Job Discussion Forums

[Noelle]

Hi all

I am giving serious consideration to looking for a teaching position in the Middle East when I am finished here in Korea. I have an M.A. in TESOL and will have had 4 years of experience when I am finished with this contract.

In Korea, anyone and their mother can find a job teaching English and I'd like to work somewhere more academically stable. I will be making the move from my current high school position into a university teaching position soon and have been considered by some good universities here in Korea... but some of them are Christian schools.

I have gone out of my way to avoid working for Christian schools all this time because I worry that any affiliation with Christian organizations will jeopardize my chances of even being considered for a job in the Middle East, regardless of my qualifications.

Am I right? There are some great Christian universities here but my ultimate goal is to build up my resume and prepare to move to the UAE. Should I continue to avoid any and all Christian affiliations that would be listed on my CV?

[scot47]

I am sure this would have no adverse affect on employment.

[younggeorge]

It wouldn't matter at all as long as they're mainstream. Questions might be asked if you worked for the Rev Moon's Unification Church or others that might be regarded as sects - if anyone recognised them, that is.

[007]

[veiledsentiments]

There might be a problem if your whole background looked highly evangelical (ie your education and degrees from these type institutions). The better employers don't want to get into problems with teachers proselytizing. (which did happen in a couple of places that I taught)

But, if it is just one employer in a mix, there should be no problem. I think the positive of direct university experience teaching academic English will outweigh any negatives.

VS

[Noelle]

Thanks so much everyone for the reply!

[uaeobserver]

I just happen to have in front of me a catalog from a federal UAE institution that will go un-named.

Having worked as a college placement consultant, I know my schools. Looking at some of the places the listed staff secured their degrees (numerous overtly religious institutions), religious affiliation does not appear to have any adverse affect on employability. (might actually help in some instances).

[Iamherebecause]

Having a religious affiliation, especially a monotheistic one, is probably a Good Thing here. It's best not to say you are an atheist, and best not to put 'none' if there's a box on a form asking your religion.

[veiledsentiments]

True, but that wasn't the question this time... our OP here was concerned that she might be looked upon as a 'missionary' type - a group that is not welcome if their intention is to proselytize in the ME.

VS

[Noelle]

So when applying for jobs in the UAE, are you asked to reveal your "religious background"?

[Stephen Jones]

In Saudi you state your religion when you apply for the visa. If your not Moslem, just stick down Christian; nobody is going to check it up.

[veiledsentiments]

It doesn't need to be stated in the application and I never had it brought up in any interview, but when you have been hired, it is one of the questions on the visa forms.

And as Stephen says, no matter what you call yourself back home, best to put 'Christian' on the form. (no one will quiz you... )

VS

[Noelle]

Pardon my ignorance... but I don't understand why it's best to put "Christian" on the visa application.

Aren't all middle eastern countries predominantly Muslim? It seems to me that openly declaring one is a Christian will be opening the door for discrimination...

how could it work in my favor in the UAE?

[helenl]

From what I understand, putting in atheist or jewish as your faith (and probably jewish is not as "bad" as atheist) will probably get you rejected. Not believing in a god or gods is usually considered to be worse than not sharing the Muslim faith.

Many atheists (and agnostics) I'm acquainted with in the GCC declared their faith as "Buddhist" on the visa forms.

[Noelle]

Okay, I get it now. Thanks!

Better to be a Christian in a muslim country than a Jew or a total agnostic.
Thanks for clearing that up...