Job Discussion Forums

[runninggirl]

I had planned on applying to SA for a teaching job.

After reading the threads in Saudi about the disdain for dogs it's a deal breaker for me. I am qualified so I will continue my search for the great job teaching English. I have a master's and experience in the field.

Where are you and what do you like about the country you are in?

Some of you who are presently working in the ME countries especially if you have seen dog pets living peacefully with their owners I hope that perhaps you will respond. Now I am back a base 1 and not sure where to apply.

My goal is to teach well, enjoy the people of the country, participate somewhat in the culture and live in happy peace with my small dog in a nice home.
A good salary is essential so I'm not looking in Mexico! (unfortunate since dogs are welcome there)

thank you ahead of time for your responses.

P.S. when do schools start and the best time to apply?

[15yearsinQ8]

well, that's truly a different set of priorities runninggirl.
are you aware that people DO have dogs in the KSA and the Gulf?
i know a HS Counsellor at an islamic oriented school in Kuwait who asked the Superintendent if she (and it's always women) could keep her small dog in a cage below her desk during work......
i may not have had the right coffee blend this morning, but i stand by the following statement -
girl, get married, start having kids and get a life

[helenl]

I have worked with HCT in the UAE - I informed them when I was offered my job that I was coming with my dog (or not at all) - in fact, I wrote it into the offer letter they sent, I signed and sent back.

They have been very helpful (especially the housing officer/fixer) in getting accomodation that is pet friendly and the proper paperwork in order to get the dog into the country (twice). Your neighbours don't usually bother you (other than kids who will bark at the dog - can't figure that out, she already knows how to do that - why not teach her how to moo or cluck????)

I make sure to walk/exercise her in areas away from other people. If there are others nearby, she stays on her leash or we leave - I recognize and accept the fact that we're second (or third or fourth) class citizens - I've found places to go that mean we're happy and our neighbours are undisturbed.

PLEASE pick up after your dog if you do come - it's bad enough at home (where there are specific laws about stoop and scooping) when people don't, but here it's just one more thing that you can avoid causing a stink with a lot of people who don't keep dogs as pets (and will look at you as very odd ) and don't want to be within 100 yards of one.

[veiledsentiments]

Here's the thing runninggirl... if you are trying to avoid disdain for dogs, you will have to avoid the Middle East completely. There is no getting around the fact that in the religion, dogs are considered dirty ("haram") and many, if not most, of the local people are quite appalled that we would have such a creature inside our homes. I did encounter a few locals over the years who had a pet dog... not many though.

That said, as helen1 has pointed out, quite a few expats bring their dogs and cats with them. But, you do have to be extra careful of local sensitivities which means it must be kept on a leash if anyone is around and there are many limitations as to where you can take it. (unlike your mention of Mexico where you can take your pup literally anywhere)

If you have an MA and experience in teaching Academic English, I would suggest the UAE or Oman. Take a look at SQU in Oman. There are many more choices in the UAE: HCT, ZU, AUS, UAEU... to name the most commonly mentioned. Do searches here... they all have websites. I'm assuming that your interest is in university level? Foundations English or essay? I can't help much if your interest is in K-12.

As to your life there... you pretty much only interact with the local people/culture within your classroom. It is such a family oriented culture, that invites to a few weddings along the way are about it. They really don't have the time for us. Your socializing will be with the other expats for the most part, but they tend to be an interesting group from many different countries.

Classes will be starting in Aug/Sept and I would apply around December as they do most of the hiring between then and the end of March. Some employers also hire people for mid-year starts in Jan/Feb, for that you should apply now.

VS

[Zoot]

VS - I recently had a conversation with some locals about this very topic. They have always owned dogs and used them to herd their goats even when they were moving about and living in tents. I think the Emirati are much the same as people everywhere, some like dogs, some don't, some have one or more, some would never own one.

I believe responsible pet ownership is the key.

[veiledsentiments]

Yes, but few of us are working with goat herders or their offspring. (I almost typed 'kids' ) This is still a society which gets rid of its many feral dogs by shooting them... which involves cops driving around firing from their cars or poisoning... and a pick-up crew that shows up a few days later.

VS

[runninggirl]

thanks you have all been helpful. It sounds like more than coffee that would provoke a person to say, yet alone write it on a forum, to get married have kids It's just too stupid to give it more space than this.

I had searched the posts and that is why I got spooked. So it is good to get a rebuttal of all that I had read. I had even read about the Saudi police taking a man's dog as he was walking down the street and disposing of it. Creepy.

Heleni your first hand experience is great to hear. It make me think I should apply to that particular school and hope to get that fixer!
Where is this? sorry can't see your post while writing this one.


VS good infor too.

I talked to some people however working in Nzwa and that did not sound like a good living situation for a dog .Big apts with no place to go out with a dog and they don't live in compounds. Maybe there are other places.

However have I missed all the fall hiring? I was hoping to get a job around October if that is even possible.

On my list to investigate in order of preference are and if anyone feels so inclined to offer LINKS, email, recent experiences or connections to any of these following I'll be grateful (really)

KUWAIT
OMAN
BAHRAIN
TURKEY
UAE
Saudi

Celebrate. Life is Beautiful

[15yearsinQ8]

statistically speaking , most people do eventually get married and have kids (teflers less statistically so i would wager)
it's a life changer - dave sperling himself would agree - you tend not to be so hung up on other people's attitudes towards dogs

runninggirl, your come back was quite cheeky especially after the 2 PMs you solicited from me
maybe you're on the wrong blend of coffee today?

[veiledsentiments]

[renate]

There are still plenty of international schools looking for teachers to start in sep, in the u.a.e