Job Discussion Forums

[markcmc]

What do you think would be the best Middle Eastern country for me to work in? I'm thinking of trying to get work there this autumn.

I have 20 years experience teaching all ages, training teachers, running language schools, writing EFL books/materials etc, but no specific university experience. I have taught a lot of EAP (IELTS, writing courses etc). I have a TEFL certificate and MEd (TESOL).

A good salary is important to me. So is a good working environment. I've been reading these forums and think UAE might be best. What chance do you think I would have of getting a good university job there?

I'd appreciate any advice on this.

[veiledsentiments]

I'd say that your chances are very good. Could you attend TESOLArabia in March? That way you could interview with a number of places and network with other teachers.

If you can't go, I would look at the university level places discussed on the UAE board, go to their websites and apply.

See what happens...

VS

[markcmc]

Thanks VS. Where is TESOL Arabia held?

[With Malice Toward None]

Its mid-March, Dubai. Just google for details of regn fee etc.

[15yearsinQ8]

'd go to private schools
with your experience and credentials, you might find university teaching anti-climatic and a step backward

[veiledsentiments]

He didn't mention that he held a teaching certificate/license from his home country. Without it, he wouldn't be eligible to teach at any of the international schools with good pay, benefits, and conditions.

BTW, markcmc... be sure to look at ECAE in Abu Dhabi. They would look positively on your teacher training experience and K-12 experience. It is a small place, so it doesn't do many hires, but it has one of the highest pay scales in the Emirates.

VS

[markcmc]

Thanks for all the comments. I don't have a state recognized teaching qualification, so perhaps the international schools wouldn't be possible for me.

I'll look at ECAE.

I have another question. Do you think that the financial trouble in Dubai has affected the teaching situation there?

[doner]

Forget ECAE they are looking for PHDs.

[veiledsentiments]

I know of people working at ECAE with MAs, so look into it. They like EFL MAs with experience in K-12 and teacher training... of course, they may need few, if any, new people this year.

And as to what you read in the papers about Dubai... don't worry... this has no effect on education... only for some of the bankers and developers.

VS

[scot47]

With the new technology the need to travel to Recruitment Fairs is lessened. Certainly in Saudi Arabia many employers will conduct online interviews using webcam. Is it the same in the UAE ?

Watch out for those hard questions like, "What would you teach your low-level students about the Present Simple ?"

[veiledsentiments]

Lots of places do these video interviews... and there are constant complaints about problems... bad connections... not hearing clearly what is said. There is still a huge advantage to a face-to-face interview (assuming one interviews relatively well) - especially for that first job in the Gulf - and going to the fairs gives one the chance to look at many employers. Not to mention meet with people who actually work at these places. I got my MA Fellowship because I was able to network at TESOL. A friend of mine with a shiny new MA went to TESOL awhile back and interviewed with 5 of the top employers around the Gulf and got offered a job at every one of them... (good pre-MA experience helped). It is worth the investment if you can do it. Of course many can't and the video interview or telephone is the only option.

VS