Job Discussion Forums

[coco chanel]

Hello all

I'm thinking of moving to the Middle East, the Gulf in particular, and would just like to hear from some of you about what you think my prospects would be there. So here goes! I'm female and spent almost 15 years working as an EFL teacher abroad. I have been in the UK for 6 years now, during which time I've worked teaching General English, EAP (Foundation, Pre-sessional and In-sessional courses) in a university. I have a BA, CELTA, and a Masters in TESOL.

My initial questions are:
1 - Am I more likely to secure a good job in schools or universities?
2 - Which of the Gulf states is my best bet, in terms of package offered?
3 - Are my qualifications good enough to secure a good package?

I'd be very grateful for any comments/advice/suggestions.

Thanks

[veiledsentiments]

Ah, if only all questions like this were so easy to answer.

Because you don't have your certification/license to get you into the top of the K-12 schools, you should definitely restrict your search to university level. Your chances are even better if you can go to TESOLArabia in March for a face-to-face interview.

The best pay is to be found in the Emirates, followed by Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. Oman is the most interesting country, but the pay lags the other three since they have less oil.

Excuse me for talking in dollars, but you can convert to your currency of choice. You should be in the US$3500-5000 per month depending on a combination of institution and country... plus the usual benefit package of free furnished housing, tickets, medical, gratuity...

As long as your position is in a decent sized city, your husband should be able to find a job.

VS

[coco chanel]

Hello VS

Thanks for your reply. It looks like you have lived in the Gulf and know a a lot about it, so I have a few more questions for you if that's OK?

Of the universities in the UAE, which are the most highly-regarded? And is there a fixed time for recuitment, e.g. spring for August start? I've heard they take ages to reply, or just don't acknowledge applications. I also meant to ask about the possibilty of working for private companies e.g. oil companies, or for the military, or is that a male-only domain?

In terms of the accommodation are we talking villa or apartment in a high-rise, or does that depend on the employer? What does the majority of universities provide?

The packages sound reasonably good, and if my husband was on a similar or better package I guess that would make for a pretty good lifestyle. However, I have heard that the cost of living is pretty high in the UAE. I suppose that it comes down to individual lifestyle at the end of the day. Jumping the gun a bit, would it better for him to move there with me - if I were offered a job - or start jobhunting from here? There are probably implications salary-wise!

Thanks again!

C C

[veiledsentiments]

[coco chanel]

Hello again VS

Many thanks for your detailed reply. I'd better get going if recruitment mainly happens around now! I don't think I'll be able to go to Dubai for TESOL Arabia due to work commitments. Do you think many contracts are signed there?

I've been browsing the websites and see that some ask for scanned certificates to be sent with the application and ask for the names of three referees at this point too! Is this normal practice in the Gulf?

And I'm just curious about how long you were there for altogether.

C C

[veiledsentiments]