Job Discussion Forums

Superhal · Joined: 22 Dec 2013 Posts: 37

It's been awhile, so I figured I'd try asking first. For my qualifications, what country/programs should I be aiming for?

My qualifications:
MA in ESL from a top-tier university (class of 2006)
BA in English Lit
Last 7 years working at a two year college in the US, full-time
Taught overseas in Korea, 1999-2000.
17 years total teaching experience.
Over 9 years of accreditation experience, ACCJC and CEA.
Worked extensively with European, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese students, aged 3-80.

My desired job situation:
1. About $50k US a year after rent/airfare.
2. A place that wouldn't discriminate against me because I'm Asian american.
3. 20-25 teaching hours per week. I would consider more depending on salary/benefits, but over 30 is really tough.
4. Max 2 year contract, preferably 1 year with options to renew.
5. An area with a relatively low cost of living. When I was teaching in korea, I could get a full meal for under $2, and a deluxe dinner would be 5-10.
6. Right now I'm looking at Saudi Arabia, but are there better choices?

Thanks in advance.

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

Hmm... Not sure why you posted on the newbie forum... But based on your criteria, Saudi Arabia would be your best bet. The UAE has equally high pay; however, the cost of living is higher than KSA and most university teaching positions come with 3-year contracts.

I suggest you head to the Saudi forum.

psychedelicacy · Joined: 05 Oct 2013 Posts: 180 Location: Beijing

Depends on how patient you are. If you want a job quickly, Saudi Arabia; though when I say quickly, note that I mean 'quickly be interviewed/offered a position' (the likely wait from offer to boarding the plane is three months). UAE is considerably more competitive (because it's a much nicer place to live) and it may take longer to get a position, even though you are a highly qualified individual. Good CVs get tossed in the trash in the UAE, but in Saudi Arabia the only qualification necessary is pulse.

Note: I've never worked in the UAE (but have been to Abu Dhabi and Dubai as a tourist), but I worked in Saudi for two years. Though, overall, I was contented in Saudi (mostly because I saved a lot of money), if the UAE offers equal pay to suitably qualified people, such as yourself, then there's no contest - UAE is better. The difference in the cost of living is unimportant, because you'll still effortlessly save plenty.

MuscatGary · Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2013 8:33 am Post subject:

Direct hire in Oman in H.E. will get you about 47,000 USD p.a. with a Masters and 4+ years provable post-Masters experience. Teaching is max 20 hours p.w., air fares are paid for up-front. You have to get your own accommodation with this however. Contracts are normally for two years then renewable one year at a time.