Job Discussion Forums

[Eric Carlson]

Here is the outline of what to look for in a good job in the Middle East � and what a good employer will provide for you.

In the beginning look for a company that demands a police clearance certificate and attestation of your educational certificates. I know it�s a nuisance doing all the paperwork, and you�re not a criminal, but what if the guy you have to share a flat with turns out to have a history of violence? The police in Gulf countries will not intervene in a dispute between Westerners. A bad company will not help you. You flat-mate or neighbour could physically attack you, or worse, and there would be nobody willing to help you, or even listen to your story.

What if your �professional colleagues� have mostly dodgy certificates from the University of Life? If your employer doesn�t check, this will be the case. That means if you know what you�re doing, then you will be doing the lion�s share of the work, as your colleagues will not be competent. You may also find that your managers are not only unqualified as teachers, but additionally are untrained in management.

You should receive an open return ticket to your destination in your own name. If not, why not? Don�t accept a different offer. If you arrive at a location and �your accommodation isn�t quite ready� or they have �decided to move you to a different location� then use the ticket in your hand and get straight back on the plane. Things will go from bad to worse. Make sure you can return to your point of origin. Imagine arriving in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Oman with only a one way ticket. Your accommodation turns out to be a cockroach infested dive, with broken air conditioning. The temperature inside is 40 degrees C plus. What will you do? Don�t laugh and think it can�t happen. It can and it does.
Never, ever, part with your passport. It may be the last you see of it. Without your passport you are a prisoner in a foreign country. No good employer will take your passport. If a visa is needed, then go yourself with the company representative to obtain it.

If the accommodation is going to be great, then ask for some pictures. If your employer can�t send you a picture of your accommodation, then why not? Something is wrong. It�s not a big deal to take a digital photo and e mail it to you. A good contract will list exactly what will be in your accommodation. This should include a television, fridge, washing machine, bed, dry cleaned or new bedding, sofa and armchairs, and cooker with stove, amongst other things.

Look at the contract. It should be several pages long and very detailed. If it is just a couple of paragraphs typed up in Word last night, don�t accept it. It would be meaningless in legal terms. If your potential employer can�t be bothered to give you a real contract, how do you think they will treat you when you arrive? With great respect? Or with disdain and irritation at having to communicate with such a contemptible nuisance?

Hope this helps a bit. Be careful. Good luck.

[kylemory]

thanks for the information.. im considering going over there in august.

[mozzar]

This is really useful.

[veiledsentiments]

Check out this thread:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?p=772769&highlight=#772769

You will find that the experienced posters, most with 15+ years in the Middle East, found this post to be a bit naive with often unreasonable expectations.

Your best protection if you plan to teach in any area of the world is to visit the branches here on Dave's and spend as many hours as possible reading thread after thread after thread. You will soon learn which posters have the best information, which countries fit your interests, and what credentials you need for which employers. Then you can start asking more specific questions.

The Middle East is a fascinating part of the world, but it is not for everyone.

VS

[80daze]

Yeah, thanks for this I'm most probably heading in that direction when I finish my current contract and I will definitely be using this advice.

[natsume]

[word_to_the_wise]

That's a good checklist for a newbie OP.