Job Discussion Forums

SandyM · Last edited by SandyM on Wed Mar 30, 2005 9:00 am; edited 1 time in total

I've been reading a few of the postings on this forum, and it seems that you guys are working for peanuts.

If you are properly qualified as a teacher, with more than just the Celta (e.g., Dip., Masters or PGCE), you can make at least $3000 a month in the Gulf states, with another two or three thousand's worth of benefits (accommodation, flights, school fees) on top. And that's just the starting salary, at a Uni or College (forget the language schools there - all dreadful!).

So, if you are a real teacher, come and join the expats in the Gulf. OK, avoid Saudi - but Russia's hardly a bed of roses, is it?

Try this place for starters...

http://www.hct.ac.ae

and go for the 'employment' section.

Sandy

Volodiya · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 8:43 am Post subject:

I'm sure your advice is well intended, but surely most people are working where they want to work, and accept the fact that "their" part of the world doesn't offer salaries as high as some others that, for them, lack the personal appeal.

I came, because of a life-long curiosity about the place, it's history, and a love of Russian literature and classical music. I wanted to experience the land that produced these. I had adventures and experiences that are irreplaceable. I can remember many of them, vividly, and they were among the most exceptional of my life.

Those who stay, long-term, find ways to improve their financial situation.

SandyM · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 8:58 am Post subject:

Yes, Vlad I did that too - and even ended up with a foreign wife! However, when I really needed to make some money (when the kids came along), and not just survive on the local pittance plus a few privates, I had to look 'out of the box', as they say all too frequently these days.

It doesn't have to be permanent, either. Three year contracts are the norm there, although many folk I met in the Gulf had been there since the late 1980s!

Russia will always be there for you to enjoy - and you can return each summer (look forward to all those flies!). And the Gulf countries have their own culture, which is every bit as absorbing as Russia's. So, take advantage of the Gulf while you can - the oil ain't gonna last forever!

Sandy

zaneth · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 12:20 pm Post subject:

Sounds suspiciously like a recruitment post. I believe there are specific places on the board for that. This isn't one of them.

I suggest a self edit.

SandyM · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 3:29 pm Post subject:

Well, hold your suspicions, Zaneth - I'm not in the recruitment business, not at all. Go check my blog if you dooubt me!

http://tefltrade.blog-city.com

It could of interest to you, especially if you're a Brit and thinking of returning home.

Sandy

malcoml · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 215 Location: Australia

I think for some Russia offers way more than money could buy. Well the $3000 a month your talking about anyway.

SandyM · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 4:55 pm Post subject:

I don't doubt it, malcolml, but on top of the tax-free cash there's a large apartment (200m2) to consider, school fees for Brit-curriculum schools, and of course the weather - beach every weekend!

I too worked in the former SovU for many years, but I grew tired of the climate (both societal and the weather), the lack of decent schools and hospitals - and the lack of a proper salary.

If you're at the same stage of life, then now's the time to make the change.

malcoml · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 215 Location: Australia

SandyM

What I'm getting at Sandy is that it is my opinion and the opinion of others that some men would go there and teach for nothing whilst living in a flat that had no heater or running water just for the chance to date some Russian women.
I dont think there going to get that action in the Middle East

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

and you can drink alcohol and eat pork.
That is hard to do in muslim countries.

canucktechie · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 343 Location: Moscow

True you won't find much port in Muslim countries, but you won't have any problems with booze (except in Saudi and Iran).

Russian connection: Efes beer, which is a big Turkish brand, now popular in Russia.

zaneth · Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 10:14 am Post subject:

So Russia boils down to beer, pork, and women?

How sad.

bobs12 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 310 Location: Saint Petersburg

zaneth · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 6:27 am Post subject:

'Yep' sad?

or 'yep' beer pork women?

SandyM · Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 2:24 pm Post subject:

No pork, beer or women in the Gulf? Don't you believe it, kidder. The UAE is full of both - let me explain...

Pork: plenty available at the Western supermarkets - there's usually a special section for it, away from the other meats (so's not to contaminate!).

Beer: gallons of stuff available friom hotel bars, as well as wine and spirits, and you don't need to buy a meal with it. Foreigners can get an alcohol licence, which enables them to spend up to 10% of their salary on booze from regulated 'off-licences' around the cities. Alcohol is prohibited only tt muslims, y'see.

Muff: none of the local variety availabe, of course - that's all spoken for. BUT, this is a country of 3 million, and only 500,000 are local Emiratis. So there's plenty of available women here - from other Arabs, to Fillipinos, to Westerners, and Russians (although the later will probably cost you about $100 anight!).

good luck

sandy

maruss · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 1145 Location: Cyprus

I have seen SO many foreign guys lose their heads over Russian women and from my own experience, especially in Moscow and even more so if they much under about 35, men are a means to an end for most of them!
Of course there are exceptions to the rule everywhere but in a country where there is so much corruption and lack of opportunity to build a decent life for so many of the population, can we really say we blame them and would not do the same ourselves in their shoes??
I'm not digging at the Russian people as I have some great friends there, just at the whole rotten system and society!

Enjoy yourselves guys, but remember it's usually just that-when it starts to become more than that for you, then stop it, unless the feeling is mutual of course!