Job Discussion Forums

Super Modal · Joined: 07 Oct 2012 Posts: 46 Location: Jeddah

I'm surprised. I saw a lot of ads that said they preferred applicants with Middle East experience.

johnslat · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 8:15 pm Post subject:

Dear Super Modal,

Scot47's right, though - generally speaking. Maybe it's because those of us who have taught there (especially for extended periods of time) are often considered - with, it must be admitted, some justification - at least a trifle "tetched." (tetched also teched (tcht) adj. Informal:Somewhat unbalanced mentally; touched.) Very Happy

Regards,
John

Super Modal · Joined: 07 Oct 2012 Posts: 46 Location: Jeddah

So, where should I go to get Middle East experience after my MA?

johnslat · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 9:52 pm Post subject:

Dear Super Modal (like your user-name, by the way),

Oman, maybe - the pay's not as good as the UAE, Saudi or Qatar, but most agree that it's probably the nicest place on the peninsula to teach/live.

Regards,
John

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Super Modal · Joined: 07 Oct 2012 Posts: 46 Location: Jeddah

Thanks all. I'll start researching Oman and Qatar.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

I agree as well, that Oman would be a good place to get ME experience.
I wish I had made more of an effort to find work there when I was younger. Just try to avoid going through recruiters and /or contractors, if you can. Or at the very least research the most reliable ones, if there are any in that category Wink

I know there are a lot of people that hate KSA , but I think this is mainly due to the type of employer one ends up working for as well as how one is able to manage/ cope with the lifestyle (restrictions). Contrary to popular beliefs, you can always leave, if you find you don't like it Laughing

Just do all you can to deal directly with reputable institutions which is generally the more difficult option these days especially for those landing their first job in ME.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

The vast majority of Oman jobs are at two groups of government colleges. Hiring has been given out to a batch of recruiters/contractors who are pretty much all the same...

Ads run constantly... it's foot in the door stuff to get something on the CV. Lots of mismanagement and "colorful" fellow teachers. Pay is naturally at the low end of the Gulf scale as Oman is not rich. Needs low expectations and a good sense of humor.

Beautiful country though... Cool

VS