Job Discussion Forums

Queen Bee · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 1 Location: United States

I am currently looking for work teaching at the University level and was thinking of having a go in the UAE.

About Me:
BA--Philosophy
MA--Communication Arts and Sciences (formerly titled Speech Communication)
~1 year teaching classes in Japanese and Public Speaking at the university level
~3 years teaching/tutoring at or below the university level in ESL/EFL
6 mos. coursework in Communication
1 yr coursework in Philosophy

Question: Do you think that it would be possible to find work with these qualifications? Where would be a good place to look, assuming I am unable to attend the TESOL Arabia Conference?

What should I look for in a salary (just a ballpark would be immensely helpful)? Would housing be provided? What about health insurance? Are there any other bonuses or perks which would be considered "standard?" Are there any other things I should be aware of as an American woman looking for work in the UAE?

Thanks much in advance.

Afra · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 389

Apply on-line to the various institutes mentioned in this forum.

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

Hi Queenbee,

First off, definitely try to go to TESOLArabia if you can.

Afra is right that your first step is to study this board and the Job Information Journal to see all the good and bad stories. Your pay could range from US$2000 to 3000 in most of the Gulf. I certainly wouldn't restrict myself to just the Emirates. Check out the other Gulf countries too. Any job that doesn't provide free furnished housing (or a substantial housing allowance), annual round trip ticket and medical shouldn't even be looked at. Those are standard benefits.

And, no problem for an American female. I worked in that part of the world for years and still know dozens of Americans teaching around there, both married and single.

VS