Job Discussion Forums

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

I know these kind of questions get asked all the time, and I'm sure I will have missed something while searchig this forum, but I would really appreciate any advice about working in the Kingdom next year. I know it's a little early, but I'm trying to think ahead.

I'm currently working towards my MA TESOL (distance from a UK university), but will not be finished until September 2010. I currently have a CELTA and three years experience in Asia, which will be four by next year.

I want to apply for a job in KSA for the 2010 academic year. However, it seems that the best jobs are for MAs with 3-5 years post-grad experience. I will have finished my MA by the time my employment would start, but wil be in limbo regarding actually having graduated.

Other information is that I'm male, 35, have a business related degree, and am married to a teacher with similar credentials.

I have read about places such as IH in KSA, and it seems I should give these a very wide birth. I have also read about Bell, Kaplan, Saxoncourt, etc, and have heard the discouraging comments about such schemes. However, they do seem to have some positives for newbies like me. Will these set-ups be my best choice?

I know I'm not going to get the best University job with my credentials, but I wonder what would be the best I could aim for. Any adivice from anyone? I don't mind living somewhere a bit esoteric for the first year, if it means getting a good foot on the ladder. Also, any tips for opportunities elsewhere in the gulf would be welcome. What does anyone think is the best I could do in this first year?

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

I'd take a look at QU in Qatar. I know that they will hire someone with a new MA - although naturally they prefer more experience if they can get it. Will your wife also have an MA? A two-fer is always good. Laughing

VS

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 3:34 am Post subject:

Why the kingdom?

NCTBA

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Thanks VS - I'll take a look at that. Yes, my wife will have a new MA, too. We're doing it together. Cute, eh? Actually, she also has far more experience than me as she has been teaching for seven years.

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Markemark · Joined: 08 Jun 2009 Posts: 82 Location: ksa

"I have read about places such as IH in KSA, and it seems I should give these a very wide birth."

That might just be right.

trapezius · Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 1:39 pm Post subject:

University of Ha'il.

www.uoh.edu.sa

Wink

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

It is personal opinion, of course, but of all the Gulf countries, I would put Saudi last on the list. Yes, they have the most jobs - especially for people without MAs. But they also have the worst bureaucracy especially getting the visa to get in (a total nightmare for most people), the worst drivers, and the only country with restrictions on expat women as to dress and driving. The employers invariably hold your passport and you need an exit visa to get out.

You are right that many use it as a "foot in the door" job. Another place to look for entry type jobs would be the Ministry of Education jobs in Oman. Oman is probably the lowest pay in the Gulf, but the country and people are great.

VS

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Thanks guys. This is all really helpful to me - keep the info coming! I've looked at Hail and QU, and both look like better bets than the original opportunities I was looking at. Thanks also for the KSA advice! I'll keep searching.

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2009 8:28 am Post subject:

Marquess · Joined: 05 Feb 2009 Posts: 165

Professional development?
Career?

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Ok, call it what you want. I just want to teach somewhere I haven't taught before, learn some new things, and experience a new way of life.

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2009 11:39 am Post subject:

You'll certainly learn a lot in KSA, even if it might not be what you expected to learn!

While it's great that you're not dripping with cynicism prior to even getting a job (all too many KSA teachers are) I would advise you to be realistic in your expectations of how much of the local 'way of life' you are going to 'experience'. Chances are most of your friends and acquaintances will not be Saudi but will be expats like you. Most people - both Saudi and foreign - are happy with this state of affairs, perhaps because the huge cultural differences make socializing difficult. Saudis are generally very nice people, but don't expect to make close friends with many of them - though if you do, that's great.

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Yes, I accept that, which is why it is so useful to be able to draw upon the experiences of people who already live in such places. Also, I am exploring other options in the area, such as the ones mentioned in this thread. I've lived in some very crazy places in my time, and perhaps none as crazy as this one, but I've found that being too careful or cynical never gets you very far. Thanks for the advice though. I really do appreciate it!

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