Job Discussion Forums

[das31]

Hi all, I'm a 31 year old male, recently certified (Trinity CertTESOL) ESL instructor with an NZ passport, 2 years experience and an MA in a non-related subject. I want to find work as an ESL instructor in the Middle East and wanted a little bit of advice.

When does the academic year start? Is there a particular time of year which is best for sending out my resume (to recruitment companies, and to universities themselves)? I'm particularly interested in working in Oman and Saudi. I remember in January a certain oil company held open interviews in London and Dallas. This leads me to believe the semester starts in March?

Anyway, if anybody could please give me some advice I'd really appreciate it. I'm keen to get into the Middle East. Thanks a lot.

[nomad soul]

The academic year for universities usually runs from Aug/Sept to May/June with a summer session. Those unis that hire directly generally post openings around the end of the previous year through spring with new teachers starting the upcoming academic year.

Contracting companies (those under contract with a university) tend to employ teachers year round but have their biggest recruitment push several months prior to the upcoming school year. (I suggest you read up on the various contracting companies before responding to their ads.) Obviously, oil companies don't run on an academic calendar, so you'll likely find ads (via contracting companies) year round.