Job Discussion Forums

[flordelis]

I originally posted this message in the "Newbies" forum, but have decided to try here as well, since I only got one response. Maybe someone here can provide some input?

Thank you in advance for allowing me to enter this forum, and for any helpful information that may come my way. I also apologize if these questions have been asked before, but I am looking for information specific to my experience and background.

I am looking to teach abroad after a 2-year teaching hiatus. The following is my teaching experience, as I see it's necessary to make a proper "diagnosis:"

BA: Elementary Education
MS: TESOL

Teaching Experience:
10 years in the public school system as a bilingual/ESOL teacher (K-5)

Part-time/supplemental/summer work includes:
3 years as an adjunct professor at the university level, teaching future educators best ESOL practices
1 term at our local community college as an adjunct teaching English in a refugee vocational program
Trainer (2 years) and assessor (previous 4 years) for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

I was Teacher of the Year 2006 and have National Board Certification in English as a New Language (although it's not really useful outside the public school system).

I have not taught for two years, as my now-fiance and I left our jobs to travel around the world. Best thing I ever did! I am back home now and do not want to go back to the public school system. I would love to continue traveling and teaching, combining the two things I am most passionate about. I start next week as an adjunct at a university (lecturer teaching ESL), but this is only part-time.

I would like to teach abroad in the future, and feel that my qualifications and experience should get me a good job. Am I right to think this? Where would be the best places to apply? Where are the best working conditions? Should I go for international schools abroad? Universities in the Middle East? Do I have the right qualifications for ME? South Korea? Japan? I am open to exploring different parts of the world, but also want to be compensated for my experience and would like to work for a reputable place. My first choice would be university students/adults, as I'm ready for a change from the elementary level.

There is also the issue of my fiance, who is not a teacher. His experience is in construction/code inspection. Is it feasible for both of us to find work in the same place, me as a teacher and him as ... whatever? He's willing to try anything, as long as we can be together. He does not have a degree (no BA) so I imagine teaching wouldn't be an option anyway. We would be married before going abroad.

Sorry for the babbling. Just wanted to get some input from experienced colleagues who could steer me in the right direction. Thanks again for your help!

[veiledsentiments]

Don't apologize!! The more information you give us about yourself, the easier it is to advise you of your options. With your CV, you have two basic options... both good.

First, I assume that you have a state cert/license or could renew it? Right now the UAE is trying to re-vamp its whole education system from K-12. If you are up for a challenge, the pay is good for people with the experience. Do a google and/or a search on the job openings page for Teachaway. They are doing most of the interviewing and hiring for this program. You can also read about it on the UAE board - the good, bad, & ugly. Search for ADEC and PPP to read about the ups and downs... and yes, it is pretty confusing. There are also International Schools, but the good ones (where the embassy and expat kids go) are very competitive.

Second, if you are like me, I prefer university level, and your credentials should get you considered at most of the universities. (but you are late for this Fall - not impossible, but late... perhaps second semester?) All of these jobs are direct hire and the openings are usually listed on their websites. Check out the websites on these institutions:

Egypt: The American University in Cairo
Kuwait: The American University in Kuwait
Qatar: Qatar University
Oman: Sultan Qaboos University
UAE: The American University in Sharjah; Zayed University; Higher Colleges of Technology; ECAE (can't remember what the letters stand for it's a small college training teachers, but I'm not sure if they are hiring this year or not)

As to the salaries on offer, Oman has the lowest pay (and arguably the best living conditions - especially if you like outdoor activities like camping, climbing, diving, etc...) and the UAE the highest. You should be looking at $4000-5000 a month in the UAE, completely tax free, with free furnished housing, medical, tickets each summer, 6-8 weeks off in the summer plus various holidays and a gratuity for each year worked. Most contracts are for 2-3 years.

The problem will be for your soon-to-be husband. Without a degree, it will be hard for him to find any work. The construction field in the Gulf is very low pay and the positions are mostly filled by workers from the subcontinent. I have often wondered if they even have "codes" sadly enough. Might he be interested in working on a degree online while he is there?

VS

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Emirates

College (of)

Advanced

Edutainment

NCTBA

[johnslat]

Dear NCTBA,

And lo, these many years I thought the "A" represented "Adult." (XXX)


Regards,
John

[helenl]

Of course there are construction standards! As there are Education standards that's why HCT has to supervise the CEPA exams - the high school teachers can't be trusted. . Unfortunately, in construction, lack of enforcement UNTIL there is a fatal accident - means that the foreman, supervisor, project manager, (I leave out sponsor, because they are rarely held responsible), usually skip the country because at best they are jailed (why aren't the inspectors?) once a fatality occurs.

That said, I have known North American qualified building trades people to be employed at HCT ZU CNAQ Georgetown etc. If only to "protect" the north americans employed at said institutions

[veiledsentiments]

As they say, rules are made to be broken.... rather like the traffic laws.

The few Western construction types that I met were hired in the US/UK and brought in to work with their company. (Mostly oil rig people) I fear that construction may be a tough (and very limited) job market to break into on the ground in the UAE... requiring wasta from the "homeland" versus the Gulf variety we are used to... Or, perhaps I just hung out with the wrong crowd.

We have had this question before and no one came on with any good ideas. (google?) We'll have to wait and see if anyone shows up this time. I expect that the best chance would be if one had experience in construction in the oil industry.

VS

[flordelis]

Thank you to everyone for your input. I will look into the universities suggested and start from there. Best of luck to all of you as well. Happy journeys!