Job Discussion Forums

[skullydude06]

I have a B.A. Sociology and B.A Applied Linguistics and Tefl certification and two years volunteer teaching adults. Which country should I start my teaching career at to get experience? I will be bring my wife and three kids with me. Also my wife has a B.A. Journalism and tefl certification from America. We are both native speakers. I perfer Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Kamaih in the U.A.E. or 2) Saudi Arabia 3) Qatar 4) Oman 5) Egypt.

[helenl]

Most reputable schools will require some kind of teacher certification. From what I can see you have none. Language schools in any of these markets are best avoided as many have poor management, worse pay and nil benefits.

As for Saudi - does your wife realize she will be confined to a compound/housing unless you're with her? She won't be able to drive and outside the compound she will be expected to cover up. Lots of people do manage with those restrictions - but I know for myself I'd find it difficult for months on end.

[Cleopatra]

[eha]

[Cleopatra]

What one has "always heard about Saudi" (sic) ain't neccessarily so.

Women can and do go out, alone, or with friends. There is absolutely no reason for anyone to be 'confined to a compound' - unless, of course, they wish to be - and many do. The restrictions on women in KSA are real, and they are numerous - which perhaps is all the more reason why we should not exaggerate them.

[mishmumkin]

Skullydude, now I that realise you have a wife and kids, I would strongly recommend that you not take a job w/ some of these more questionable employers who will hire someone w/ your limited experience and credentials. You'll need to have money for the schooling (if they are of school age), and in almost all the countries you've named, those costs are through the roof. It's very expensive to put your child into private schools in much of the Gulf. As non-native speakers of Arabic, the govt schools will not be an option (not that you would want them in govt schools). A good employer will provide education allowances, or if you're working in a school, a discounted or free eduation w/in that institution.

I love Egypt, and you could find work and suppport the family (without debt and on a pretty basic standard of living), but I have heard of other African-Americans feeling the sting of racism there moreso than the Gulf nations. I know of someone who was extremely well-qualified and experienced (an african-american convert to islam), and he was let go w/o any real reason recently...only that he didn't fit the image of the school. This isn't the first time I've heard a story along these lines. If you are, by chance, seeking like in a predominantly Muslim country, I would recommend you try and spend a bit of time there first to better understand how you would be treated. It's a costly suggestion, but it could save you a lot of anguish long-term.

[scot47]

Frankly I think it unlikely that you will get a job that pays educational allowance.

[Stephen Jones]

You're starting a new career at the bottom (which is where you always start) and you expect to be able to provide for a wife and three kids? ROFL

Your wife will be presumably stuck in the apartment all day with the kids who will be getting increasingly bored because it's too hot to go out, and they can't go to school like normal kids because your salary doesn't run to the school fees.

[skullydude06]

Where do you suggest I go and work? Which middle eastern country? Thanks

[helenl]

Thanks Cleopatra for clearing up my misperception of Saudi - can you clarify how one (a woman alone) is permitted to go outside the compound without having an escort? Maybe I'll consider Saudi as my next move?

[cmp45]

First off, I understand your concerns and the previous posters all have valid opinions regarding what life may be like for you and your family.

Now I present you with another alternative opinion, your qualifications are limited, although still fine and see no reason why you can not apply to the places you are interested in working. Although with no or limited experience in the Middle East you will be starting close to the base salary.

As stated before totally avoid language schools, but college and university level institutions are the better way to go. They are always in need of teachers. The trick is finding one which offers what you want in terms of education allowance etc. You won't know until you apply.

I would suggest applying to those colleges where their reputation is sound. You have to start somewhere and if you truly are interested in moving to the Middle East then apply. If they are interested in you; then negotiate and find out what the offerings are regarding education for your children, and proper housing, visas etc..

To some degree everyone has some problems with adjusting to Middle Eastern life, male / female, black, white or green...even us vetrans were newbies at one point. It is not easy moving with a family in tow, but it's also not impossible. There are many that have done it!

Of course do your research and plan and negotiate...no one can do this for you.
There are reputable institutions mentioned on previous postings and am sure if you did some intense searching, you would find a number of places to apply....start with applying and then go from there.

I have been working at the English Language Center at the Institute of Public Administration in Riyadh (a Government college) for 5 years now and they hire all nationalities, married and single status, in fact there was an excellent black teacher from South Africa here along with his family, unfortunately he had to return to South Africa.

Usually you come over first then your wife and children fly out shortly after once you get settled. There are several teachers here with families and as far as I know IPA does offer education allowance. As well as decent housing on a compound for married teachers. IPA also has branches in Jeddah and Khobar, but don't know much about work or life in either of these places.

Of course don't just take my word...apply and/ or get the information direct from the institution you are applying also you can check out their website (Type in the college name and country for a search) You can even apply to IPA on-line.

Honestly, you could ask for advice on this site until your blue in the face, and yes you get some very realistic and valid points. In the end just take the plunge...apply...you never know until you actually apply.

However, remember once you arrive, you aren't in Kansas anymore! :)

[Cleopatra]

[mishmumkin]

[mishmumkin]

[Cleopatra]