Job Discussion Forums

[edwar1zl]

Hi, I am looking to teach somewhere in the Middle East during the Fall of 2014. I have a MA in TESOL and three years full-time teaching experience (one year teaching ESL at a university in Korea, one year teaching Social Studies and ESL in the States, and one year as a Title I teacher). I want to teach for a year or two so that I can save money. I would prefer a university gig, but I am flexible. Here are my questions:

1. What countries should I apply to? So far I have my eyes set on Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Any other suggestions?

2. What do you recommend for the job search and applying? Any good websites or contacts?

3. What is the best time to look for jobs? I am starting now.

4. What documents or paperwork should I gather? I have my transcripts and I think my resume is pretty solid with experience and education.

[nomad soul]

I responded to your similar thread on the General Mid East forum: http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=105481

In terms of gathering documentation, if you apply for direct-hire positions, be aware you'll likely need written verification of employment from each of your previous employers. It's how many universities calculate salary. If you scroll down a bit within this forum, there's a thread about direct hire jobs.

[scot47]

What is a "Title 1 Teacher" ? It seems to be a term specific to teaching in the US.

[spiral78]

I think that Title 1 is a program for remedial reading/writing/maths. If correct, could be useful:-)

[johnslat]

Dear spiral78,

Correct:

http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg1.html



Regards,
John

[scot47]

Translation into Britspeak - "Remedial Teacher". Your sudience here may not be aware of Americanisms.

[johnslat]

Dear scot47,

Euphemisms, instead, perhaps.

Regards,
John

[scot47]

"Reading and Writing Teacher" ? I am all for escaping the Land of Euphemism. Don't call it The "Comfort Station", call it the Jakes !

[SENTINEL33]

To: edwar1zl

I suggest you consider one of the 3 military triumvirates: Vinnell, Raytheon, Booz Allen (notice there's no /e/ after /booz/).

Lemme tell you why:

1. they're an excellent introduction to the Kingdom.
2. You will avoid many of the "administrative" roadblocks and frustrations normally encountered when dealing with purely "in-country" institutions.
3. You'll be dealing mostly with Americans, so feel free to use the verb /to be/ and it's derivatives.
4. They allow (or they used to) APO mail back and forth between KSA and USA (which is vital for a newbie).
5. They are among the best money-makers available in KSA for a gringo.
6. In the case of BoozAllen, you'll have a certain "sheen" attached to your future resume because, of course, Ed Snowden, most recently of Moscow fame, was an employee of theirs so you can tell your grandchildren that you "knew" him.

( Actually, you don't have to wait for your grandchildren: once your contract is up with BoozAllen, right away you can start laying the foundations for this tidbit. You'll find that "self-aggrandizement" in the Kingdom is legion and legendary....your claim to fame will be hard to top).

There are downsides:

1. The work is brutal and totally un-academic. (They are military after all)
2. As a male "school teacher", you will be totally disliked by the ex-military types (the knuckle-draggers) that make up most of the workers at your "post".
3. Students are difficult, rules are illogical and your immediate supervisors can be living helots.

But if you keep your mouth shut, play along and pretend that everything is "wonderful", after 2 years you can leave with all your bills paid off, at least 50 thou in the bank free and clear and practically an open door to further jobs in the Kingdom in the future.

This is the route I took (I've actually worked at all 3) and look where I ended up. (!)

Note: I would recommend this route and jobs only for those 35 years of age and under. The time to do this is when you're younger. I've seen guys in their 50s take on these gigs and they age at least double their actual chronological age.

[scot47]

Why would anyone working in the big bad world outside the USA want

1. to deal mainly with Americans

and

2. an APO address

??????????????????????????????????????

[SENTINEL33]

[scot47]

You have to be flexible with the time frame. there is NEVER a guarantee that things will work out when you want it to. Fall 2014 ? Inshallah, habibi !

You must get over the idea that things are under your control - or anybody else's ! Everything happens (or does not) by the grace of the Lord.

[edwar1zl]

How and where do you apply for the jobs at booz allen and the others?

[nomad soul]