Job Discussion Forums

BellaBrunei · Joined: 20 Aug 2009 Posts: 40 Location: Brunei

That's a bit of a downer. It might be worth contacting Cfbt to ask about the reasons. It could be something beyond your control, like they have more applicants than positions right now (I think this is true for primary, but not sure about secondary). Do seek feedback- maybe there is a fixable reason.

Prog Rocker · Joined: 07 Sep 2010 Posts: 33 Location: SE Asia

It was secondary I went for. I'm pretty sure there are gaps to fill. As for the reason, I was told in interview that the MoE do not give reasons. Having had approval from CfBT, it's puzzling to then be turned down if there is a need. It's a shame because it was such a long application process, to fall flat at the end. We were just about to reserve a date for shipping as well!

CfBT have been great every step of the way, perhaps they are as surprised as I am. It's encouraging to know that people have secured employment after re-applying. Catch 22 though - I don't know whether I can, because I don't know the reason!

BellaBrunei · Joined: 20 Aug 2009 Posts: 40 Location: Brunei

Maybe the MOE should be renamed as the Ministry of Mysteries....... Confused

vicpark · Joined: 18 Nov 2010 Posts: 5

[quote="Prog Rocker"]

The thing is, as I have absolutely no idea why it was turned down

This is pretty standard. We are kept in the dark about most things including the future. CfBT have said nothing about the contract for next year and beyond. This was supposed to be settled months ago and was expected to be for five years. If the rumour-mill is to believed things are in flux. There is also a claim that the program will be full in January as the sinking ships of Ireland/UK goes down.

ozman · Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Posts: 133 Location: HONG KONG

Don't they also have an age limit? Maybe this is one of the reasons they can't get enough qualified teachers.

Prog Rocker · Joined: 07 Sep 2010 Posts: 33 Location: SE Asia

I think I read somewhere it was 27, but I could be wrong. Certainly wouldn't have been an issue for my application. It was 'accreditation' in my case, whatever that means... Shocked

celtica · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 137

Were your qualifications, or part of, completed through distance learning? I believe there is a certain amount of suspicion attached to quals thru distance.

But might just be another Brunei rumour!

Prog Rocker · Joined: 07 Sep 2010 Posts: 33 Location: SE Asia

I didn't do any distance learning. It might be because my first degree was Engineering, and not Arts/Humanities - though the criteria only says "preferably". Having said all that, my PGCE was 'work-based'...but all the academic stuff was done at the Uni in classes, not at home. No straws left to clutch, really - just trying to find another way in now!

jsteventon · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 191

[quote="vicpark"][quote="Prog Rocker"]

'CfBT have said nothing about the contract for next year and beyond. This was supposed to be settled months ago and was expected to be for five years. '

Good news!! Just heard the CfBT contract in Brunei has been extended for the next 5 years.

JS Very Happy

Prog Rocker · Joined: 07 Sep 2010 Posts: 33 Location: SE Asia

That is good news for CfBT.

Has anyone heard of 'Footprints'? They are advertising on Dave's, and use similar wording CfBT use for their teaching vacancies in Brunei. From what I can see, it's exactly the same deal only a different name.

zootalaws · Joined: 19 Apr 2010 Posts: 46

They are an agency - I think my wife made her initial contact through them via an ad in the TES.

zootalaws · Joined: 19 Apr 2010 Posts: 46

BOBBYSUE · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 100

Sorry to hear about your problems Prog Rocker. I hope you get here or somewhere equally nice. I'm not sure if the idea that you should preferably be UK qualified is 100% correct - there are plenty of Kiwis and Ozzies here, with more and more Canucks coming recently too. A number of Irish as well. So you're OK as long as you're from one of those countries. And there is bureaucracy but if you've ever lived and worked anywhere else abroad it is no worse...and actually often better as CfBT tends to sort out a lot of stuff you would normally face by yourself. And having taught foreign students at home I can tell you that it is absolutely no better being a foreigner there...even to open a bank account requires about six different documents ('money laundering legislation'). A total nightmare but not exactly surprising when you think where Brunei and some other countries got their bureaucracy from in the first place! I do agree with Zoota that frustration levels can rise when you are not as on top of things as you can be at home. But there are many many benefits to being here too. You can still talk face to face to a bank manager when you need to, you can go right into the centre of town and park for free, basics like rice and fuel are heavily subsidised and there are no income tax or social security payments! Plus no aggression on the streets and very little crime. There are quite a few mozzies and sandflies but other than that, I think it is paradise!

jsteventon · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 191

Well said Bobby Sue! Agree with you on all counts....

JS Very Happy

Kornan DeKobb · Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Posts: 242