Job Discussion Forums

[Miss_Sha]

Hello all!

I'm very interested in teaching in an Arab country and I realize that there are many of them which have different things to offer. However, I'm not exactly sure of where I want to work. I'm hoping that some of you out there can give me some suggestions.

I know I'm going to get my bachelor's degree in TESL and I'm probably going to finish my master's degree as well. I have no actual teaching experience other than tutoring and some volunteer work. I know a bit of Arabic, maybe advanced intermediate, if that makes any sense. Do you know where I'd be qualified to work?

Ideally I want to teach secondary students. I'm mostly interested in culture and getting to know the locals. It'd be nice too if I could improve my Arabic as well. Socially, I'm not a night owl. I don't party, drink or smoke but I do like to be around some cinemas, malls/shopping centers and it'd be nice if there is a good variety of restaurants.

I'm single Muslim female. Would this affect my chance of getting a job? Do I have to look American to get a job? I know that some Arab countries and schools prefer more 'secular' teachers. Would wearing hijab hinder my job prospects? My name is pretty Western but I'm often confused for Omani or Egyptian.

As of right now the countries I'm looking at the most are: Oman, Yemen, U.A.E. (the smaller Emirates), Egypt, Libya and Jordan. However, I'm pretty much open minded about anywhere.

And just out of curiosity, where do you think the friendliest people are?

[Gulezar]

Saudi does offer that one great perk for Muslims and their families. You might be able to get the umhra and hadj in for yourself and other close relatives. The main questions are: "Can and do you want to live in a segregated society?"

Others will tell you differently, but I found Kuwait to be a tolerant place. I think I've mentioned before that it is one place in the Gulf that students have actually told me that there is a small percentage of Jewish and Christian nationals. My students, at least, seem to step very carefully around the Shiite and Sunni situation. There is a "we won't ask, and you don't have to tell" attitude.

I found in the UAE that my students would ask, and one's affiliation did matter, in their eyes.

Your experience in the Middle East depends a lot on the company with which you are working. Other folks have had a miserable time in Kuwait. Some people work for a lovely company in Saudi. Your employer and your colleagues can make or break your experience in any country in the Middle East.

[007]

[Miss_Sha]

[Miss_Sha]

[veiledsentiments]

[Miss_Sha]

[Cleopatra]

There are no cinemas in KSA, although (censored) copies of foreign DVDs are fairly easily available.

[veiledsentiments]

Cleo is right. If I were you, young and new to the field and wanting to polish up my Arabic while teaching, I would put North Africa or the Levant at the top of my list to research. Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan may all be better choices depending on the news at the time you are searching. Each of these countries have their pros and cons, of course. But you live within the culture (rather than with your fellow expats as you do in the Gulf) and must use Arabic daily - although one can survive with pretty basic skills.

Back to your education... I want to repeat that to teach HS you really need a (US state) teaching certificate for the better jobs. Will you be eligible at graduation? If not, I would look into what you would need to do to add it. It may require a couple more courses and student teaching. This is also crucial if and when you want to return to the US to get a decent job. Getting an MA prepares you to teach university level.

VS

[15yearsinQ8]

several points
- your ease of going to haj is unclear because you still need to get into the quota of pilgrims given to the usa or your home country. umra i believe has no quotas but you would have to go in a group and registere and stay with that group. groups go all the time, but you would have to find a group that has english speaking females.
- some private high school will not hire you even if you are american and certificed IF YOU WEAR the veil. schools owners/managment can have bias and want 'the western look' - whatever that is. for example, in kuwait i can speak with experince most private schools will not consider hiring a western teacher who is hijabed
- ditto to state certification; however, the top private high school will not hire you without experience after certification of at least 5 years. most schools will at least look at you and some will interview you. it's competitive, most teachers in the top private high schools have at least 10 years teaching experience after certification

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[allyp]

I am working in UAE for the ministry and we are still looking for suitable applicants. They are insisting on a masters or at least someone who has started one. I am enjoying my role, great people, great benefits... MAG program got some pretty negative reviews last year but seems to have settled this year.

I would think an American trained teacher with some Arabic would be snapped up!

[Miss_Sha]

Thanks for your help so far. I have some more questions.
1) You all say that I should reconsider going to the gulf (with the exception of Oman) due to the fact that most people are not natives. Does this include Saudi Arabia?
2) What are the job requirements for me to work at a university? I guess that pays more and from what I've heard, Arab high schools can be more than a little frustrating.
3) Besides the gulf, where are the good jobs and pay at?
4) What is there to do for fun in Saudi Arabia?

[jdl]

Go to Oman! It is friendly and accepting. Your Arabic would be an asset and your headscarf appreciated. Pay is good at the colleges and the work is enjoyable. It is a good place to 'break in'

[15yearsinQ8]

being a muslim and a marginal arabic speaker would most definately be a plus when approaching priate school which put an islamic twist on their curricullum
i know 2 schools in kuwait that would hire you , single or not
aca and al rhaya(SP)