Job Discussion Forums

[yavannah]

Hi! Newb here looking for advice on interviewig for ESL positions. I have a bachelor's in English and just finished my CELTA two weeks ago. I got my first request for an interview from International Academic School in Dubai (http://www.ias-dubai.com/) They're looking for someone to teach ESL to KG and I (think) Grade 1. They forgot to put the grade number in their ad. I've done some informal teaching of young children in Vacation Bible School and helped lead a playgroup at a non-profit agency, but I don't have any real teaching experience with kids.

I was just wondering if anyone had any tips regarding what kinds of questions I might be asked, what kinds of questions I should ask, etc? It's going to be a phone interview and the person interviewing me will be a non-native speaker.

Thanks!

[Glenski]

Just a few starters.

1. Why do you want to teach ESL/EFL?
2. Why do you want to teach in Dubai?
3. Why do you want this particular job?
4. How will you handle unruly children?
5. How much of the local language do you know, and how will this affect your job?
6. How much of the local culture do you know, and if it's gender-based against you, how will that affect your decision to live here?

[yavannah]

Thanks very much! That will certainly help get me started.

[stoth1972]

I would be prepared to teach a lesson. It's happened to me before, and without warning. I think, given your credentials, that the UAE might not be the best place to work. Are you considering other countries?

[yavannah]

Well, it's a phone interview, so I doubt they're going to have me teach a lesson on the phone. I am looking at a few other places. I do have friends in the UAE, so that's part of the reason I'd like to be there.

[stoth1972]

Ah, ok. The problem with teaching in the UAE on your credentials is that the jobs aren't that great. Shared accommodation is quite common for the schools that hire non-qualified teachers. THe salaries are lower than average (IAS, from what I've read here, isn't too far below), and the schools tend to be much less professional. There are a few decent ones out there (none that have been advertising recently) that can't afford to pay out the typical expat teaching package, but they are a harder to find.

When I say the jobs are great, I mean these schools will typically violate labour laws as they apply to teachers and to employees in general (e.g. you'll be teaching 30+ classes/week at 55 minutes/lesson rather than the established 18 hours in some of these schools). These schools hire non-qualified teachers so they can save a bit of cash while getting as a much work as possible out of you. I've said this before in other forums, but education in the Middle East is GREAT business, even moreso in these schools looking to save on staff.

If you've heard bad things from other teachers who work there, I would ask in your phone interview for the emails and/or phone numbers of teachers that you could call and talk to. I hate to sound so pessimistic, but I've worked in schools like I described in the UAE. It takes unprofessional to an all-time high. Think carefully before you take a job. I think there are other parts of the Middle EAst where you could work, earn a decent living, and enjoy the workplace environment a bit more, but that's just my two cents, based on my personal experiences.

[yavannah]

Thanks for your feedback. I have noticed most places I've looked at in the UAE want more experience than I have vs. say a friend of mine who has been teaching ESL in Japan for a couple years and started with no credentials whatsoever. So I know some places my CELTA will be considered a better qualification than in others.

I've heard a mix of things about changing employers in the UAE. Not sure how it would work with one of these schools. I thought maybe if I worked for one school year at a place that was not so great I might be able to find something better the next year, but I suppose that depends on how long the contract is for.

I can't say I'm too impressed with the school's professionalism so far. They didn't bother to give me a time for the interview. Then this morning I got an email saying that they'd tried to call me yesterday and (surprise) I wasn't there and that they were going to call me at 9 AM today. I didn't even check my email until around 10:30.

That's a good idea about asking for email addresses or phone numbers of other teachers. I'll make sure to do that and ask about the hours as well. Teaching 30+ hours a week is pretty ridiculous.

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[stoth1972]

True what you say about the differences between the Gulf market and other countries. In Japan and Spain, the demand outweighs the supply so they're a bit less picky. That also sets ESL teachers up for a lot of cowboy operations. I think there are many laws in place when it comes to awarding visas in the UAE. Teachers for grades 2-12 must be qualified, though some schools dodge this bullet by applying for your visa as a librarian, counselor, etc. This is illegal, and most teachers in this circumstance would never know what they've been identified as.

The law on changing jobs is forever changing these days. Last I heard, certain jobs, like teaching, could change after the first contract was completed but only with a transfer of visas (vs. cancelling one and applying for another AND a letter of no objection from the old employer). My old employer, after 6 years of service by a good friend/colleague, refused to give her a letter of no objection. It's their right, sadly. I would not count on this idea of changing jobs once you're there. The law could easily change again, and your employer could easily say 'no' to the ltr of no objection. The alternative, is to leave the country for 6 months, and then return. Go deterent for job jumping. Sad situation for those who did honour their agreements.

[yavannah]

I suppose it might be easier to get a letter of no objection if they don't want you to keep working for them. Friend of mine in Dubai knew a guy who got fired and easily got another job, but he lost his job for some dubious behavior. I don't remember what it was exactly, but I think it had something to do with drinking. But this was construction, not teaching. That's really sad that your friend couldn't get a letter after 6 years. Seems like it makes a person a prisoner to their employer that way.

I may have to start looking for seriously into some other locations. Dubai sounded good for a number of reasons for me, but I don't want to take a bad job and then not be able to get out of it. I've had some follow-up from a couple of "institutes" so I'll have to see if they sound any better than this school.

[stoth1972]

True: if they let you go in the middle of a contract, they are usually less concerned about where they end up. It's when you decide to leave them, despite having fulfilled the contract. Some schools would rather lose a teacher and prevent them from going somewhere, than show that kind of good will. They also want to send a certain message to other teachers about going to another school. When I changed jobs, this law did not apply to teachers, so no transfer of visas was necessary.

I've worked for an institute of sorts, (hate that this all sound pessimistic), but I would be careful. Berlitz does not do expat hires. I interviewed there and the woman could not offer me more than 7000, and that was without accommodation. I also interviewed with a branch of Humansoft/Direct English. Salary was around 9000-9500, and that included all allowances. That was liveable(barely) 8 years ago, but not anymore. Lovely people there, but I'm not sure they're able to pay what they need for an expat hire. Scoreplus/The Princeton Review: I worked there, and would advise against it. You'll feel more like a conscript than a teacher. Your visa is not for a teacher, so you could be teaching 40-50 hours/week. Only 1 1/2 days off per week, and that 1/2 day is not a guarantee (all depending on whether you teach in the office, off site, etc.) That salary with a studio or accommodation allowance will be around 7500 (could be more if you were teaching the ETS exam preparation courses, but you'll need to be trained for that). I heard the Scoreplus might not be providing the actual accommodation anymore. If this is the case, that's bad news. Rents in Dubai are through the roof, and you will have to pay in chunks of 3, 6, 9, or 12 months in most cases. Not many people have money saved up for this, so avoid the 'allowance' unless a friend has scouted out a place for you in advance.

I worked for 1 year in the Choueifat Dubai. This is hardly ideal teaching conditions, but you would be a good candidate for that job. The salary should be around 6500 dirhams(low), but they give you on campus accommodation. This is sometimes shared, though there are single studios available. I am not recommending this school, mind you. It can be quite hairy, unprofessional, dishonest. They do, however, pay on time and process visas in a timely manner. The curriculum is highly prescribed, and they think a monkey could do it (no lie). You are a white face that sells their school. Your opinion does not matter. They will often side with parents over teachers, and students over teachers, for that matter. Best to teach grade 2-4 (The infant coordinator is a bit of nutter who has a reputation of eating new, sweet teachers for lunch).

They will not give you a letter of no objection when you leave, though. If you really want to be in Dubai for a year, this is an option. I believe they're still advertising. www.sabis.net and they have 5 school (maybe more now) in the UAE.

[tedkarma]

I always felt that the reason Gulf states want teachers with a lot of experience is because Arab students, in my experience, are major behavior problems - and if you aren't experienced - and good at discipline - you won't last.

IF you are good at discipline - and don't mind cracking the whip with great regularity - and consistency - then the students are not so much trouble. But - show any sign of weakness and they will consume you.

Just my experience/opinion.

[stoth1972]

I agree with that statement. Discipline is an issue, particularly with the older kids. The young ones are quite sweet-much more naive than their counterparts in North America.

I think the country is also just recognising that they want to raise the bar in terms of who is teaching their children. They want to claim "the best". Hence, the need for a Masters over just a diploma at the university level.

[yavannah]

Part of my problem is that sometimes I don't even know where I'm applying. I've responded to classifieds in Gulf News and ads in DubaiDonkey, but they don't specify anything other than being a school, nursery, or an institute.

The situations you're describing really don't sound promising. I've noticed a lot of people on the forums sound quite bitter. With situations like these I can see why. Being fresh from finishing my CELTA I'm still pretty idealistic. I wonder how long that will last?

[stoth1972]

I've never used Dubai Donkey, but those ads you see in the Gulf Times tend to be for local hires. I've never actually met or heard of anyone who's work in the smaller places, but having looked for straight up ESL work in the UAE, I can say the number of viable places isn't good.

Honestly, I would take that CELTA and go to a different country. Yes, it's true, bitterness is a trait of many ESL teachers (you get burned quite a bit) . I taught 6 years overseas, and the UAE was not what I considered a great start up place for the newly certified teacher. Spain and other parts of Europe are great places to find your feet. You'll find more academy/institute teaching there, and the CELTA is DEFINITELY appreciated above other, non-british council recognised certificates. The pay in Europe these days isn't brilliant, but the experience definitely is.

Korea is also an option (or Japan) for good money, but the opportunities for bad environments abound. Well, I suppose one could say that about a lot of places. Have you considered Qatar or Kuwait? A few years ago Humansoft in Kuwait offered me a position, and the money was much better than the UAE. Just something to keep in mind...that, or look to North Africa, if you want to be in that part of the world. Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya....lots of opportunities there and the cost of living is cheaper than the gulf.

[yavannah]

One of my CELTA tutors taught in Abu Dhabi and she seemed to have have pretty happy with it, but I'm not sure how long ago it was she taught there.

I was actually interested in the Middle East, but I'm a single mom so I'm not sure how likely I am to be accepted most places. I thought Dubai being a bit more westernized might be a good choice, and of course knowing someone already helps. I hadn't considered Spain because I figured since I'm not an EU national they wouldn't want me.

Thanks for all the insight, btw.