Job Discussion Forums

[mooseontheloose]

I don't know exactly how to phrase this....

Basically I've passed my interview with one of the more well-respected post-secondary institutions in the UAE and have been offered a position (which is not in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Al Ain). I don't want to get into any more specific details at this point, but I know that information narrows it down quite a bit

At the moment I'm going through a bit of professional (and personal) self-doubt and I'd like some advice. I know a lot of people complain about certain aspects of the job they don't like (reductions in allowances, pay, directors, etc) but I think, compared to the EFL situation in the rest of the world, teachers who work in the UAE (and a few other ME countries) have it pretty good -- airfare, housing allowance, furniture allowance, education allowance, etc, even if it doesn't cover EVERYTHING. In all my years of teaching EFL I have NEVER received anything other than my salary for teaching, so in browsing this forum I am often amused at what people get upset about (again, I know that every context is different, and once I'm in the ME I'll probably complain as much as everyone else). That being said, my question is this: is moving to the UAE a good move at this time? I don't want to move there to find out that everyone else is moving out. It's hard to get an accurate assessment using forums and the like, and since things are always changing, older posts don't necessarily offer a lot of insight.

If you are doing it now, or could do it all over again (if you've moved on) would you still recommend to someone (with considerable EFL experience, education, etc) to move to the UAE at this time? And this is not within the context of just the ME, but of the (international) EFL profession as a whole. It's also considering the context of the current world economy, currency exchange, opportunities for saving, etc.

Also, I'd like to hear from any female teachers about teaching at a men's college in one of the smaller emirates. I guess I wouldn't have been offered a job in one if the director felt it would be a problem, but I'd like to hear about others experiences in the classroom. I'd also like to know about being a single female living in a small, more conservative emirate. I'm not really the partying type or someone who needs to live in a big city, but I am concerned about personal isolation.

Thanx.

[uaeobserver]

Professionally, the UAE hurt my career.

I thought it was going to enhance it --- kind of like getting a Fulbright. Turns out - if you want to enhance your CV --- get a Fulbright --- don't do something silly like moving your family to the UAE for a full-time post. Unfortunately - budget problems precluded association membership or professional conferences. I actually fell behind, professionally.

On the other hand - if you want a challenge -- and want to expose your family to an overseas experience -- and you're good at teaching English -- then go for it.

I don't regret my time in the UAE. It simply didn't do as much for me professionally, as I was hoping. It wasn't a waste --- but it wasn't rewarding.

If you're trying to build a high quality CV, I'd recommend a university -- which would be ZU, UAEU, or AUS. Stay away from whacky and unstable positions (management jobs are awful).

[veiledsentiments]

I'm not sure if uaeobserver's experience is relevant for you or not as you didn't mention whether this move was for professional experience to improve your CV or to save some money... and since you are single, the family issue doesn't enter into your decision.

I can address a couple of issues and that is there doesn't seem to be a massive departure of EFL teachers at this moment. Many of them, if not most that are leaving are those who have seen currency fluctuations and inflation cut into the income they had become accustomed to. That said, many that complain of these issues have stayed because thus far they have not been able to find anywhere that they can do better. The financial issue can only be looked at in your own situation. As long as you get housing and a furniture allowance (NOT a housing allowance and you have to find your own place). Since you are single, there is no reason why you wouldn't be able to save most of your salary. (at least after the first year of getting set up)

The Middle East is mostly a very comfortable place for a single female and if you are a mature teacher, you should have little problem with the male students in a "more well-respected post-secondary institution." (Feel free to PM me if you would like some pointers on handling the male students.) In many ways, I found the male students easier to handle than the female. The isolation problem is not as bad as it used to be because at least now there is internet and satellite TV.

Personally I felt that my experience at HCT was both professionally and personally fulfilling. Granted the system has grown significantly since then and current teachers who are still there say that the 90's were the 'good old days.' Would I do it again? Certainly... even knowing the current downsides. There is always the wild card of whether or not you work well with current management. But that is true of every job - at home or abroad.

VS

[lall]

[mooseontheloose]

Professionally, the UAE hurt my career.

I thought it was going to enhance it --- kind of like getting a Fulbright. Turns out - if you want to enhance your CV --- get a Fulbright --- don't do something silly like moving your family to the UAE for a full-time post. Unfortunately - budget problems precluded association membership or professional conferences. I actually fell behind, professionally.

uaeobserver -- You don't say exactly where you are coming from, I'm assuming you're American since you mention the Fulbright -- but I can't see how any position in EFL would enhance your career. In my experience people are either researchers (with Ph.D) and have corresponding university positions, or they are teachers, on contracts and with little upward mobility. I like my job a lot, but I wouldn't consider any job in any place as hurtful to my career (unless it was teaching children when I really wanted to teach adults, etc). I have no interest in the Ph.D route, and as a long-term EFL professional, I believe the UAE is as good as it gets (except for a few lucky ones). So...that's not really an issue. Most of colleagues back home are in a terrible position -- four month contracts, no benefits whatsoever, and are on so little hours they are on unemployment. So personally I feel staying in the the international field is the way to stay solvent.

That being said, I really appreciate your views (and everyone else who has been PM-ing me). They're very helpful.

VS and lall -- satellite and internet? I understand where you're coming from with that, but please tell me there's more to life in the UAE than sitting in front of a computer or a tv (and work).


moose

[veiledsentiments]

[globalnomad2]

Career? In EFL in the Middle East you are educational contract workers. The best "career" mobility you can expect is to become an EFL department supervisor, or to be especially prolific in TESOL Arabia presentations, if that's what makes your panties spin and jump out of the dryer.