Job Discussion Forums

[Desertsnake4532]

Hey, I know this is a bit late considering the original post date, but I am an American (white American, not Jewish or Arab Diaspora) currently working in Palestine. Now is a situation of "peace" and about the pay, it is low but you can live pretty comfortably here (I make about a $1,000 a month which is good for here). There are universities that hire, but I think most of them require an M.A.s I think.

I am also applying for a work visa. I work with AMIDEAST so we do know ways of getting work visas. The first is that the teacher has to work in the Jerusalem office at least 15 hours a week and live in Jerusalem. The thing is that AMIDEAST will only allow 5 teachers at any one time to hold a work visa though and you generally have to be discreet about political activities (i.e. no demonstrations or anywhere else you could be detained).

Teaching has generally been pretty nice. Some classes are bad and some are great (beware of the summer program, it is really hectic and my students were really tough). People here are really nice and generous but the culture is conservative. There are problems with the occupation like checkpoints and detentions (it can effect not only your students, but also you. I have been late because checkpoints were either closed or ungodly slowly), so be prepared for that. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[veiledsentiments]

Does AMIDEAST provide any benefits to their teachers there? I wonder if the 5 visa limit is imposed on them rather than chosen by them. One of those questions that one rarely gets the answer to.

I have heard that with the university jobs on the West Bank that they can't get work visas and have to do a regular visa run. That gets rather tiresome even when your employer helps out with costs.

Thanks for the info.

VS

[Desertsnake4532]

Unfortunately AMIDEAST doesn't provide benefits, but the regular salary is enough to take care of the apartment and basic expenses. The 5 visa limit is more or less imposed on them. It would be very hard for AMIDEAST to claim that more than 5 teachers provide 15 hours a week in the Jerusalem office (it is pretty small).

The visa runs are not only tiring but it really is a game of Russian Roulette. Israel is really tightening the grip over people who want to come to the West Bank. There's lots of stories of people being denied reentry midway through their contracts or they now give some people "West Bank Only" visas. However, this web site helps out a lot with that issue: http://www.righttoenter.ps/

[veiledsentiments]

[mesquite]

Having once worked for AMIDEAST, I can vouch that they are reasonably decent employers. You don't save too much but then you don't lose. I recommend them for new teachers. You get good experience and good support (most of the time). They operate according to rules so at least if you have a genuine grievance/problem, it will be dealt with appropriately.


http://www.amideast.org/employment/staff/

[overworkedandunderpaid]

Yes, you can feel good about working in Palestine, but it can also be a very trying experience.
I worked at the university in Jenin and I wouldn't recommend their English language center under the management in place at the time I left. [former content edited]
The school itself is isolated in the countryside outside of Jenin, with no transportation after the students have left, or on weekends.

That being said, it's not dangerous. Jenin is far from settlers and is very calm. Boring is a better word. The school in Jenin, when I worked there, was able to arrange for teachers to get Visitor/Tourist visas from Israel which state that one is allowed to remain in the country for the duration of the contract but not allowed to work. But technically, the university is in an A area, under full PA control, so one isn't working in Israel anyway. These were single-entry, so became void if one left the country before the visa's expiration.
Other universities (such as Najah in Nablus) have similar English centers where you may be able to find work. They do not require an MA to teach in their English Centers (for all/any students), but probably do to work in their English Departments (for English majors). Word is that class sizes at An-Najah is 40 students in a lecture hall.
If you are looking for a feel-good humanitarian teaching experience, I'd suggest a volunteer teaching program, not a uni post.

[veiledsentiments]

Just curious... is this your first Middle East job? Most of your complaints are for things that are rather 'par for the course' if you read about on the various branches. It sounds like the standard lower tier university job.

For the better jobs - pay and conditions - that MA is pretty crucial - especially in the Gulf.

VS

[overworkedandunderpaid]

quite honestly, if that type of headache is the norm in the region, I can't imagine why anyone would continue to work in the middle east. It couldn't be out one's love of educating.
I wonder at the crap that esl teachers are willing to put up with.

[veiledsentiments]

One can deal with many things when the tax-free pay is high enough combined with free furnished housing, 2 months holiday each summer with free flights, and free medical.

The difference is also in degree of aggravation and amount of support that management gives you. This is why you want to have an MA and stick with the better employers.

VS

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[veiledsentiments]

Yes... but look at how many years you have been in the Gulf. I'd say that your tolerance level has been pretty good.

VS

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Yeah...sometimes reality sucks... Thanks for reminding me of that, VS.

N C T B A

[Desert beauty]

Amideast are good to work for, but unfortunately in my experience hours are very few and benefits non existent. Having said that, the Palestinian staff are very supportive and helpful. Payment is made fairly quickly within a week of sessions ending.

[johnslat]

If you're not at least content with your work environment in Saudi, you won't last long at all - because that's about all there is there.

As scot47 so often says: "Pick your master caerefully."

Regards,
John

[veiledsentiments]

But John... I don't believe that s/he is referring to Saudi. The experience could be describing any of the AMIDEAST language schools across North Africa, the Levant, or some Gulf countries. Most of their teachers are on local hire contracts.

VS