Job Discussion Forums

Lala78 · Joined: 18 Mar 2010 Posts: 8 Location: London

Hi,

I'm thinking of moving to the Middle East in September and have so far narrowed it down to either Bahrain, U.A.E or Oman (or Libya but that's a different forum). I'm looking for advice about the best schools/companies to work for and what kind of working/living conditions to expect.

My main objective is to save money. I can live without wild parties and don't need loads of Western goods as long as I can have the following: A few like-minded friends to hang out and have a decent converstation with, a few beers, and to be able to read a good book, either in a cafe or next to a swimming pool/on a beach, without getting constantly hassled. I do have a driver's licence but would like to avoid driving if at all possible.

About me: I'm a single female, 32, with a (foreign languages) BA + Celta + more than 5 yrs' post-Celta experience, mostly in the U.K. and with lots of Arabic students and lots of IELTS/Exam preparation and Academic English as well as experience as an advisor to Pre-masters/Foundation students applying to U.K. universities.

I'd particularly like to hear about British Council schools in the region and schools which help teachers to do the Delta.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Any constructive advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Neil McBeath · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 277 Location: Saudi Arabia

Lala78,

Ok, lets take them in order.

Bahrain is small, so there is little problem with distance. Parts of it are also frequently gridlocked with traffic, but that's another problem.

Bahrain allows the consumption of alcohol, it has a good British Council oraganisation, and there are certainly beaches where expatriates can go without hassle. It is also very small, so if you want to avoid particular people, that could be a problem

Oman is far larger. The Muscat area will give you everything you want, including an English Teachers Professional Network run by the British Council. The people are friendly, and despite the animadversions of one of the posters on these fora, it is perffectly possible for a single woman to move around on her owbn.

If you worked in the interior, then the beaches are out, but there are hotels that can provide swimming pools.

The UAE is NOT cheap. It is easy to end up spending more than you intended, and lifestyle will vary from Emirate to Emirate. One poster, sometime last year, announced to a disbelieving world that it was impossible to walk down certain streets in Dubai without being stared at "with hatred, lust and frustration", but no one else ever seems to have had that problem.

Sharjah is FAR more conservative than Dubai. I have heard complaints that Umm al Qawain, Ras al Khaimah and Fujairah can be borimng, but I have also heard the same complaint about Al Ain. Often this is simply culture shock.

I hope this helps.

Lala78 · Joined: 18 Mar 2010 Posts: 8 Location: London

Thanks very much, that's really helpful...

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Neil McBeath · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 277 Location: Saudi Arabia

VS,

I have never heard anyone male or female suggest that there was any difficulty for single women to move around Oman"

Allow me to refresh your memory.

"As a woman, one doesn't have as much chance to swan around Oman or any other Gulf country on our own - meeting and greeting the locals. It is mostly men in public and practicing our Arabic with them would quickly be misconstrued"

Who wrote that? You did. 20th September 2007, on the Saudi threads.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Yes, one can always pull quotes out of context and use them incorrectly. Perhaps you should go into politics. As I recall the discussions at this time were whether the opportunities to mingle with the locals and learn Arabic as a single middle-aged straight female would be different from a male who is in a very different situation happily working with all males. The answer is still yes... of course... the lifestyle and opportunities are very different. And I am certain that everyone here understands why you have such a glaring lack of knowledge of how life works for women.

Meanwhile, help the original poster here instead of playing your childish little games.

VS

johnslat · Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 3:28 pm Post subject:

Dear Mr. McBeath,

Wow - may I congratulate you on your powers of memory. Since I'm sure you didn't go searching for that quote (I mean, who would waste the time and energy required to do that?) I'm astounded at your total recall.
Do you have all the posts on all the threads stored in similar fashion, or just the ones VS has made?

Regards,
John