Job Discussion Forums

[mattjd43]

Hi,
I am attempting to find a job in either Yemen or Syria teaching EFL. I have read pretty much all the posts on Dave's regarding these countries, however I haven't found any posts that are all that recent.

Basically, I am wondering if anyone can giveany feedback into how well-run these two organizations are. They appear to be reputable, but as I said, most of the info I have found is kind of old.

Any insight into these organizations, and any tips on other good agencies in these countries, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[cmann]

In Syria the British Council is really the only show in town, it has a good reputation and the teachers there are happy, some have worked there for years. I have visited Syria and loved it but never lived there.

Yemen is totally different I worked for AMEDEAST for 9 months last year and I enjoyed my time with them, they were very professional and paid on time (this is a big deal in Yemen, as many do not). As an American Government sponsored organization you are more or less safe in the work environment but you do have to take the American aspect into account this might not be the right time for Americans in the region, but then no time is really the �right time�. MALI is a much smaller outfit and I knew some of their teachers when I was in Sanna, and the reports were mixed, lies about housing, and very few benefits only 2 weeks paid holiday per year and one unpaid week off every 5 weeks which cuts into your budget, you have to take the week off. I met the then coordinator for Aden and she had nothing good to say about the place, I think she has now left.

Yemen is an interesting country but very 3rd. world. As an American I felt reasonably safe in Sanna, I never visited Aden which has the reputation of being more open and I did not feel safe nor was I encouraged to travel about the country, things must be worse now after the Embassy bombs.

For me it would be Syria but if any people are in Yemen now they might give you a better idea.

[veiledsentiments]

There is also the American Language Center in Damascus if it was not closed during the last kerfuffle when the US crossed the border and killed mostly civilians. If you have read all the posts, you probably saw Basil the Rat's post about it. All good reviews from teachers I know who worked there. It is actually part of the AMIDEAST system - same as in Yemen (and Egypt and Morocco and Tunisia and and and)

These are always good jobs with a regular pay check and sensible professional management (most of the time). Its reputation is as good as the BC, but the pay and benefits will be smaller. That is because it is not American government sponsored. It is a private non-profit organization (unlike the British Council which is a government operation) that has been around since the 1950s. It naturally works closely with the embassy and USAID, but is privately funded - predominantly by Arab Americans, large corporations, and I noticed Sheikh Mohammed from the UAE on the donor list.

VS

[sliim]

About teaching in Yemen: I taught there for a year and a half in two different language centers. Naturally I cannot speak for every language institute in the country, but from what I gathered working with and meeting teachers from around the country, the ONLY reliable employer in Yemen for ESL teachers is Amideast.

I unfortunately didn't get the chance to work for them directly, but I did do some side projects with the German embassy in Aden and had the chance to work with Amideast staff there. And they were all happy with their working conditions.

Yemen is a different kind of experience, but it is worthwhile for people who have the patience and tolerance to give it a try. It is really important, however, to work for an employer that will not treat you like a donkey, and that's why I say go with Amideast, enjoy your stay, and leave with good memories. Otherwise you risk getting stiffed, cheated, and mistreated. Trust me, I've seen it.

Once again, I cannot speak for every institute, but the ones I worked for--not trying to name names here--really spoiled what was otherwise a life changing experience for me. So if you want my two cents, go with Amideast and spend your time off enjoying the good things that Yemen and the Yemenis have to offer.

Feel free to pm me if you would like any more info about Yemen.

[basiltherat]

Hi
I keep in contact with a few syrians I met there and I get the impression that nothing really has changed since I left just over a year ago; still safe etc.

Besides BC, I know New Horizons is there in Damascus. Might be worth googling it; see what you find.
Best
Basil

[mattjd43]

Hello,

Thank you all for the kind replies. I am lucky enough to have been hired by Amideast here in Aden and am LOVING my experience. I highly recommend that anyone looking for ESL work in the Middle East to apply for a position with Amideast. They are highly professional and responsible. They are most courteous and highly attuned to the needs of both the students and staff. I am duly impressed and am highly enjoying my time here. I am currently in Sana'a. I visited the Aden office last week and was astounded at the heat and humidity. But still, the country is great. I had heard great things about working for Amideast before I was hired, and I can now say firsthand that all the positive info is indeed true.

Thanks again everyone!

--M

[polyglot2000]

Greetings.
I am currently teaching in Oman, but I may get a job in Yemen soon.

I am thinking of driving my car -- along with all my stuff -- to Aden, but I am worried about the stretch of road from the Omani border -- Salalah -- to Aden. This might be bandit country, as well as the newly announced Al Qaida in Yemen!!

Also, I have been advised to go to Dubai and have my car registration changed from Oman to Yemen with some company there.

Does anyone have any information about any of this?

Thanks for any advice.

[mattjd43]

I would highly advise against making that drive from Oman to Aden. It's just not safe, particularly the Mukalla - Aden stretch. Things probably won't be getting much better anytime soon with the recent attacks on Al-Qaeda assets in the country. I know foreigners who have travelled between Aden and Mukalla overland and there always seems to be some sort of a problem. Even if you don't encounter any tribal roadblocks, you may very well have difficulties getting past the security checkpoints. If you are Arab, you may be ok. Still, a busload of Yemenis from Sana'a University recently were carjacked on the way to Mareb. There are too many unknowns and variables when travelling outside the cities.

Yemen is a great country though. I've enjoyed my 10 months here very much. I'm looking forward to returning to the U.S. in late February but I think I'd like to come back here at some point.