Job Discussion Forums

[semblance2]

I have been reading through many of the posts both here in the general ME forum and within specific countries and I have heard it mentioned more than once that English language centers should be avoided. I personally enjoy teaching ESL to adults and in my experience have preferred this type of environment to universities or private schools.

Can anyone give me specific reasons for the bad rep? Also does anyone have any opinions about or experiences with EF or ELS in ME or any positive recommendations for other language centers? Any and all insights would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Cheers, Kendra

[helenl]

Most do not offer sponsorship - you NEED a resident/work visa to work legally in the GCC.

Because of the above, many language centres employing teachers illegally feel free to not pay on time, not pay in full and generally abuse their employees - who would you complain to?

Because of the first, you would have to do regular visa runs at your own expense - which may or may not (probably not) draw attention from the authorities, finding a place to live (if you can afford it on the salaries offered by such employers) may be problematic as most landlords will ask for a copy of your passport/resident permit, etc., etc. etc.

[veiledsentiments]

I agree with Helen's facts. But, I would point out a terminology difference in the Gulf. Very often the English Language Teaching departments of the universities are called The Language Center (or Centre). Because of the confusion that causes, usually what you are referring to are called "Language Schools" or Language Institutes.

The Language Centers at the universities require MAs and experience. While the language schools like ELS or Berlitz or private institutes take lesser credentials and normally hire spouses who already live in the area. (often the wives of the university EFL teachers.) Other than the British Council they don't pay a livable wage or offer benefits.

The only private institutes that I would suggest that you look into are British Council, or the group that uses the names AMIDEAST or American Language Center (there's that terminology confusion again). They have some good schools in places like Morocco, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen... for the more adventurous... and in those countries, with a bit of hustle one can survive on the pay. The cost of living is way too high in the Gulf for this though these two employers do have some branches there.

VS

[mightyeruditey]

Also beware of centers stating their involvement with British Council and/or Colleges and Universities abroad because more often than not they aren't being truthful. Others have gone so far as to falsify accreditation's and hang them on their walls in order to fool their students/prospective students.

MOD edit to remove personal/employer issues

[allseeingeye1]

MOD edit to remove personal/employer issues

[semblance2]

Thank you so much for your responses. I actually will end up being a university teacher's wife as soon as my husband finds a job teaching also. The difference is I am not looking only because I am bored but because I enjoy teaching adults English. I also thought it would be easier if I could get a work visa rather than a spousal visa.

I had looked into the British Council website prior to this posting, my only concern and question that I could not find an answer for was whether or not they employ Americans. Anyone have any idea? Thanks again for everything so far!

--Kendra

[veiledsentiments]

The bad reputation that they have is based on their normally bad full-time contracts. The reality is that in the Gulf, language schools hire mostly part-time teachers - salary with no benefits... and mostly spouses there on spousal visas. It depends on the country how strict they are on enforcing work visas.

As for the British Council, it is supply and demand. They hire Brits first, probably Commonwealth passports next... and Americans if they must.

Your best course is to first find out what country you will be living in and then start checking into the options.

VS

[PattyFlipper]

[semblance2]

Again thank you so much for the responses though they are slightly disheartening. We were looking into Saudi Arabia as a destination. Our main focus is saving money and the idea that there is not much to do or spend money on sounds like a fine situation to us both. We are also drawn by the culture even though we realize it is a turn off for many others.

I really would prefer not to teach younger than adults and I don't think I have the experience or credentials for a university position anyhow. On the other hand my husband has taught at university level for years and is fluent in English but is actually a Guatemalan citizen. I feel our choices are limited but I guess all we can do is try applying and see how things turn out. Right?

[spanglish]

Hmm, not sure about these claims that the BC discriminates based on passport. The temporary DOS at my school had a Russian passport and was supposedly on his way to the BC in Saudi Arabia.

[PattyFlipper]

[sliim]

To give my two cents on the notion "Language Centers...really that bad?"

In general, YES, it is usually really that bad, but not always.

If you go that route, make sure to choose your employer wisely; check with people who are currently working at that institute and learn what things are like, first hand.

If there is bad press about a said institute, be careful to balance the words. Sometimes you will find disgruntled ex-workers who have a score to settle; sometimes you will find genuine feedback and warnings from people who have gone through very negative experiences.

Ultimately, uni positions are really the way yo go, and language centers can be really iffy.

But that does not mean omit them altogether. Do your research, contact current teachers, then, if all things are ok, hold your breath and go--but always keep an escape plan to get out of Dodge--just in case.

[Urban_Kitten]

[veiledsentiments]

[wilberforce]

I think it is Sulaymania.