Job Discussion Forums

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

What exactly is the Gulag? I mean, I know what the Gulag are. I'm just not sure what it refers to on this board. I just did a search and found lots of references to the Gulag, but I'm still none the wiser as to which place of employment it actually is. QU?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

It has long been the name that the teachers have used to refer to QP or Qatar Petroleum.

VS

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Ah, thanks for that VS. Actually, it was your kind advice on the KSA board that bought me snooping onto this one!

Is Qatar petroleum really that bad, or is the term given affectionately?

wilberforce · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 647

This place has been called the Gulag as long as I've been here. I think the name was given in the 1980s when the Cold War was still on. Maybe they had some Soviet refugees working here. (Just kidding). The grind and monotony of the early years, plus the goings on in the Easter bloc at the time probably earned the Gulag its name. We Gulagers like it. Makes us feel part of the system.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

I'll check it out, despite the nickname. Thanks again.

Any more hot tips, VS?

A lot of the places that don't require an MA seem to require an English related degree. Mine is business related and my wife has a law degree. Given our situation, that we'll have just completed our MA TESOL at the estimated start of our employment and that we have CELTA + experience, do you think it would be worth applying to these kinds of jobs anyway?

I wonder if in some cases a letter from the University in leiu of the not-yet-attained MA certificate would strengthen our application?

I'd certainly like to hear more about the gulag. I'm intrigued. I'll have another search.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

There have been lots of threads on QP over the years.

Employers tend to be very strict about the MA being officially in your hands before application. Sometimes they even tell people not to bother applying until that time - that is at the places where the MA is a requirement.

I'm not trying to dissuade you from applying to the places requiring the MA, but just warning you of what response you might get.

Have you looked at Oman?

VS

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Based on your initial advice, I have been looking at Oman. I'm very interested in it. I'm just trying to gather info at the moment. Anymore pointers would be well recieved.

By the way, thank you so much for your interest in these questions. I really appreciate the positive responses you've given. All too rare on these boards!

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2009 5:05 am Post subject:

From the Saudi Board

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Thanks to you, too! Very Happy

I only said that positive advice was rare due to experiences I've had on this board in the past.

As I said though, you guys have been really helpful. Cool

wilberforce · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 647

http://www.qp.com.qa/qp.nsf/jobs?OpenView

Try Direct Hire

A teacher recently left. The perks for direct hire are much better than contract hire (Griffith) but you are tied down. With contract, you are free to move on.

Primary Purpose Of The Job:
To teach English to nominated trainees / employees.
Assist in the implementation, piloting and feedback of teaching materials developed by the Materials Writing Team.
To assess competence as defined by the course outcome requirements.
Report on trainees� / employees� progress and act as first line counsellor where learners have problems of academic, attendance or personal nature affecting classroom performance and to assist Senior Instructor with appropriate administrative duties.
Monitors daily attendance; maintains a running absence summary and reports to Senior Instructor English on all matters regarding classroom attendance or other administration duties as required.
He enters relevant information on standard databases where required

http://www.qp.com.qa/qp.nsf/7dcfab6f7fc2c83c4325711c00357ffb/ea227440409316164325724100381158?OpenDocument

wilberforce · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 647

wilberforce · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 647

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Thanks for that. I checked it out. What kind of salary range do they offer? What's the accommodation like? Do they like to employ married teaching couples? Is it out in the sticks? Answers to any of these questions would be well recieved!

wilberforce · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 647

Griffith University (Australia) is responsible for hiring contract teachers.
Your wife probably could get a job with them. If you sponsor her there are a lot of places she can apply to.
She'd be free to apply anywhere she likes.

Not a good idea to be a teaching couple at the Gulag. Too much stress that you might take home. My wife used to work with me but the stress was too much. She met someone else who was a better provider and left with him.

http://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-english-language-institute/academic-professional-programs/qatar-petroleum-project