Job Discussion Forums

[JabberJabber2]

Hello, I've been perusing the board for a few weeks or so. Everyone seems quite helpful and a little less cynical than the Korea board - a nice change, I must admit.

So, I have a question for the experienced ME flock out there.

But first a little background,

I'm presently living & working in Korea; been here for the past ten years or so. I've worked in all areas of the Korean educational system; from kindergartens, to elementary schools, to middle schools and, all the way to the university level, where I have spent the last 3 years.
I have a B.A. in Eng.Lit, a M.Ling (TESL).

I am married and have a little 10 month old. My family and I have been thinking of heading to the homelands, but we are also thinking of making a detour to Dubai first.

So my question,
do you think Dubai is a good place to work? and save some good money?
what kind of job can I expect?
what can I expect as housing?

I guess that's 4 question, smiles.

Any and all help is much appreciated.

I must admit, a trip to a new land with a family is very different from the ones I took when I was single -so many more things to consider.

[helenl]

What are your priorities?

Saving money?
Quality of work environment?
Type of work - any preference?
Availability of employment for spouse?

There have been a number of posts on various of the above issues. Using the search function may allow you to narrow your questions down a bit?

[veiledsentiments]

First off, I would expand my search outside Dubai... which is just one big overcrowded, traffic choked city which doesn't provide either the highest pay or the best conditions in the Gulf. The only group that it offers more positives than the rest of the area is for the young and single who requires parties, booze, and ladies of the evening.

With a Masters in Linguistics (TESL) that should open the door to the national universities around the Gulf. I'd take the time to use "The Google" and check them out in Qatar, the UAE, and Oman. They are looking for related MAs with related university experience, so that is what to emphasize on your applications. They all have a foundations English program which emphasizes reading and writing since they are the weakest skills of Arabic speakers. And of course, take a few hours and read the threads here on each country. You will start to pick up on good and bad employers, though it can take awhile to figure out all the acronyms. Then you head to their websites where they usually list openings and allow online applications. It is too late for September hires, but many will be hiring for 2nd semester in January/February.

You should be able to get the equivalent to US$3500-4500 plus the usual Gulf perks of housing, furniture allowance, flights for 6-12 week summer leaves, medical coverage, annual gratuity, school fees for your child if you are there long enough. And this comes in a 2 or 3 year contract.

VS
(hi helen... we are "synchronized posting" again...)

[JabberJabber2]

[JabberJabber2]

[helenl]

Uaeu (quite correct VS - am jet lagged) , HCT, AUS, PI all offer good packages and don't overload you (too much, except for endless meetings at some places) in terms of class time - generally 20 contact hrs or less depending on enrollment.

Saving? Depends on your needs/wants - Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be expensive in terms of children's education (most places don't give you a big enough allowance to cover tuition at a desirable school - but your baby won't need that for a while anyways) and in entertainment if your tastes run to 5* hotel dining, joining a health club at one of the hotels, etc.

[veiledsentiments]

AU? I think helen meant UAEU? Also, there is ECAE although they don't hire many each year. With your experience at so many levels, they may give your CV a close look. Have you done any teacher training? You would need to do a bit of CV adjustment to meet their needs and wants.

All of them provide decent conditions, good facilities, nice housing, and if you can't save, you are partying much too much.

VS
(PS... you can PM now if you have anything you want to ask off the public board)

[Van Gogh]

The Emirates is great place to live, bring up a toddler and have fun while teaching, reasonably motivated students. Go for it and have a great time. PM me on RAK and HCT in general.