Job Discussion Forums

Tomgoldman · Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Posts: 8

Is there any country in the Middle East where a very qualified (M.Ed. TESOL and 20+ years experience)and energetic 62 year can find an ESL position? Please help.

crocus · Joined: 01 Feb 2004 Posts: 79

Hi Tom

Try SQU in Oman - there are quite a few of us golden oldies there.

All the best,
Crocus

cody jarrett · Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Posts: 21 Location: Middle East

Try KFUPM as well. You will be a youngster there!
They have just advertised and are in need of teachers.
Cody

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 3:05 pm Post subject:

The Gulf region is one part of the world where "ageism" is not much of an issue - in fact, many employers here prefer "older" applicants, and are wary of those in their 20s both because of their (probable)lack of experience and because they are perceived as being less "stable" esp. if they are single. Also, in our "profession" teachers who are perceived as being a kind of "parent figure" to their students are valued in this culture.

However, I have heard that some of the Gulf countries have an age limit of 60 for foreign applicants. I also suspect, however, that, like so much else, this may be more "flexible" than at first appears.

Gnome · Joined: 05 May 2004 Posts: 74

I have been turned down by 2 Canadian hospital recruiters who were looking for EFL Instructors for Saudi. They clearly stated that was the only reason. The latest was just this past summer. As well, there have been more and more ads on the International Job site that state an age limit, usually under 55 and many under 50. Jubail College and the MLI are prime examples. Good luck to anyone over 60. I am "just" 57.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

In Saudi the official retirement date in government service is 60. You can apply for an extension but you won't get an intial contract there if you will turn 60 before you finish.

Remember also that they use the Hijri calendar. so you may in fact be a year older than you think are.

The private sector and autonomous institutions such as KFUPM do not have these restrictions.

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

The age limit for KFUPM is 60.

I would apply for everything in Saudi thou because although they have lots of laws here they tend to ignore them when they feel like it

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

TİNS ın Dammam

dialogger · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 419 Location: China

I have just been informed by a major institution in Oman that they cannot get the government to issue work permits for over 60 y o teachers.
I gathered that the institution itself was relaxed about age though.