Job Discussion Forums

SWF · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 6

Are there a lot of job opps in the middle east right now? how's the money?

johnslat · Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2003 6:01 am Post subject:

Dear SWF ( Single White Female? ).
There are job opportunities in the Middle East, perhaps even more than there usually are, since many are leery of the region given the current situation. But to give any specific answers to your question, a lot more information from you would be necessary:
1. Are you, in fact, a Single White Female?
2. What qualifications ( BA, MA, TESOL, etc. ) do you have?
3. How much overseas experience do you have?
4. Which country ( countries ) in the Middle East are you interested in?
5. What's your age?
This is not just being nosey, by the way. All of these factors are relevant to finding employment over here.
Regards,
John Slattery

SWF · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 6

I am a SWF and currently doing a Master's certificate in teaching 2nd languages (not just English). I have several years experience teaching ESL but I'm still in my twenties. I am interested in many places in the Middle East but as a female I think I should be concerned about some. I am also interested in saving money so that will be a major factor.

Thank you for your help.

johnslat · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2003 6:24 am Post subject:

Dear SWF,
You'd most probably have a much better chance of getting a decent job in this part of the world once you have that Masters. And I'd advise against coming to the Kingdom - it's NOT " female-friendly ". The Institute of Public Relations ( IPA ) where I work in Riyadh has a " Women's Branch " here, but I never advise women to apply to it - there have been far too many " horror stories " of teachers' having been treated very badly there by a very screwed-up administration. I'd suggest the UAE as a possibility -when you get that degree. Admittedly, I don't have any personal experience there, but there are some colleges and universities that get fair to good reviews on Dave's " Job Information Journal ". And, although it's probably still a bit trying to be female there, it's streets ahead of the Kingdom in that regard. Hope this helps some.
Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Most single females from North America and Western Europe find life very difficult in Saudi Arabia. UAE too but it is a bit easier. In UAE there are jobns - especially if you have an MA. The Universioty in Al Ain. The Higher Colleges of Technology. I would advise you to give secondary schools a miss. (Unless you can get into the strange world of teraching in the "International" schools for children of expatriates.)

Jude · Joined: 25 Jan 2003 Posts: 3

My boyfriend and I are looking into the Middle East right now. Initially we were thinking Saudi Arabia, but after doing a lot of research into it, we both decided it isn't a place where either of us would be happy. Mind you, none of this is first hand info, but from what everyone told me (some from what you can read on Dave's), single women and men are TOTALLY segregated. Women can't go places alone. They have to rely on men to drive them wherever they want to go. I'm Canadian myself, and have been in SKorea where there's a certain amount of inequality, but I just couldn't handle Saudi! Maybe that makes me unadventurous, and maybe we'll visit, but I think that we'll be heading to the UAE or somewhere more liberal like it to live.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Only married couples can get a visa to come to Saudi Arabia together. It would not be possible for you to come here with your partner unless you were married. The same applies to other countries in the region.

Unfair ? Well those are the rules. If you don't like the rules, don't play the game !

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The same rules for the UAE. Married or no visa. Immorality is still a criminal offence in this region.

Jude · Joined: 25 Jan 2003 Posts: 3

No comment on immorality ( Shocked

), I was only trying to mention what I have recently heard regarding the area. Sorry if I somehow caused offense!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I was not offended. But really it SURPRISES me sometimes how some people make judgements about the world based on their lives in the West.
The world is a diverse and varied place. I find it strange that people just assume they can travel around and behave as they do in Malibu or wherever.