Job Discussion Forums

[spiral78]

It seems that the ME region may be laying off or will soon lay off some fairly large numbers of relatively highly qualified EFL teachers.

If true, where do people expect this little wave of teachers to head next? I'm betting mostly Asia, as the market is bigger and relatively more lucrative and easy to get into.

If I am correct, competition for jobs in Asia should increase, and general standards would rise at least somewhat.

Not saying I think some thousands of qualified teachers will change the landscape entirely, but I am betting there will be a visible effect. Overall, IMO, probably for the better as higher qualifications are a signal of greater competency in most cases.

[nomad soul]

Not layoffs in the Gulf, but rather, contract terminations and nonrenewals. The region is experiencing the following:

1. A declining/stagnant oil market, which has greatly impacted the GCC economies and overall salaries. However, salaries have been in a slow decline over the past 5 or so years.

2. Terminations of mainly oil-industry English instructors.

3. A push region wide for qualified nationals (MA/PhD holders) to replace contracted expats, including those teaching in university foundation year programs.

4. The phasing out of the UAE's English foundation year programs in the country's government universities, which were major employers of highly-qualified EFL teachers. These programs are expected to be completely eliminated within the next couple of years.

This is why we've stressed to potential newcomers to the region that the TEFL market isn't likely to be what they expect when they plan to head over in the next few years and beyond.

By the way, for teachers in the Mid East with a TESOL-related MA/PhD, Asia isn't more lucrative than the Gulf; there are still good-paying, direct-hire jobs for the well-qualified. However, those with lesser and unrelated degrees are seeing a huge reduction in salary and benefits being offered by for-profit contracting companies. China, Korea, and possibly Japan would likely appeal to them if they plan to stay in TEFL and can no longer qualify for the Gulf.

That said, the Gulf offers good opportunities for qualified (licensed/certified) k-12 teachers with experience teaching their subject in their home country. In fact, there are more international schools in the tiny UAE than in any other country (including China). However, requirements in the Gulf are specific, so k-12 wannabe teachers shouldn't cut corners in terms of teaching qualifications and experience.

[santi84]

Opportunities are going well in the less desirable Canadian locations, such as rural Alberta and the regions around larger towns in Saskatchewan/Manitoba. These jobs require related degrees and Canadian work permission, which is a problem for many applicants, but an option for some Canadians abroad who want to return home.

[taikibansei]

[suphanburi]

[Knedliki]

[suphanburi]

[Big Worm]

Interesting q. Ive been considering the future of foreign teaching i (not just esl), and I see the long term trend being Africa. Tons of new investment from China, one of the last places to have cheap as dirt labor. Something to think about.

[scot47]

Africa ? You are 50 years too late. Like many of my compatriots I taught in Africa in the post-independence education boom. These jobs have now been Africanised. They do not need us !

[In the heat of the moment]

Not necessarily, many countries legislate only hiring native speakers even though it would be cheaper to be open to all countries' teachers.