Job Discussion Forums

Manny2 · Joined: 16 Mar 2006 Posts: 143

Smooth Operator why don't you just fill in the online application for the HCT and ZU with a view to a Sept 07 start and see if you pass the initial screenings and get an interview. That should answer your question. I know some places are very specific when it comes to ESL teachers , in a recent ad from the the American University of Sharjah specifically stated that those with English Lit qualifications need not apply.

Plus with your qualifications and the fact that you have been a 'content' teacher rather than say ESL have you looked into the possibility of teaching similar content courses here and you may then qualify for a better salary than an English faculty. What you don't want to do is take a job where they devalue the 'colour' of your MA or teaching experience.

Gauguin · Joined: 28 Aug 2005 Posts: 54 Location: At the Cutting Edge

SM, I just spoke to our head. What is your BA in?

It has been known for people to be taken on by HCT for their business MA then because they have experience in teaching English they are used as English teachers. Once in the system colleges are free to use you as they, and you see fit. The pay is the same. Manny2 makes a good point.

I'd apply if I were you. Good Luck

gauguin

Smooth Operator · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 140 Location: Japan

Thanks for the replies, all very enlightening and good info for people in a similar situation to myself.

Gauguin, I wish my BA or MA were in business then I might be a more wealthy man! Anyway, for the record, the MA is in International Relations and the BA in History. I guess for teaching in the ME I would pitch myself as an EAP and academic writing 'specialist' with fairly strong IT skills.

To be honest, I have a contract here which I will see out to March 2008 but after that I'd like a new challenge. Without doubt, the lifestyle in parts of the ME appears very attractive. Besides, there is certainly nothing wrong with forward planning - that's how I got my present position.

Thanks again guys.

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

Smooth op--I am curious--why would you want to come to the Middle East to work, especially if you have a Japanese spouse? Shallow as Japanese society can be, Japan is nonetheless a significant upgrade in every dimension from the ME. Why would you want to downgrade, unless you are seriously into falconry, camel racing and Islam? And pub-crawling with EFL teachers? I went from a cushy college job in Nagoya to Saudi Arabia (yecch!) because I had to, and subsequently made the change to Dubai (much better)...but if there were still decent jobs in Japan with the same salaries as in 1992, I would go back. I suspect your wife didn't really spend a whole lot of time in a Muslim country...I simply cannot imagine a Japanese woman wanting to live here indefinitely if she really understood what it is. Dubai might be an exception--it can be fun if you don't mind Bangkok-style traffic.

Smooth Operator · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 140 Location: Japan

Strange as it might seem, my wife lived for 2 years in a small desert town in a Muslim country and is always pestering me to go back and visit it with her. Anyway, there are a few reasons why I might leave:

1) Increasing pressure in my present job making it less satisfying than before. The tipping point hasn't come yet but could be around the corner.

2) I have seen most of what East Asia has to offer and living in the ME would give me a nice opportunity to explore the region, including North Africa.

3) No winters, although this one hasn't been so bad so far.

4) Simply a new challenge - I have been in Japan a few years now and it's getting a little stale. Not to mention the very poor exchange rate and demographic crunch this country is facing.

5) I get the sneaking feeling that some ME universities might offer a better lifestyle in terms of housing and facilities than Japan. This might be coloured by those jobs in Saudi Arabia which provide compound housing with swimming pools and cable TV. Cool

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Smoothie... are you aware that you are trading winter in Japan for a long hot summer that has to be experienced to be believed? Japan can be hot and sticky in the summer... but, if you are some place like the Emirates coast... think way hotter and way more humid... for about 6-8 months of the year.

If you are in an inland area far from the sea, it will be less humid... but hotter...

Everything is well air-conditioned though...

VS

Gauguin · Joined: 28 Aug 2005 Posts: 54 Location: At the Cutting Edge

I would still apply to HCT, SO, and see what they say. We live in interesting times.

I'm in Ras Al Khaimah. It's very hot in the summer but at the moment we are all freezing our...., well you get the picture. We have a Japanese lady here teaching maths and IT.

Globalnoman2, unlike you to be so negative. camels are nice animals and there's nothing wrong with EFL teachers (much) and, you obviously got in with the wrong crowd in Saudi. It's a wonderful place, I spent 11 months 2 weeks , four day, 6 hours and 27 happy minutes there. Endless fun!

Come on VS, tell us more about your 'hot and sticky' time in the UAE.

Apologise for the jovial mood, I'm on me holidays tomorrow.

gauguin