Job Discussion Forums

[Deicide]

I have heard that one can make the most money in the Middle East, more than in Japan and Korea combined. I have also heard that one is required to live on foreigner compounds. How much can one earn and how could one swing a gig there? Is a masters degree and absolute must? I would appreciate any and all info on the subject...

[Cleopatra]

Another one of those vague posts. If you did a search, you'll have found that most of your questions have been answered numourous times in the past.

BTW, it's mainly in KSA that foreigners live in compounds, but even there it is not obligatory. And yes, you can save a lot more money in the Gulf than just about anywhere else in the EFL world (not saying much, I know) but the better jobs will require a relevant MA and some years of relevant experience. ARe either an absolute must? No - like anywhere else, it's a 'supply and demand' situation, and some employers are more fussy than others. However, the Gulf is not a place where you can just turn up and say "I'm a native speaker: give me a tax-free job and a villa". You need to be able to show, at the very least, some committment to teaching as a profession (?), rather than simply as a way to see the world.

[The_Prodiigy]

Teaching in The Desert is acceptable for up to 12 months.

Long enough to appreciate the benefits of fresh camel's milk, intricacies of Saudi driving and quad biking amongst the sand dunes.

Staying much longer results in feelings of frustraion and vacuity.

To combat such sentiments use a high-speed broadband connection, box-set of DVDs from ebay and a world atlas to plan your next move.

[grahamb]

An essential prerequisite of swinging one's gig in the Middle East is the ability to use the English language correctly.

[Deicide]

[grahamb]

Actually, I was referring to the excessive use of "one." Such formality is inappropriate, especially when combined with the expresssion "swing a gig."

[Like a Rolling Stone]