Job Discussion Forums

Soft Machine · Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 8

I'm a career ESL teacher with 15+ years experience (mainly in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam), an M.Ed., CELTA, and undergrad degrees in English and Asian Studies. I've been contemplating a move to the Middle East but have a few questions:

- Aside from Dave's, is there a website that advertises university jobs in Saudi and other ME countries?
- I'm married with an infant. Is raising a child in the ME much more of a challenge in terms of medical, schooling, etc. than, say, Korea or China?
- What are average salaries like for ESL teachers with similar backgrounds?
- What was the biggest challenge for you in terms of teaching and living in the ME?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:26 pm Post subject:

If you have an MA, then you should be looking for university jobs. These can be found on the HigherEd Jobs site and the Chronicle of Higher Education.

IMHO, raising a child here is probably easier in terms of education and more difficult in terms of medical issues than it it is in China or Korea. It is relatively inexpensive to obtain child care, and if your employer pays, there are some great schools. The medical care, however, is hit-or-miss at best.

Average starting salaries are probably somewhere in the range of SR 10,500 to 13,500 depending on education and experience.

The biggest challenges here are the boredom and having to cope with the vicissitudes of Saudi administrators. Oh, yes...also having everything close for prayer what seems like every twenty minutes.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I note that you also have a post in the General Middle East section. Keep in mind that Saudi is the only country that will require that your wife cover like the local women... and she will not be able to drive.

As much or more money can be made in the Emirates or Qatar with a freer lifestyle.

VS