Job Discussion Forums

[Eyrick3]

Perhaps it's a rumor, but I've heard there are positions for experienced individuals in Baghdad: 70,000 USD for a 10-month contract.

Is this true? Does anyone have any sources they could link to?

What are the highest paying jobs in the Middle East, and what are the general requirements/qualifications needed?

Thanks in advance!

[veiledsentiments]

There has only been one job discussed here that was a confirmed opening. It was for only one teacher, I believe and it required an existing high military clearance - teaching in the green zone. I don't recall the pay. You can probably bring this information up with a search.

Pay depends on qualifications, of course. The majority of the well paid positions requires a related MA plus a few years of good experience on your CV - preferably with Arabic speakers teaching academic English.

No one can answer your question without knowing your credentials.

VS

[Eyrick3]

My credentials:

BA in English Lit

One year of ESL experience in Europe pre-TESOL
Two years of ESL experience in China post-TESOL
Six months of teacher training

Above ESL experience is with adults, children and university.

I'm also fluent in Mandarin Chinese, reading and writing as well as speaking.

How do ME schools / universities feel about online Masters?

[veiledsentiments]

It varies. I hear that there are places in Saudi Arabia that do not recognize them. In the UAE, the Ministry of Education will not accept them (teaching in the schools or military), but the Ministry of Higher Education will accept them. (for colleges and universities)

With neither an MA nor a CELTA (or other valid TEFL cert), the vast majority of Gulf employers wouldn't even consider you. Those that would will tend to be the entry level jobs - with comparably low pay and benefits. Also, they tend to be the ones with poor management and working conditions.

Your Chinese will be of no help to you. Wouldn't you be better off improving your credentials and staying in China? It seems a shame to waste all the effort learning the language.

VS

[Eyrick3]

I actually have a TESOL diploma, which is a step above a certificate. It is also internationally recognized.

At this point my consideration of changing countries is fueled entirely by greed. I'm still quite young (25) and figure that if before the time I'm 30 I can sock away 200k into an IRA, I won't have to worry about saving money for retirement. Everything I earn after that would be disposable.

There are no ESL positions in China that I know of that would offer 40,000 USD a year. I figured the ME would be a good place to find such a salary plus other benefits.

[veiledsentiments]

How do you plan to be able to save 200,000 in 5 years... you expect to be able to save 100% of that 40,000 per year?

I fear that your expectations far exceed your possibilities. With your credentials, you would likely earn closer to between $25-30,000 a year, and I presume that you would have to eat, have transport to work, and even a bit of fun now and then for that 5 years.

At your age and credentials, a more realistic target is to save half of what you could earn. And as someone who has been around for a few years... have fun while you're young... we never know if we will live long enough to be old...

VS

[Eyrick3]

That's why I was thinking 70,000 per 10-month contract would be nice. 10 months work, 2 months play; 40k in the bank, 30k to whatever else. Rinse and repeat for 5 years, then move on.

[cmp45]

Yes it all sounds nice in theory, realistically I would think life in Iraq at the moment would be quite hellish. Incase you hadn't heard there is war going on. If you don't like the word "war" then please do explain what you would call it.

You would not have much freedom to move about, plus living in a country where security is a major issue for westerners you would probably need the 2 months off just to recooperate from all the mental anquish experienced over the 10 months.

Working in a war torn country just for money...sounds sick to me!

[scot47]

There are no EFL jobs anywhere that will allow you to save US$200,000 in 5 years. If you were a married couple and both earning top whack it might be possible to do this jointly.

[veiledsentiments]

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

USD 70,000 + Iraq = Cabbage that could buy you a half-decent headstone!

NCTBA

[renzobenzo1]

The mechanics and financials of contracts may all sound very good on paper/screen but things very rarely turn out as they seem.
As people have said to save half of what you earn whilst having a good time would be exceedingly well-done.

[lall]

[veiledsentiments]

There is no way for any of us - including the professional economists to project what the cost of living will be in 40 years for today's 25 year olds... even today's 40 year olds. Especially when you look at the unpredictability of various markets right now.

You may as well use a dart board to make the decision.

VS

[windstar]

I would not even think of selling my 5 valuable years for 200K? I don't and can't know the value of others' lives.