Job Discussion Forums

USAMATHMAN · Joined: 01 Oct 2009 Posts: 72

Hello all,

I'm an American teacher contemplating whether or not to pursue work in the Middle East. I would love to get some insight from those who have experience working overseas.

I am currently teaching in South Korea. I teach (Literature & Writing) to Korean High School students. I really enjoy my work. The downside is that the pay in Korea is low ($2,200 USD per month).

I have an M.A. in Education and 4 years teaching experience in Math. My goal is to save enough money to pay student loans and to put some money into saving.

My contract doesn't end until February of next year.
I would like to get some advice on what you would do if an opportunity opened in the Middle East. (Saudi or UAE specifically). Would you risk breaking your contract early to get a better paying position?

Sorry for long message. I am a newbie and would love some advice! Very Happy

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

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

You can made about the same money in the UAE, and you might prefer the lifestyle there more. In particular, many like the opportunity to get a cold beer without having to brew it themselves in their second bathroom. Laughing

The UAE also has more of a club scene if that interests you.

In the UAE, HCT and ZU hire quite a few math teachers... as does AUS. Search the UAE board for more info (like what all the letters mean) and also their websites.

Also, the Middle East hires start mostly in August/Sept or Dec/Jan. There would be no hiring after February, so you would likely have to break your contract. Whether it is worth it to do so depends on the offer...

VS

USAMATHMAN · Joined: 01 Oct 2009 Posts: 72

Thanks for comments. Unfortunately, I have been unsuccessful in securing a position with HCT and ZU. I interviewed with HCT back in September 2009 for a math position, but for some reason the position I applied for was removed.

I would be very content to make at least $3k per month. Just need to get my foot in the door!

Thanks again!!

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

I thought your screen name was familiar. Did you look at AUS?

VS

USAMATHMAN · Joined: 01 Oct 2009 Posts: 72

Hello again. Thanks for all of your help. The positions at AUS require a Ph.D which I do not have. I actually completed two courses in a Ph.D Education program, but did not continue because of my work schedule. Wish I had taken the time to complete more courses!

Going to keep looking!

isabel · Joined: 07 Mar 2003 Posts: 510 Location: God's green earth

Did you look at Oman? The money is in the same ballpark (some lower, some the same). The quality of life is not even in the same hemisphere as Saudi Arabia. Beautiful beaches and mountains, and much, much, much freer!

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

I'm not sure about your place Isabel, but I don't recall running into many "Western" math teachers. (in fact, any) It was only in the Emirates that there were places with a largish foundations math program (that didn't require professors).

Maybe SQU... worth a look at their website mathman. But, when I was there it was the professors who were teaching Foundations math

VS

USAMATHMAN · Joined: 01 Oct 2009 Posts: 72

Thanks Isabel and VS. I actually took some time yesterday to look at Universities in Oman. There is one in particular, Oman Medical College, that needs a mathematics teacher.

Not sure what the pay scale and working conditions are like. I tried emailing my C.V. to the email address that was given, but for some reason the message will not go through.

Will continue to keep looking. Have a great day! Very Happy

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

Is it for the Muscat or Sohar campus? I suspect that the pay is quite low as the faculty is almost all Arab and Indian at both branches. I would estimate that it will be about half of what HCT and ZU would pay. Sad

But, I suspect that it will have very hard working students.

VS

svatopluk · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 81

Aramco hire maths teachers. Man, did they have it easy - 2 x 45 mins a day.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 3:16 am Post subject:

Not that I recommend the university itself, but Prince Mohammad University in Al Khobar, KSA hires Western math teachers...and pays them quite well I hear. You should be able to make considerably more than 3k a month, assuming you have the "right" passport and skin and eye color (not joking, unfortunately...these things really do determine salary in the Gulf.

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

007 · Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 2:17 pm Post subject:

johnslat · Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 4:14 pm Post subject:

Dear eclectic,

".......oh, goodness.......WHY??!"

Hard to believe, I'm sure, but some of us actually prefer it here. Go figure (that's not just a "figure" of speech; I actually mean it. Figure it out, and then think about how you'd feel if someone posted the same about YOUR homeland. Oh, it was a joke - sorry, I forgot to laugh.)

Regards,
John