Job Discussion Forums

[denise]

Hi, folks. I'm a qualified teacher and long-time Dave's poster, but I'm a newbie here in the Middle East forum. I'm just starting to do some research on a move to the Middle East--at this point I'm looking into the UAE and Qatar.

I've found some good links that list universities, and I've gone one by one to find those that have EFL programs. Some of them say that they welcome applications for part-time employment. Now, given that I am currently in the US and part-time employment seems to be the norm here (I've only been back a few weeks), I'm not put off by part-time work. I wonder, though, whether it is possible to get enough part-time work at different universities to make a living. If they see on my CV that I am applying from abroad, will I even stand a chance? Do part-time jobs usually appeal to/go to people who are already in the area?

Ideally I'd like a full-time university position that will cover airfare and housing (and yes, I believe I am qualified to apply for those jobs--MA in TESOL and five years of experience, three of them at the university level). Is it worthwhile to apply for part-time jobs, too?

Oh, and if you know of any good universities that are hiring, I certainly would love to hear about them! I've got several bookmarked, but since I am waaaaay over on the other side of the world, I'm not in a very good position to judge them...

Whew! Sorry for such a long post for something that was intended to be a quick question!

Thanks,
d

[veiledsentiments]

Apply for the full-time jobs... don't even consider part-time. With an MA + 5, you deserve the full benefit package. Part time is for housewives and those with bad credentials... those that are already there and have visas and spouses with houses.

Fortunately, the Gulf has not YET completely turned ESL/EFL into slave labor like the US has.

Go for the good ones Denise!!

VS

[Gordon]

Denise,
I suggest you spent a few days or a week reading through the pages of some of the Gulf states. There are a number of good universities out there: PI, AUS, Zayed, HCT, UAEU to name a few.
I have been browsing theses pages for a couple of years now and will most likely be leaving Japan next summer to come here.
Those student loans are adding up eh, Denise?

[veiledsentiments]

Listen to Gordon... and go directly to the websites and apply direct...

Full time only!!

VS

[Afra]

I'm sure that no one will sponsor you part-time and without sponsorship, you would be working illegally. You can't open a bank account, register a car, rent a property, the list is endless. Apply now, well qualified teachers are needed.

[denise]

Thanks, guys! I figured that I'd be on my own for sponsorship and whatnot...

Gordon--I've seen some of those same universities and started applying. Yeah, the loans are no fun. I want to get them taken care of before the standard 10-year deadline (got a small head start in Japan, but had to defer them in Peru...).

d

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]

Upon relocating, I wonder for how long you'll remain "in a TEFL-induced state of euphoria" ...

[denise]

[nomadykaty]

Anyone know if you can sponsor yourself in the UAE?

I get the impression from Denise ("I figured that I'd be on my own for sponsorship and whatnot...") that sponsorship is not an issue for her. So I'm just curious of the possibilities.

I have sponsorship but wouldn't it be nice to freelance between the universities (I know that I'm dreaming).

[Afra]

When Media City first opened, it was possible to rent space there and they would sponsor you. Don't know if this happens now. Everyone needs a sponsor of some kind.

[veiledsentiments]

I've never heard of anyone 'sponsoring' themselves and I don't think it is possible. It is definitely not desirable... nor even necessary in Denise's case. It is not that she doesn't need it; it is that she thinks this is a possibility.

I suspect that it is illegal at best.

VS
(Can you go now? Definitely get an application out to HCT right now... they are expecting a big influx and need teachers... one of the better packages... and a 3 year contract there could seriously pay off ed loans.)

[denise]

Ooops, I didn't mean to imply that I had some secret way to sponsor myself! It is an issue for me. I figured that if I did part-time work, I would have to sort out what I assume to be a maze of paperwork (as it is just about anywhere...) on my own, which I certainly would not like to do!

VS--I just submitted my CV & application packet to HCT a couple of days ago. Right now I'm in that awkward/nervous waiting period--the "will I hear back from them?" stage.

d

[veiledsentiments]

I don't even think you CAN do it in the UAE...

Good Luck... and send to the others too...

VS

[desert date]

[veiledsentiments]

Very few... some of the best international schools have good pay/benefit packages, but the jobs are also VERY competitive. And the American schools tend to hire Americans, British schools hire British... etc. I believe that their benefits are similar to university. If you are American, the US international schools (ISS Services) have a couple hiring fairs every year. I never taught at this level, but from what I heard, they need few ESL teachers and you have a better chance if you can teach in more than one subject area.

Standard pay package for university level holding an MA includes at least furnished housing, medical, annual tickets, a couple months paid summer leave, and gratuity. The salary depends on the country.

VS