Job Discussion Forums

[Pinocchio]

I�d appreciate advice on Middle East/Gulf teaching vacancies.

(1) What kind of jobs am I eligible for (an uncertified teacher - no ME experience)?
(2) How, where and when can I apply for M.E./Gulf jobs?
(3) How long does it take to get a teaching visa?
(4) What countries/locations/schools should I avoid?

Quals
- B.A. (psych. & sociology (dissertation) - Masters in Regional & Resource Planning (1st class hons., thesis) - C.E.L.T.A.. - Unfinished Ph D. (non English related).

TEFL Experience
- 2 years Korean language institute �1 year Korean public middle school (3,000 hours).
- I�ve taught: general, conversation & business English, academic essay writing, speech prep/presentation, e-learning (computing), acting, singing, cooking, and modeling.
- I�ve edited/proof read school documents/essays/news papers etc.
- I�ve taught elementary/middle/high school, university, adults, teachers, and business students.

Bio
- I�ve extensive managerial and staff training experience (govt. dept. & banking).
- I own a tourist business (specializing in adventure activity training).
- I�m single, white, 51 years, male, and a dual citizen (commonwealth country & British).

Any advice appreciated.

[helenl]

You don't have the quals usually required for teaching English at the "desirable" tertiary level in UAE. However, your other than English experience may be attractive to certain HCT colleges who are offering Travel and Tourism and Sports Management Diplomas. Check HCT's website to see what's currently available and where.

At most tertiary institutions (ADU being a notable exception apparently) you will arrive, they will take your passport and your visa will be given within 10 - 14 days max.

If you do a search on these boards for the specific countries you are interested in (I'm familar with Oman, Qatar and UAE) you should be able to find a lot of information in order to make more focused inquiries (that will yield much more meaningful answers than I've been able to provide)

[Pinocchio]

Thank you for your prompt and helpful info. I've only recently decided that a change of climate/culture is what I need (snowing today in Seoul) - so I have a lot of research to do.

When does the academic year begin in ME/GULF?
I may have to work in a language institute to begin with (urghhhhh) - so I'd also appreciate any comments/info on language institutes.

[veiledsentiments]

It is a good idea to spend some time researching here on various countries and institutions. That will help to focus your questions. You will find many recommendations and warnings about various employers.

I can tell you that the academic year in the Middle East is from late August/early September to late May/early June. As to the work visa, you would be hired from overseas and the employer handles the employment visa. All dependable employers provide them within 1-4 months of arrival depending on country and how efficient their HR department is...

VS

[Pinocchio]

[veiledsentiments]

Definitely not... you are brought in on a standard visa used by the employers to bring in new staff. They will have your passport for that time period getting the temporary visa turned in a residence/work visa, but this rarely is a problem. The procedures are set and known by the government.

Check out any new employer here to see if you need to support yourself for any length of time before they get things organized. The best employers provide funds to live on almost immediately, while other are notoriously slow and you might have to bring funds to support yourself for - worst case I arrived in August and was first paid in January. But, I was warned and prepared. Most land somewhere in the middle of that range.

VS

[Pinocchio]

Wow. That's good advice. Thank you.
I'm a survivor of Korean ESL, so I'm finding it hard to believe that anyone would work for all those months without being paid. Where's the guarantee that you'ld be paid at all?

Just keep this stuff coming. I'm definitely on a steep learning curve for the Middle East.

Some more info: Do teachers have easy internet access (home and school)?

Are ME private institute employers as notorously bad/exploitative employers as they are in Korea?

[veiledsentiments]

[Pinocchio]

Thanks for this excellent advice. I'll do more research and get back with some questions.

PS: I haven't got the time (or energy now) to give a description of what 'exploitative' means in Korea. I have to say, I sure won't be sad to see the back of some of the nonsense I've encountered in the Land of Morning Kaos.

Cheers.

[veiledsentiments]

Anyone that is interested can always head over to the Korea board and read around. Most of us have worked with ex-Korea hands, so we know some of the problems that can be encountered. Better to spend your time reading around in this section to see if you are jumping from the frying pan into the fire. (it will seem hot enough actually...)

VS