Job Discussion Forums

TONS · Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 14

We live in Cape Town, South Africa. My hubby teaches at a primary school. He has been in teaching for the past ten years and has high and primary school experience. He teaches maths, geography, technology, entrepreneurship and also coaches hockey and cricket and was a national rugby referee. He has a BA-degree with Geography and Pscychology as his major subjects. No TEFL qualification. I am a Communication Officer with a diploma in Journalism and a Honours Degree in Women and Gender Studies. I work at a university. We have a two year old daughter.

We have never left our country. We need to make a change as teachers earn very little in South Africa. He has been for two interviews to teach in Dubai and the SABI schools. He rejected the offer from Dubai as they only offered single accomodation. He has not heard from the SABI network yet but we have decided not to accept if he does get an offer, thanks to this forum! I have read about people's experiences which helps us a lot when it comes to making decisions.

Hubby is looking at Singapore, Kuwait and Dubai. My questions:

Is it viable to apply for jobs via the internet or through a local recruitment agency?
How would he know if a salary is good - what must he look for?
It seems South Africans get lower salaries - why is that?
Most of the schools start in September - does it mean there will be no jobs advertised till next year?

Thank you.

kaw · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 7:53 am Post subject:

You mentioned working in Singapore, Kuwait and Dubai (just Dubai or UAE in general?). It's probably a good idea to check out the forums on these specific countries as I'm sure you'll find many of your answers there.

TONS · Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 14

Thanks. Will do. I've been reading for the past few weeks and its very overwhelming, but helpful.

Thanks

Jetgirly · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 741

I used to regularly see ads in the Guardian for the Singapore public school system. The posts were offered directly by the government, not by a recruiter.

The_Hanged_Man · Joined: 10 Oct 2004 Posts: 224 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia

Your husband sounds like he may be qualified to teach at an international school. I suggest contacting the major recruiting agencies to see where he stands. You don't need to use one to find a job, but most teachers get their positions through recruiting fairs organized by an agency.
The two big ones are: www.iss.edu and www.search-associates.com

Also be sure to do your research about the school before signing a contract. There are some dodgy schools out there so be sure you know what you are getting yourself into before you take the plunge.

For your other questions: Most proper international schools offer a salary of at least around $30,000 USD, and would not pay you less because your nationality. Unfortunately at this point there is very little available in terms of positions as most of the recruiting is done in January and February. You can check www.tes.co.uk or www.tieonline.com for available positions.

mdk · Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Posts: 425

You could get a job in the US, I betcha. Try to get one in the sticks as opposed to an inner city. Someplace like Tuba City Arizona or Taft California ought to do.

If the school is willing to sponsor you for an H-1 visa you ought to be able to get one OK.

It's kind of slow in Taft, but maybe better than Dubai.

TONS · Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 14

Thanks. I really appreciate the advice. Will we be able to save in the US? Our main reason for leaving is to pay our house, car and to save on the side. We are looking at Singapore and countries alike where the salary is tax-free and the accomdation is subsidised or free.

mdk · Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Posts: 425

You might get housing if you teach on an indian reservation. You don't get any tax breaks in the US for teaching as far as I know. (Oh yeah, I tell a lie, there is a federal credit of $100 you can take yearly, if I recall - you would still face state and county taxes)

You can expect significant transportation expense. Some people get a motorcycle, but we in the medical business here refer to them as "organ donor candidates". My car eats up at least $400 a month.

tedkarma · Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 2:14 am Post subject:

If you really want to save money, the Middle East is the place to head, IMO/IME.

I would agree that www.iss.edu is probably the best place to start. Take your time - it takes a while to land the right situation. You don't want to end up somewhere you will hate.

Serious_Fun · Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 1171 Location: terra incognita

mdk · Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Posts: 425

de gustibus non disputandum est.

I am the man who taught 3 winters in Siberia. Taft or Tuba city would not be so bad. You can get over to the coast easily from Taft. it's not Fort Zinderneuf by any means.

Tuba City could be a bit of a squeeze, but I worked a half year in Gallup. If you're a desert rat, you've got all the south rim of the Grand Canyon and the Hopi country. For them as likes Tony Hillerman novels, it would have it's unique charm.

My first public health nursing post was Huron, California. I'ld take Taft over that any day.

Finally, in these modern times you can go home and watch the opera on your DVD or satellite TV. Close the drapes and you could be in Manhattan ... with a little imagination.

To paraphrase my old sargeant, "First we'll separate the men from the boys, then we'll separate the boys from the idiots and finally we'll let you idiots go overseas and teach ESL."

SydGirl2 · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 50

I taught in an International School in China where there were some South African teachers. They came because of the reasons the OP stated. They have had a wonderful time and have been there for 4 years. One teacher has a partner who was not a teacher, but he was given a job as a teachers' aide. My school paid well and provided good accommodation. Having said that, you were made to earn your money.PM me if you want more details.

tedkarma · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 12:20 am Post subject:

mdk · Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Posts: 425

Navajo can be a bit trying at times.... not that that is a BAD thing.

If you are seriously considering the four corners area, I would suggest the Hopi or the Zuni schools instead. They are a bit less....boisterous.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN