Job Discussion Forums

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

Hello guys. As the title says, is it possible to do this working at a university in the ME? I live a pretty frugal life (for example, going out for dinner only once or twice a month, rarely drinking in bars) but always travel in the 3-4 months off a year (albeit backpacker style). Can I save this much in the ME? Just wondering.

Thanks for any feedback.

NadiaK · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 206

With the current exchange rate and on a teacher's salary, I'd say you'd be lucky. Depending on salary (obviously), you could probably save GBP 1000+ per month in a good job; Most tertiary insitutions in the UAE pay about 20,000 per year starting salary, and I think they're probably among the better payers in the region. I'm open to correction, though!

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

You haven't mentioned your credentials. Unless you have an MA and very extensive related experience, you would be hard pressed to even find a salary of $40,000 per year.

Perhaps if you have a PhD... and a solid CV...

VS

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

Fair enough. An MA (but not in TESOL) and 6 years university teaching experience, mostly in EAP, academic writing and CALL. The ME is attractive but I am wondering how much a move there will affect my ability to save for a relaxing retirement. The packages on offer to university teachers in the ME seem very different to those in Japan, as regards taxes, accommodation, flights and so on. I am just trying to compare the bottom line. Thanks for the replies.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Are you able to save that much in Japan? I'm in Oman, which doesn't pay as well as other Gulf countries. The salary here is similar to what I was getting in Japan (although I wasn't earning one of the higher-end university salaries there... 300,000 in an IEP program), but given the tax-free status and the lower cost of living, saving is much easier here.

d

007 · Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 4:47 pm Post subject:

I doubt if he can save �20,000 a year, unless if he can live with �1 a day (assuming his monthly free tax salary is �1600).
But then he will die from malnutrition. Laughing

WD40 · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 104

There are many jobs in the ME that pay very well without the need for an MA - the more qualifications you have the better your chances. If you have a teaching qualification your chances of achieving better pay increases even further. Sadly, many but not all of the MA only qualified teachers I have worked with have very poor teaching methods. They have little ability to engage the students, have limited class management and lack empathy with the students. It is not always enough to have the theory if you lack the means of getting it across. One colleague who had an MA refused to be observed based on the fact that she had an MA. The new UAE programs being sponsored by ADEC specifically emphasize teaching qualifications and experience.

trapezius · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 10:27 pm Post subject:

I can't speak for other countries, but in Saudi Arabia, it is very easy to survive on SR. 1000/month, and thrive on SR. 2000/month. Taking the higher figure, that's USD 6,400/yr. Add to that some more and make it $7,500/yr.

Assuming free furnished accomodation, and health insurance and 1-2 tickets a year paid for, as long as one is making at least $47,500 a year, it is very easy to save $40,000 a year.

BTW, $47,500/yr = SR. 14,844/month.

Now, since not many higher education jobs in SA offer that kind of salary, it won't be that easy to save $40,000. But still one can easily save [yearly salary in $] - [$5,000 to $7,500].

BTW, Western schools in SA do offer salaries ranging from $45,000 to $60,000+ for overseas hired US/UK-qualified teachers with experience.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Outside BAE, Raytheon and Booze Allen, there are few people teaching EFL in KSA earning this sort of money. Most salaries are nearer US$3,000 a month than US$4,000 a month

canadashirleyblue · Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 162

I don't know how anyone could survive on 1000 SR a month. That's $270. I would have paid about that for groceries. I thought they were the same or more than I would have paid in Canada. Taxis are cheap. It would be a minimum fare of $1.35. The trips I made usually cost around $4 to $7. The airport was $20 one way. A meal at the Turkish restaurant would be around $10. The Japanese was more like $25. And then there is the phone, internet and tv. You need to buy your drinking water (more expensive than petrol). Employing a cleaner was really cheap. I had to pay for my exit and re-entry visas and 10% of my medical bills. It's not expensive as places go but I think survival would be in the 2000 SR range.