Job Discussion Forums

[Om2013]

Hi all,

This is my first post here and I am looking for some information on the British Council Dubai. I see they are currently advertising for a Teacher of English. I meet all of the requirements to apply.

I am wondering though if anyone here has up-to-date information on current conditions at the BC Dubai. Or if anyone is currently working there, has worked there recently or knows someone who is working there now?

I have worked for the BC for a long time but don't have any information on this particular office. I searched this forum but couldn't find any recent/relevant information or posts.

Thanks for all responses in advance. Any information is greatly appreciated.

[2buckets]

They are most likely looking for people who are sponsored by their spouses employer so they do not have the expense and bother of getting you a work visa.

[D. Merit]

Just to let you know how seriously, or otherwise, to take my comments, I have never taught at BC Dubai.

I did however have an interview for a position there about 17 years ago. Back then they employed a lot of female teachers on a part time basis, and it seems from the previous poster's comments that this is still the case.

One of the responsibilities of the post was to act as line manager to something like a dozen of these teachers, in addition to a teaching load of 20 hours plus.

The position was also highly likely to include split shifts.

To cut a long story short it all seemed like a lot of work for not much money, especially when put up against comparable positions in the tertiary sector.

[sicklyman]

take it from me, the BC will get their pound of flesh out of you. The benefits are relatively good (although that will probably be extremely relative in the ME as opposed to other employers) but their management are a closely bonded clique who were all but impervious to any complaints about work/life balance. Just hearing you mention "split shifts" had me breathing into a bag!

The BC has survived into the 21st century SOLELY because of branching out into English teaching which it milks for all its worth (IELTS and BC accreditation particularly). It uses English teachers as drones to fund the important parts of the BC namely commerce, governance and science (in that order). English is a subcategory.

So, if you want to work hard, enjoy being on the fringe of the establishment and want great students who, on a bad day, can be extremely demanding, go for it. But, like any job, the system may get to you after a while.

[kaw]

Apologies for this being a bit late but managed to escape the rather hot place for a short time.
So.....BC Dubai - as someone currently working for them here goes.....

Firstly you're obviously not a stranger to the BC world and so when I say it's pretty much the same as most then you'll know what I mean. Teachers are contracted for 24 hours - yes - more than the Unis (and less money) and this is a mixture of YLs and General English. Split shifts are rare - in fact there hasn't been anyone with massive gaps between classes. Latest finish is 9.15 (2 days a week), 8.15 on the other days.
Students are a mix of nationalities - Emiratis, Iranian, Indian, European etc, levels from A1.2 - IELTS with most being Elementary/Pre-Int level.

We still employ a lot of teachers as Hourly Paids - but there are around 10 full time teachers as well as 2 Senior Teachers.
Management are good - and will provide support, take into request class preferences etc. Atmosphere in the office is good and there is the chance to get involved with Projects and of course, IELTS examining.

Hope this helps.

[shibainu69]

why would anyone take that job?
is it a entry level job for BA Celtas?

[sicklyman]

[D. Merit]

[veiledsentiments]

[auhruh]

[sicklyman]

[johnslat]

Dear sicklyman,

"Believe me, I've taught in both environments and any teacher who lands a job with the BC and holds it down for a few years gets my vote before anyone who can hold down a 'teaching' job in the Gulf for the same length of time."

So, everyone who has taught at BC in the Gulf is a good teacher whereas everyone who has taught anywhere else in the Gulf isn't?

Bit of a generalization based on limited personal experience, I'd say.

Regards,
John

[veiledsentiments]

[sicklyman]

not read it? no your problem was that I didn't actually agree with it

[veiledsentiments]