as medical coverage and professional development.

[veiledsentiments]

So, my estimates were pretty good (based on what people have posted here in the last few years).

Just to point out one detail... the number of schools that offer the highest pay are in the minority. There are dozens of 'international' schools, many of whom claim to be 'American' or 'British' but have no students of that nationality. The schools where the diplomatic corps and most expats send their kids are at the highest pay scale... AND... the most competitive to get a job. They also will hire mostly their own nationalities.

Good Luck auslestat!

VS