Job Discussion Forums

[SUZUKI]

In Saudi Arabia, what is the upper age limit (for first hire) for a male English Language teacher? Is this limit rigidly enforced or are there exceptions?

[sheikh radlinrol]

[johnslat]

Dear SUZUKI,
The bad news:"Moreover, mandatory age ceilings of 55 in Saudi Arabia and along the Gulf, and of 60 in Thailand and a string of other countries badly in need of experienced TESOLers, impose an absolute and invidious barrier to the more seasoned in our ranks looking for a new post in dynamic markets. Such applications are normally binned upon receipt."

http://www.iatefl.org/content/newsletter/168.php

The good news: Even government schools/institutions will sometimes ignore the "after 55 you're not alive" rule (at the IPA when I was there, there were teachers over 55, even close to 60, that were hired, and for private schools, the age limit doesn't apply

[Mia Xanthi]

We have some "seasoned" professionals where I work, well above the youthful age of 55. Doesn't seem to pose much of a barrier here.

[007]

Well, in the magic kingdom if they need you, they will hire you regardless of your age or your photo!. The age limit for retirement for English teachers is 62 (at least on paper!).
As far as the Magic Kingdom is concerned, culture of 'anti-ageism' is far much better than in South Korea or Japan!

[johnslat]

Sometimes there are advantages to being in a country where wasta always trumps the law.

[scot47]

Some places ask you to go at age 60. Some may interpret that to mean 60 hegira or lunar years, ie 58 years and 4 months in the Gregorian calendar.

Other employers are more generous.

[ghost]

That is one of the positives about Saudi. The apparent lack of 'ageism' compared with other TEFL places like Japan/Korea/Taiwan.

The Saudi students show a lot of respect for the older teachers, and will come out with compliments like: "Teacher, you very good teacher," "Teacher, you best teacher here," "Teacher, you very handsome," and other compliments like this. It can be quite an ego booster, as you don't usually receive those kinds of strokes in other locales, but you have to take those compliments as being part of the culture here.

Some of the most effective teachers at the place I teach at in Saudi are over 60, and have a successful way in managing their classes (in the Orientation program). They know how to get the best out of their students, and this can be a balancing act, between being strict (in the classic sense) and showing kindness and empathy.

Happy Holidays, to all.

Ghost in Saudi

[battleshipb_b]

Most government places let you stay on until 63 and then it is a case by case scenario.
For government hirings, the upper age limit seems to be 58 -59 and in some cases, if they are very needy, 60. I have heard of only one case of a 61 year old being hired by a government university. Private universities have their own rules and some do hire people more than 60.
Private institutions also have more freedom, some people have been able to stay on until 68 or 70.

Most students show their teachers respect, however after teaching here for more than 18 years I've noticed a big change with the younger generation. They can be more sassy and sometimes rude but usually the higher-ups will back you with a rule student. The main thing is to show them respect, if you respect them, they'll respect you.

[scot47]

Ageing male teachers sleazy ? Ageist !

[scot47]

So MEscrubber does not like the mature male ?

[veiledsentiments]

Isn't "mature male" an oxymoron?

VS

(sorry... just couldn't resist... )

[sheikh radlinrol]

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

Deliberately misquoting another member will get you banned here and this has happened on this thread. Postings relating to the misquote have also been deleted.