Job Discussion Forums

[Stephen Jones]

Just stating salaries doesn't get you very far. A company that offers a salary with crappy shared accommodation, doesn't give you a work visa, doesn't pay for dependants or even let you have them, doesn't provide end-of-service benefit, gives you a month or no holiday at all, is much worse than a company that offers you the same salary with respectable accommodation, provides the correct visa, pays up to four months holiday and pays ESB, pays for dependents and their education, and has a decent health scheme.

With a salary of SR12,000 the first job would come near the bottom and the other in the middle to top.

Then there is the question of the quality of students. Some of the middle-paying jobs don't need to pay more because they can attract staff anyway because of a pleasant working environment. Others pay more because time in the classroom isn't going to count amongst your best memories.

And then there's the question of location. There is a bonus for working in certain government institutions in Jubail, Hail, or Hafr-al-Batan, and no doubt many other places. Everywhere in a country isn't equal.

[norwalkesl]

[johnslat]

Dear norwalkesl,

Ah, you ingratiating soul. You certainly do know how to make friends and influence people so as to get what you want.

But perhaps, based on your posts, you may well find the ME less than suited to your apparent temperament.

However, all the best.

Regards,
John

[norwalkesl]

[johnslat]

Dear norwalkesl,


" It is one of the reasons I registered - to ask people questions directly.'

You will, it is to be hoped, be able to easily adjust this manner of behavior when/if you get to the ME.
In my experience (twenty years in the ME) the direct approach is not one that is regarded at all favorably over there.

Skeptical to direct appraoch
That skepticism requires a longer cultural courtship than Americans are used to, said Ms. de Mooij. "In collectivist cultures, the direct approach does not work as it does in individualist cultures. In sales, time must be invested in building relationships before getting to business. A direct, persuasive message, such as [those] common in the U.S., will be viewed as offensive."

http://www.allied-media.com/AM/marketing%20to%20muslims.htm

"This is a better way to elicit information about the user's preferences than simply to ask, because direct questions usually elicit the response that the user believes is socially/culturally/religiously acceptable."

http://innovate-ideagora.ning.com/forum/topics/facilitating-the-adoption-of?page=3&commentId=2216838%3AComment%3A9685&x=1#2216838Comment9685

[With Malice Toward None]

Robitusson,
Congrats on getting yourself qualified. But what you lack, obviously, is ME experience which you can't get unless you get started out there somehow. I suggest you keep on shooting off applications to schools and universities and something may click. Working in KSA could be a shell shock after Thailand but hope that the $$ justifies it. You would feel more comfortable in Oman or UAE and I say this because you're presumably young. Do register for and somehow attend the TESOL-Arabia jobfair in Dubai coming March, it'll be a three day affair and you can get in on a tourist visa. I am pretty sure you'll land something. By all means, try not to sign up with some mean, double-dealing recruiting agent. Go for one-to-one deals. Good luck.
WMTN

[robitusson]

Thanks very much WMTN. Any more info on that fair you mentioned?

http://www.tesolarabia.org/conference/

Is it this one? ^

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

This thread was previously locked and I have just deleted another inappropriate posting. If you continue directing your comments at another member as opposed to the message, you will be sanctioned. In other words, please stay on topic and avoid any "personal" asides.

[Neil McBeath]

Robitusson,

Yes, that's the one.

Register NOW and you will qualify for the "earlybird" discount.

[norwalkesl]

[veiledsentiments]

The big advantage... and I find it a huge advantage... is that you get to scope out jobs that may not be advertised widely. You have the chance to apply and interview at a number of employers (perhaps some that wouldn't have replied to an internet application. Plus there is no comparison between face-to-face and telephone/video conferences. So often you hear about technical problems.

And... you have the chance to network and meet people at the places you are applying with... and find out the full story of the pros and cons.

VS

[robitusson]

Any other places to look apart from the job fairs? I've been checking TES, tefl.com, and the jobs page on here.

[jdl]

Norwalkesl,

In Oman working at any of the colleges (MoM, MoHE) you can expect 850 to 1100 omr per month, a 250 omr housing allowance, medical, return airfare to home country(single and or family depending on recruiter), 50 annual leave days, 50 omr local transport allowanace. This is a standard pkg with variation between recruiters.

You can live well on this and save half if you stay out of the xpat watering holes and don't expect to travel with the embassy set.

Oman is hiring now. Check the oman board for details.

The 850 is bottom scale....Bachelor degree and some esl cert etc.; while the 1100 goes to certificated teachers with Masters/Doctorates etc. The bennies are standard. If you have the experience as an administrator and a Masters/Doctorate you can begin to look at a Director's job with a base of about 1300 OMR.

Hope this helps....just got tired of everyone letting you twist.

[jdl]

robitusson,

Try the education canada network. It is a premier job board for teachers. The site has an international section that advertises for overseas work.
http://www.educationcanadajobs.com/international.phtml

ECN has sister sites in the US and Australia as well.

Its free and you can post resumes and do job bots. Worth a look

[norwalkesl]