Job Discussion Forums

[InterRick]

I would appreciate any advice from the vets here.

Neither my bachelors nor advanced degree is in education, but I possess TESOL certification and six years experience teaching internationally (Mexico and Asia).

I'd like next to try somewhere in the ME, and I am interested in which countries the experienced among you might consider best overall. I realize this will come down in many cases to personal preference, but most important for me are salary, decent housing, vacation, and at least something to do within a reasonable distance. I have interests with which I can entertain myself, but I am not a complete hermit. I'd like to do something interesting most weekends.

I also realize the city/countryside differences, but as a whole what countries would you recommend?

[basiltherat]

Hi
Well, I'd give Syria some consideration. You probably won't make a fortune salary wise but the other factors you mention are pretty much applicable to Syria. Housing is quite adequate; especially in Damascus, Fridays and Saturdays are generally off wherever you work; giving you time to explore the wealth of history the country offers.

There's a nice beach a few hours ride away in Lattakia and you're within striking distance of Lebanon. You therefore won't have much trouble filling your weekends. Inter-city coach transport is pretty efficient,mostly comfortable and frequent.

It's comparatively liberal when one considers conditions in the Gulf and the people are very hospitable.

Employers to consider could be the British Council or New Horizons. I believe ALC are also up and running again but you may need to contact them direct to confirm this. They have a website.

Google 'syria' on this site (and others) and read the various posts/threads.

I might be returning there soon so if you end up there, let me know and we could meet up
Best
Basil

[InterRick]

Thanks, Basil.

There's not even a forum for Syria, but I'm "davling" it.

What would a ballpark salary there be?

[basiltherat]

Like anywhere, there are so many variables but cash wise, you're probably looking at anywhere between $1500 and say $3000 a month net.
You may have to figure in accommodation etc.

Anyway, I'd say 2000 to 2500 inc accommodation would be quite good (British Council, for example). The same without accommodation would be about the ballpark you're asking for.

Damascus jobs are as above. The higher end of the pay scale (and over) is doing oil/gas companies in the fields; which is not for everyone !. There, of course, all and sundry is provided; food, accomm, laundry etc.

Best for now.
Basil

[helenl]

The highest paying jobs in the GCC require an MA (in some form of TEFL) plus post grad years of experience. BTR probably has some good leads for you.

[InterRick]

So what is the best someone like myself with an advanced degree NOT in English, education, or TEFL can expect?

[helenl]

You won't be considered by the top tier (HCT, ZU, UAEU, SQU, etc.) schools period. You might pick up work with a language school but without any kind of EFL certification, even that is iffy. That leaves you with the bottom feeders (no ticket, no medical,no accomodation and not paid enough/on time to get a place to live on ones own) - Maybe AED8,000 to 10,000??? but that would be pushing the upper part of the range.

There are too many people who have much better qualifications and significantly more experience than you have posted. There are also many people already here on their spouse's sponsorship who are taking these jobs as well (saves the employer a ton of money on visas, etc.)

[InterRick]

With my doctorate, TESOL cert, and six years experience?

I already have an offer for significantly more than that with all the perks in KSA. I stand to find out about another offer from Oman in a couple of days for just slightly less salary with all perks.

I was just asking because I like to keep all my options open until I absolutely must choose.

How much better will I look after I have a year experience in the ME?

[veiledsentiments]

If it is all about the money, KSA will be the one where you can get the most cash for unrelated credentials. This is true mostly because many people do not want to put up with the negatives of living there.

The problem for you is that the higher pay/better condition jobs in the rest of the Gulf are the ones who tend to be the pickiest about related degrees. Now if you had 10+ years of Middle East experience teaching Academic English that might get you into them... if they still needed teachers. One year experience won't move you up the ladder with them.

Oman is known to be the lowest pay of the Gulf. But, people go there because it has the most to offer outside work if you are into outdoor activities. (and nice students too)

VS