Job Discussion Forums

[Miss_Sha]

Hello all!

I'm very interested in teaching in an Arab country and I realize that there are many of them which have different things to offer. However, I'm not exactly sure of where I want to work. I'm hoping that some of you out there can give me some suggestions.

I know I'm going to get my bachelor's degree in TESL and I'm probably going to finish my master's degree as well. I have no actual teaching experience other than tutoring and some volunteer work. I know a bit of Arabic, maybe advanced intermediate, if that makes any sense. Do you know where I'd be qualified to work?

Ideally I want to teach secondary students. I'm mostly interested in culture and getting to know the locals. It'd be nice too if I could improve my Arabic as well. Socially, I'm not a night owl. I don't party, drink or smoke but I do like to be around some cinemas, malls/shopping centers and it'd be nice if there is a good variety of restaurants.

I'm single Muslim female. Would this affect my chance of getting a job? Do I have to look American to get a job? I know that some Arab countries and schools prefer more 'secular' teachers. Would wearing hijab hinder my job prospects? My name is pretty Western but I'm often confused for Omani or Egyptian.

As of right now the countries I'm looking at the most are: Oman, Yemen, U.A.E. (the smaller Emirates), Egypt, Libya and Jordan. However, I'm pretty much open minded about anywhere.

And just out of curiosity, where do you think the friendliest people are?

[Gulezar]

Saudi does offer that one great perk for Muslims and their families. You might be able to get the umhra and hadj in for yourself and other close relatives. The main questions are: "Can and do you want to live in a segregated society?"

Others will tell you differently, but I found Kuwait to be a tolerant place. I think I've mentioned before that it is one place in the Gulf that students have actually told me that there is a small percentage of Jewish and Christian nationals. My students, at least, seem to step very carefully around the Shiite and Sunni situation. There is a "we won't ask, and you don't have to tell" attitude.

I found in the UAE that my students would ask, and one's affiliation did matter, in their eyes.

Your experience in the Middle East depends a lot on the company with which you are working. Other folks have had a miserable time in Kuwait. Some people work for a lovely company in Saudi. Your employer and your colleagues can make or break your experience in any country in the Middle East.

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[Miss_Sha]

[Miss_Sha]

[veiledsentiments]

[Miss_Sha]