Job Discussion Forums

[abdulrahman]

Assallam Alaikum Everybody!

As the title says I am a white muslim revert with a BA in Philosophy from Upstate New York, and I am interested in teaching english in either Oman or Egypt. I have no teaching experience so far, not even the TEFL certificate as of yet, but I do plan on paying for the course if my future prospects look copacetic. From perusing the ME boards it seems that these two countries would be my best bet with my limited credentials. Muslim and non-muslim friends have given me mixed opinions on the matter of teaching abroad as it would be outside my field, but a great life expanding experience. I am currently in a dead end relationship, looking to get out, and in debt which is a big negative, and unislamic as well. I am working as a lab tech, planning to go into Pharmacy school after finishing what will take two years of prereqs, but feel like I might be better off teaching abroad for 5 years or so, saving up some money, extricating myself from the draining relationship, and strengthening my religion.

So, what do you guys think? After the recent Israeli-Lebanon war, is a dearth of minimally qualified English language teachers in these two countries?

I could clear up a lot of negatives in my life by teaching abroad in the ME for a while, albeit push back my final Pharmacy objective a number of years, but life is more about the path, not the goal sometimes. I should add, also, that I was planning on bringing tons of books along with me to bone up on my Biology and Chemistry before going back to the US, and that drinking and the night scene really isn't for me as I am beyond that point in life.

Thanks,
Abdul Rahman

[stoth1972]

Well, you're right in naming those two countries w/ your lack of teaching experience. I think Egypt would be the more likely of the two. In Oman, usually at least a TESOL certificate, a BA and some prior experience is necessary for working at the less-than-desireable universities. I would check out Sohar and Nizwa, since they seem to be hiring those w/ out masters or teaching certification. The Omanis are lovely people, very genuine. They provide a more 'genuine' Gulf Arab experience, IMHO. As for primary and secondary school teaching, I can't comment specifically, but I can think of at least one school that would hire you w/ your qualifications, so I'm sure there are many more. The cost of living is higher in Oman than Egypt, though if you take a job in the smaller towns, then you'll have less ways to spend your money for sure. As usual, you should expect the places that hire the less qualified to be less-than-idea in terms of work conditions. Just a word of warning...

Egypt has many language schools that will hire college graduates w/ no teaching certifcation nor experience. These jobs will tend to max out around $1500 USD/month, will usually provide an annual air ticket (some buy for you, others will have you buy the ticket, and you'll be reimbursed partially at the beginning of your contract and the rest at the end of the contract), and will either offer shared accommodation with one of your colleagues or some insanely small stipend (though you can get a very decent place on limited funds in a country like Egypt). Given that you're male and have a degree in Philosophy, it's quite likely they'll have you teaching Middle School or High School English, Social Studies, etc., unless you profess great skills in maths or science. University teaching in Egypt w/o experience, a masters, a diploma, or some combination of those 3 is not likely, but I'll let the AUC peeps on the board speak more about that! I would think Egypt would be the better choice for making money between those two countries.

As for being a revert in the Middle East, I offer some caution as to what to expect. I've met many reverts over the years who've anticipated a wonderful experience living in a Muslim country (I think mainly of Egypt when I type this), but have been sorely disappointed. Lots of stuff happens every day in Egypt that is very much contradictory to Islam. Yes, we could say that of any country in relation to its predominant religion, but anyone who's lived in Egypt will attest to the daily frustrations, which include a good bit of cheating, lying, and general trickery (I should say I love Egypt-so much I had to marry one in order to keep a memento). A sheikh in Cairo spoke in a mosque a few years ago, and said something to the effect of: I've travelled all over the world, and seeing Islam everywhere, but no Muslims, and now I return to Egypt and see Muslims everywhere, but no Islam.

I think it took me a while to understand that the appearance of religion didn't mean that the people I was seeing were truly religious. Once one digests that, it's a lot easier to get with life there. Good luck to you! If you should have more questions, please feel free to PM me.

[abdulrahman]

Thanks, Stoth1972. I appreciate your advice.

[007]

[quote="stoth1972"]...A sheikh in Cairo spoke in a mosque a few years ago, and said something to the effect of: I've travelled all over the world, and seeing Islam everywhere, but no Muslims, and now I return to Egypt and see Muslims everywhere, but no Islam.

The above Sheikh is the famous Sheikh Mohammed Abdo, and He is very well know Islamic scholar (not few years ago, but was in the 18th century).
When he visited France around 1883., and when returning to Egypt, he said: "I have seen Islam without Muslims in the West, and Muslims without Islam in the Arab world".

[veiledsentiments]

I just wanted to add to what Stoth says... concerning pay. With your lack of experience and credentials, don't expect to be able to save much money. You can, at best, probably be able to support yourself and cover your monthly debt back home.

Personally my advice would be to stay in the UK, finish your goal of an education in your chosen field (which has a much better future), and straighten out your personal and financial problems without running away. The Middle East and the EFL occupation have many lost souls who never managed to get back home...

VS

[abdulrahman]

Good advice, VS. It looks like I will stay.

[sidjameson]

You have to laugh. The OP equiped with a BA in philosophy even, managed to totally change his mind in little over 12 hours and 3 replies to his post. I wonder how long it took him to convert to Islam?

[veiledsentiments]

Well, he did have a number of threads going, so there are also answers on those. I think it was just one of those ideas that one gets one evening... and there is that rumor constantly swirling about how one can go the Middle East and make the big bucks teaching English and one need only be a breathing English speaker...

I'd give him credit for being a fast learner...

VS

[abdulrahman]

It took me four years to finally make the decision to change my religion. I should have done it a long time before, my life would have been that much better. I only really learned about Islam in 2000, and then converted in 2004.

In regards to teaching english in the ME, I pretty much knew everyone would recommend against it, having the credentials or lack thereof that I do. But I thought I would put myself out on the line, explain my situation and then get some tailored advice. Maybe someone else out there has a similar placement in life and could use this branch of the forum.

But if anyone else has different advice, or something significant to add, I will keep coming back here to check it out.

Salaam,
Abdul Rahman