Job Discussion Forums

[mistermark]

Hey Everyone
I've been reading through some posts, and realise the best place to work in the Gulf depends on the individual.. So.. Could you give me some advice please?
I've got three years teaching experience (mostly adults), and was Head Teacher in my last job, for two years in China. I have a British Degree (Social Policy), a 120 hour TEFL cert. and have been to many countries, living from 5 star to spare-some-change. I'd now like to make some money and further my career (and, if possible, qualifications - but can do this after I've saved up).
I drink occasionally but would be ok having none if there was some social life, and I like meeting ladies - but realise I won't be working in Thailand! I also like meeting local people and people of different nationalities, and I'd like to get fit (I presume there are gyms everywhere), drive a motorbike if possible, read and play on the computer.

So.. Any advice on countries to go? Are (m)any companies into teacher development training?
There are a lot of countries and info to trawl through, so any comments would be great. So far seen ok-looking jobs in Qatar and KSA, but heard Oman is good from this forum..Ideas where to hunt for these jobs outside this cafe.com?

oh, and someone said it can be difficult to get money out of the countries as bank accounts can't be set-up for a while.. true/ work-arounds?

Thanks a million if just for reading this far!

[veiledsentiments]

First off... I'll be the one to jump in here to let you know that Dubai is not a country. It's a city in the UAE.

Second... there is zero problem sending out money as long as you are not working in Saudi Arabia on a "business" visa rather than the proper work visa.

With your limited credentials, there isn't much available in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia will offer the most jobs... with the highest chance of poor working conditions. The other choice - offering a more interesting lifestyle, but less money - is Oman. Doing some reading through the Oman board will show you the names and reputations of the recruiters, and the issues with them. I think Oman is a better match for the lifestyle that you are looking for...

VS

[mistermark]

[helenl]

As VS pointed out, with your limited credentials you're unlikely to get any decent offer with legal sponsorship or any benefits - ticket, housing, medical etc. and the indecent offers are unlikely to pay you in full or on time, will require you to do and fund visa runs (because you'll be working illegally) and use you like a drudge - that's if you're lucky.

I don't know about Saudi and any "opportunities" there. I do know that in the GCC having the "right" accredited credentials will get you the better jobs that can make a real difference between subsisting and actually having a life.

[mistermark]

How much would I need to earn to be able to save some money, if I landed a job with accomodation?
I may have more chance of this in KSA then?

[veiledsentiments]

KSA has the most jobs (biggest country)... but Oman does a lot of hiring for these hinterland colleges that use a group of recruiters. They advertise here regularly... so you might go to the jobs page and do a search. I think CECN was advertising lately... along with TATI...

Savings rate depends mainly on your partying budget. Booze and eating out in the hotels is one's biggest savings destroyer. But, you should be able to save at least half of your income.

Very few jobs in Jordan... pay will be pretty much survival... hard to save unless one is good at hustling up private students to supplement. Check out AMIDEAST. I just noticed that the American Language Center in Casablanca, Morocco, was advertising.

VS

[mistermark]

Thanks a lot for your replies VS.. you're giving me a lot of help here and it's very appreciated.
I've just contacted CECN and AMIDEAST, so will wait and see if they still have vacancies. Another site just said that processing time for Saudi jobs can take three or four months though!
I'm also off to see the British Council soon, though not sure what postings they may have available. I gues they have a good reputation in the Gulf too?
And as for partying budget..well, I don't think I'd be going crazy in the GUlf- actually planning to get fit, which should help me save cash too.. So with that in mind, if I was earning $3-4000 a month I'd be able to save 2000 after settling in? Is food etc so expensive? hm.. more research to do! But many thanks again

[15yearsinQ8]

no way can you save 2000usd a month - not with your cv and wanting a motorbike and gym membership
no way you'd make close to 4000 a month

sorry

[veiledsentiments]

Yep... she's right. With your credentials you will be in the $2-3000 range. In Oman you would be at the lower end, in KSA, you might find something closer to the top. (but you were properly informed that it can take months to get there even once you have been hired... the paperwork is a real pain)

VS
(all those stories you heard about the big bucks in the Gulf are for those with MAs and years of experience... sorry)

[mistermark]

ok.. well if i could save half of 2-3000 it would be ok. i really want t better my qualifications, but need some cash to do it.

[veiledsentiments]

It is one those catch-22 situations, you need the credentials to get the good pay and you need the good pay to afford that MA.

VS

[mistermark]

hmmm yes indeed. It would be ideal to earn while studying, but those jobs seem a bit too rare.. Employers don't want to invest in teachers for fear of them finishing and running I guess

[15yearsinQ8]

teach kids, take school provided housing and save 1,000 a month

[eclectic]