Job Discussion Forums

Songbird

Hi All,

ESL vet here- 6 years experience teaching in China (including summer camps around Asia), BA, MA AppLing and just completed a CELTA. I'm Aussie with a very neutral accent (everyone finds me easy to understand!).

Basicially, I have seriously had enough of China and desperately want to get out and begin a new job (life?!) in the Middle East in August- September this year. I prefer working with college level~ adult students. I don't mind where in the Middle East, though I will NOT work in Saudi Arabia (jobs seem very limited for single women anyway).

I applied last year to a few places but got no bites, perhaps because I didn't have the CELTA at the time. But now I wish to start an agressive campaign for a decent paying job! I've started with a couple of places though perhaps it's still a little early in the year. Not interested in nightlife, not really a drinker so that doesn't bother me and I can entertain myself. I enjoy travelling and historical places which I can visit on weekends/ free time.

I am serious about my job teaching English but don't feel my abilities are valued much anymore in China. I want to challenge myself as well as my students without them whingeing about 'hard work'. I really hope to stay for several years, not just the one-year-and-move-along deal that I'm dealing with in China.

If anyone has any secrets to breaking into teaching in the ME I'd love to hear it!

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Apply directly (most have online applications) to the places you're interested in - you're anything but early - perhaps even a little late (but not much).

If you're looking for student maturity by applying to colleges/unis in the GCC - be prepared to be disappointed. Most college level students have perhaps a social maturity level equivalent to many 14 and 15 year olds in the West. Are there exceptions, yes. But don't expect many to be able to be self critical or self disciplined (and treasure those that are). As a general rule, the girls are better (more mature and disciplined) than the boys of similar age

Songbird · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 8:21 am Post subject:

Thanks for the reply, I can't believe people apply even earlier than now! Seems like the students there are on par with the Chinese, also quite immature for their ages. Wouldn't have expected this in the ME...

Now it really seems I'm going to have to get my booty into gear- my current college in China has just sent an email asking about my plans for next year already! Usually it's not til April- May this happens.

There are places such as Oman and recruiters who still seem to have advertisements for Jan-March starts but haven't advertised/ updated their websites for the new academic year, this is what I've been waiting for.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

In the GCC you are usually asked if you are thinking of continuing in November/December.

Another piece of info - many students here (of many passports) have a limited world experience and knowledge (not unlike a lot of North American students IMHO) but without any part time work opportunities - they have a very monocular eye on their world and expectations.[/list]

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 3:47 pm Post subject:

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Well-motivated students are hard to find in the Middle East. This may not be the place for you.

sheikh yer money-maker · Joined: 23 Aug 2010 Posts: 79 Location: Saudi Arabia

Oh! They're well-motivated enough...too get out of the classrooom!

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

Desert beauty · Joined: 05 Mar 2011 Posts: 5 Location: Switzerland

Try the Sabis schools. I don't think they are too fussy about qualifications at least they weren't a few years ago.