Job Discussion Forums

[grab-bag]

Try the UAE I have a lot of consultancies there and that's where most of the jobs are. HCT is always hiring and does not need an MA. You can carry on with your studies while you work there. It's not the best place around but pays well and some of the colleges are cleaning up their act. When DWC gets rid of Howie, it could be a great place. So check out what's on offer in the UAE. TESOL Arabia, coming up in two weeks is a good place to job hunt if you're in the region. Check out their website.

[tek44]

With your quals, I think it is better to stay in Korea. You may find a job in Kuwait, but the pay would not be that good. Look at the ME after you get an MA. Just a thought.

[15yearsinQ8]

first do you gross or net 2,800 usd monthly?
could be a big difference
regardless, let me proceed
2,800 clams is 741.972 kuwait dinar
which is in the band of pay for teachers with your quals

to answer your direct questions, yes you're qualified
you'd get about the same
probably more but
if you get a paid apartment, it won't be fantastic
if you feel drawn to kuwait, people do live here/survive/thrive - it's what you make of it

[British Tutor Q8]

DELETE PLEASE ?

Why just edit ?

[grab-bag]

First time I've seen this happen to you VS!!! What did you say? I know you didn't cotton to Q8 but then if someone has an attitude, it makes life difficult. Even so, some of your comments are valid.

Q8 is a tough place to get to know but once you're here it's not so bad. I've been in Q8 for close to 2 decades and after working in staid and quiet Qatar for a few years, it was a welcome change. (My experience at QU however was quite positive, but the money was real bad as we had part of our salaries cut in summer. In those days the salaries were not on par with other universities in the region. I've heard that's changed and the salaries are reasonable. I had to leave because working there turned into a misery. One teacher who loved spying and humiliating people made life so unbearable that I left. Unfortunately, this individual is now in a position of power which shows how he has been able to pull the wool over someone's blinkered eyes. I am long gone but a recently arrived ex QU teacher and unfair dismissal victim has confirmed that there is a lot of mismanagement and problems caused by the individual and his cronies. Too bad, I have good memories of QU - a nice place to work years ago.)

As for Q8, the 1990 war really messed things up: the people, the attitudes and the national psyche. Neveretheless, they have survived. If you take into consideration that this was a country that suffered a horrific attack and many losses, the fact that the people have managed to bounce back is nothing short of commendable.

Do I recommend Q8? - Yes, it you are ready to take a few hard knocks. It isn't easy to adapt after life in the far east. Some of the places are difficult to work for but there are a few which are just fine. However, if you are looking for an easy time of it, I'd recommend the UAE. Q8 does have its attractions, not the least of which is a resilient population, a good assortment of interesting expats and plenty to do if you know where to look. I find many Kuwaitis to be pretty on the ball about things, they have a world view which is not quite the same as the lower Gulf countries. The fact that it is dry does affect social life much.

Working here as a consultant has opened my eyes to a lot of bad practices but the foreigners are partially responsible for this. Once you get on the greed bandwagon, it's hard to get off and institutions which are out to make money don't have too many scruples. Too many power hungry foreigners can cause a lot of trouble and misery for other expats.

[veiledsentiments]

[grab-bag]

Unlikely you'd earn much more here. But try the Banking Institute, they are always looking and don't ask for an MA. KOC also has vacancies most of the time. Remember this is a dry country although the local brew is pretty good (but illegal).

[Surfing Instructor]

Why do these threads always end up with long term posters bickering?

[veiledsentiments]

You must be new here... not to mention I don't see any bickering here... are you trying to start some?

VS

[Surfing Instructor]

No, I am not new here. I am a longterm lerker.

Am I trying to start some bickering? No, if I had intended to do that I would have written something along the lines of.....

'If its not longterm posters bickering, its VS's ongoing replies to newbies very politely infering that anyone without an MA is some how inferior'.

[veiledsentiments]

It is not me that thinks that anyone without an MA is inferior, it is the employers. Since most people here are asking about employers, it is a crucial piece of information and I am not the only poster here who has to point out that reality.

Are you suggesting that this should be a secret amongst the old-timers to make the newbies waste their time applying to jobs that they can't get?

VS
(PS... it's "lurker")

[Surfing Instructor]

[veiledsentiments]