Job Discussion Forums

[ChrisV]

Considering Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE, are the following statements true or false?

1. Inflation is lowering the real value of TEFL salaries very rapidly in the UAE and Qatar, but much more slowly (or even not at all) in Kuwait and Oman.

2. The UAE is the most expensive of the four countries, followed closely by Qatar, with Kuwait and Oman both being considerably less expensive.

3. The best salaries are in the UAE, followed closely by Kuwait and Qatar, with Oman a fair bit behind the other three.

4. Family-type (i.e. non-night-club, non-alcoholic) entertainment, like eating out or going to the cinema, is pricey in the UAE and Qatar, but not too dear in Kuwait or Oman.

These are impressions I've formed entirely from reading these forums. How correct are there? Which ones are misinformed?

Thanks,

Chris

[veiledsentiments]

It is hard to say exactly because there isn't really anyone who is living in all the countries and none of the governments gives accurate inflation figures. I would say that if your employer provides housing (not an allowance), the inflation rates are likely pretty similar for the average teacher.

The biggest issue is probably the value of the dollar, which affects non-Americans significantly more. None of these countries has ever been cheap to live in since everything is imported.

As to salaries, for an MA experienced teacher based on the offers this past semester, the ranking is UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and... Oman (significantly lower).

VS

[15yearsinQ8]

1. Inflation is lowering the real value of TEFL salaries very rapidly in the UAE and Qatar, but much more slowly (or even not at all) in Kuwait and Oman. FALSE (YES, housing et al costs are biting into salaries of those who do not have housing provided in UAE and Qatar, but costs are rising in Kuwait more than 'slowly or not at all.') As a teacher you should know you phrased a true / false question with 6 variables - yikes - reminds me of the T/F question I answered with 3 paragraghs in college !

2. The UAE is the most expensive of the four countries, followed closely by Qatar, with Kuwait and Oman both being considerably less expensive. Generally TRUE as this is a broad question, but specificities occur otherwise.

3. The best salaries are in the UAE, followed closely by Kuwait and Qatar, with Oman a fair bit behind the other three. Too broad to be answered in T/F - based on position - expereinces and degrees.

4. Family-type (i.e. non-night-club, non-alcoholic) entertainment, like eating out or going to the cinema, is pricey in the UAE and Qatar, but not too dear in Kuwait or Oman. Thrifty entertainment can be found the world over - depends on the attitude and enginuity (i can't spell OK!) of the family. I would have answered this question, if it had been thrown to me in college, with a god-damned essay!