Job Discussion Forums

hesaka · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 2

Just looking for some advice before I start looking for a job in a language school or international school in Morocco (I have qualifications/experience for both)...I am in the UK at the moment, but I would like to move there sometime this summer. My fiance is Moroccan and we are planning to get married next year and stay in Morocco for a couple of years. Should I mention my personal situation when sending out my CV and speculative letters? Or is it better to keep this to myself at this stage? Does it make any difference (either way) in the way an employer in Morocco would view my application? Any advice would be appreciated.

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

I don`t think it matters.
What matters is your background, education, and experience.

steady · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 72 Location: Morocco

I would mention it in your cover letter. For an employer, it shows a reason for coming to the country. Morocco is a place where most EFL teachers stay for a year. It can be a positive aspect to your application that you may be here for a couple of years or longer.

Africaexpert · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 109

OTOH, teachers hired in-country usually do not get paid as well or get as attractive bennies as teachers hired out of the country, for example, the return airfare.

You don't need to mention it.

steady · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 72 Location: Morocco

If you are not in Morocco when you make your application, then you will be hired as an 'out-of-country' teacher.

kellyc · Joined: 04 Jan 2007 Posts: 2

I would say yes do mention it.

I know from very recent experience, that when I was applying for jobs from the UK to teach here in Tunisia, I got extremely negative replies, change of tactic and mentioned my reasons for living in Tunisia, as my fiance is here, all of a sudden I had positive replies albeit, im still looking for work but it was amazing to see the change in attitude when i mentioned i would be living in Tunisia and me and my fiance intend to remain here.

I do not know what companies you are aiming for in Morrocco, but when i have recently contacted a few teaching schools i have been told that they only employ inside to their country, obviously this changes frequently but in my own personal experience i would recommend it.

Good luck

Kelly

medina · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 64 Location: Morocco

I'd take exception with what Kelly C. and someone else has written: that it's a plus for her to put in her application that she has a Moroccan fianc�.

I hate to say this (especially so close to Valentine's Day!!) but having a Moroccan fianc� or boyfriend does not mean this woman will be in Morocco for two years, or even one year for that matter. If things don't work out---and this happens in engagements between people who grow up in the same home town in Kansas, so what about people who grow up in completely different cultures, speak different languages, have been raised in different religions, and have very different priorities in life---then it could be that the woman will be on the next plane home. Where else is she going to go to get over a broken heart?

If they were already married, then, of course, the story's quite different.

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

I met this nice bargirl when I was last in Bangkok last week. Now, we�re getting married soon and buying a house in Udon Thani in the north east of the country. I had a slight problem when I found out foreigners can�t own property there, but luckily I can if I put it in her name. I can�t wait. I know most people think relationships like this end in tears (mine) when she and her brothers tell me to get stuffed, but I just know she�s different.

It makes me smile. The only women I ever taught with in Morocco were there for one reason and one reason only � a Moroccan man or men. Fair play to them and all that. A lot of Moroccan men are very good looking. But then again, so are Asian women, but men who go teach in Thailand are labelled as whoremongers.

Oh well, I doubt such men could care less when their lifestyles in Thailand are way way better, and what�s more their students would give them the time of day.

Urban_Kitten · Joined: 21 Jul 2004 Posts: 81

It will be of no advantage to put this in your cover letter. None whatsoever.

steady · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 72 Location: Morocco

steady · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 72 Location: Morocco

Hesaka has presumably lost interest in her post, but why do you say that, Urban_Kitten?

Urban_Kitten · Joined: 21 Jul 2004 Posts: 81

For one thing, every native speaking teacher that I have met with a Moroccan fiance or husband - even unknownst to her - will sooner or later be pressured to start the visa process back home. Two colleagues of mine with Moroccan boyfriends, and became pregnant. Both broke their contracts and returned to the States to have their babies. One married woman I know was under increasing pressure by her husband to restrict her teaching hours. I just don't believe that having a Moroccan boyfriend/fiance/husband shows any great sense of stability.

TwinCentre · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 273 Location: Mokotow

I agree with the above, don't mention it. Just go about your business...

steady · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 72 Location: Morocco

Think Hesaka has gone off the boil.

hesaka · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 2

Thanks for your feedback everyone. It has been very useful (...well most of it!). I have got a job there now. I didn't mention it in my letters/applications, but I was open about it at interviews as I think it was important to explain the situation at that stage.