Job Discussion Forums

eha · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 355 Location: ME

'...Does having a family with younger kids shape your opinion of the pros and cons of Brunei? ...'

Doesn't it shape your opinion of anywhere? Certainly true in the Middle East: any of the countries I've been in are GREAT for kids--- some parents have had some reservations about the schooling available, but it seems a good trade-off against the knives, guns and dope culture that prevails in so many schools in the UK and USA. These countries -- and it seems Brunei is one of them--- are ALL great for families and for anyone for whom his/her working/ professional life isn't of paramount importance. As for the 'clique' factor: it's bound to feature in any situation where some people find that the status quo works nicely for them, and aren't too interested if it doesn't work for everyone!

BOBBYSUE · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 100

The Lemon · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 42

That's some serious axe-grinding going on in this thread. The astute reader will interpret the indiscriminate smears for what they are.

I was a two-contract'er in Brunei. I was treated well by CfBT and the school where I taught. The country and the working conditions weren't perfect - the MoE really needs to get out of its paper fetish - but Brunei was overwhelmingly good for my family and me.

My students, and the local and Malaysian colleagues in my staffroom, were a total joy to spend the days with.

That said, I did set fire to my record book prior to my departure. But there are far far worse places in the world to teach.

-Lemon, in no way a CfBT stooge

lorientravel · Joined: 10 Mar 2009 Posts: 23 Location: Canada

Hello to everyone out there interested in teaching. I have read ALL the posts about Brunei and the middle east. I am so CONFUSED!

I am currently a teacher in Vancouver,BC but looking to move on because I'm tired of unions here. I'm worried that I am making the wrong decision about moving away when I have a job here in Canada. (Still can't afford a house though).

I have applied to CfBT in Brunei- have not heard back yet. I have applied to Teach-Away and heard back about Abu Dhabi Public Schools and the Canadian School in Saudi Arabia.

As far as I can tell, Brunei would be a better option. I am single and don't have any children. BUT I am not interested in partying every weekend, I would rather save up some money, pay off students loans from long ago, and go on some nice holidays.

I am continuing with all the processing of applications and so on but would really like some guidance as to which direction I should be pointing myself.

Any help would be appreciated,
Lorien

eha · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 355 Location: ME

Lorien: if I were you, I'd keep an open mind until I got there. Then-- a more difficult thing--- I'd keep an open mind WHILE I was there! You can see from the posts that people have wildly different experiences of the same situation, same place. You really can't decide from reading at second hand about other people's experiences. I haven't been to Brunei, but have several friends who've done a stretch there--- some very negative reports, others mildly enthusiastic. Go, see for yourself, don't be influenced by other people's opinions. Some awful things happen to people in places where others are wallowing in wonderful experiences. (Germany in the 30s comes to mind! Not to mention some of my own tefling locations). Incidentally, I've taught high school in Canada, admittedly rather a long time ago, and I'd take Brunei!

BOBBYSUE · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 100

Well Brunei is not for everyone but I certainly love it here. The UAE in my experience has much more on offer in terms of Western style development BUT that means:

1. It is much more expensive to live and teachers are low down in the pecking order whereas we have a high status and standard of living here
2. There is sleaze, really deadly traffic (cannot be overstated how much this afffects your everyday mood) and all the other dark side of development which you just do not see here

But in Brunei you have to be prepared to make your own entertainment (you won't be lonely as the social life sucks you in straight away if you want it to) and you must be prepared for to live in the first world then teach in the third world every day...can be frustrating and you must be professional and not let it show.

But many of the frustrations associated with Brunei are those you would associate with going to any different culture. On the other hand, CfBT treat us pretty well compared to most places and the lifestyle is a very good compensation. The salary also looks lower than other places but with the various allowances, the cost of living and zero tax, I save more here than I did in the UAE. Colleagues here who used to work on the NET scheme say the same, even though their salaries seem higher.

Ultimately though it's about a match between you and the place...and 50% of that is about you!

There are a couple of Canuks on the CfBT website (teacher interviews) don't know if you have already contacted them. The application process takes some time because the MoE has to approve them and their wheels don't move very quickly....

Good luck!