Job Discussion Forums

[Biz Girl]

Hi

Long time lurker, first time poster here. I'm really interested in working in Saudi or the Middle East generally for the next few years. My background is BA in English Language Teaching, MSc in Applied Linguistics, almost 10 years' solid teaching work history in the Far East (several years at University level) plus substantial business experience prior to teaching. I'm in my early 40s but feel and look much younger and seeking a quieter life.

There are numerous vacancies on Dave's and other places for Uni jobs which are of interest and I was wondering if I would be considered too old/experienced? Any places I should definitely avoid? At present I'm working at the Business School of my University teaching marketing, presentations, negotiations, interview prep and the like, which is an ideal combination of my experience and skills. Will it be possible to do something similar in Saudi? Veiled Sentiments and other regular posters, I'm looking forward to your comments.

[blackwellben]

You're not too old.
Other than that, be sure to post to the other ME countries first. Your past success will be more appreciated and more likely put to work. There are a few Business English schools in Riyadh and Jeddah, but that's it. The university gigs are all about basic literacy.
Are you aware Saudi Arabia is a "closed" society?
The Kingdom does not grant tourist visas. Women are not allowed to drive and that's just a start. A westerner is allowed to have her head uncovered, but you'll wear a black cloak when in public at all times. Getting around is a constant Catch-22 of being a rare, suspicious sight if walking alone, but laws that you're to be married to, or the mother of, any male escort. A religious "cop", for lack of a better word, or cops, I should say, scrutinize dress and behavior in public places. When they're not looking, you can often be leered and whistled at by the sexually repressed, young and old. The maintenance of schools for women is beyond unimpressive. Google toilets in the middle east and imagine its state after years of neglect. Resources? A copier machine is a rarity. A text and a board is what's standard.
Saudi Arabia is a theocracy and its culture defines Islamic fundamentalism. If its uniqueness intrigues you, you're golden. But otherwise, it's a constant adjustment of what's "normal" pretty much everywhere else in the world.

[veiledsentiments]

Hi Biz Girl,

If you've been lurking, you probably know what I will suggest. You should certainly expand your search beyond Saudi Arabia... mostly because of the restrictions pointed out by Mr Blackwell. (and another issue is the restrictions on free movement in and out of the country) There is only one place in Saudi that I am aware of that would fit your background and experience nicely and that is the IPA in Riyadh. They are training young Saudi women for careers in business. What I don't know is the current situation there in the women's branch.

As to your age, the Gulf has always been a place that quite prefers to hire more mature teachers. I was 40 when I arrived in Oman. There are some small private colleges in Oman which would look positively on your combination of business and English... like MCBS and Mazoon. Oman jobs are lower pay than the rest of the Gulf, but the living and working conditions are often better.

A couple of years ago I went have immediately sent you off to apply to the Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE, as they love to find ESL/EFL MAs with a business background, but if you read the threads over there, you will notice that things have rather fallen apart in many of the branches. New teachers are still bravely entering the fray, but you would need to be laid-back and nimble in handling management issues these days.

VS

[Biz Girl]

Thanks for the detailed reply Blackwellben. Yes, I know it's a closed society and somehow that appeals, especially the bit about being covered . I'm rather tired of being scruitinized to within an inch of my life in the Far East, whenever I dress up even slightly I am stared and leered at by all ages and no, I don't dress like a working girl but I have long blond hair, an hourglass figure with long legs and that seems to be rare here. However you are right, I need to do more research into facilities and what life will be like on an everyday basis. Will be sure to post in the general ME forum, too and thanks for reminding me regarding Business Colleges.

[Biz Girl]

Veiled Sentiments, thanks for your comments and advice. IPA definitely sounds interesting and I will check that out today.

Have thought about Oman, especially somewhere with good sports facilities but have been put off by what others have said about lower salaries. I think I will look into that in more detail. Are there any other countries you would recommend in addition to Oman in the ME? I considered Egypt, too, but am not too sure about the current stability.

[veiledsentiments]

In Egypt, I suggest that you look at AUCairo. It is a large university, so there is little opportunity to use your business teaching, but take a look at their writing program if you have experience teaching "freshman comp" sort of thing. Their pay/benefit package is as good as any in the Gulf. I wouldn't be too worried about the current situation because AUC takes very good care of its faculty... keeps them informed of conditions on the ground and usually gives sensible advice. (unlike the CYA stuff that comes out of the embassy) A similar position in the Gulf would be AUSharjah. Again, best pay/benefit package in a Gulf university, but probably no cross teaching. Though you might look at whether they stream first year comp classes and target majors. I believe that AUC has a business track in 2nd semester of first year. Also look at AUKuwait... same stuff.

As to the whole staring and leering thing. It is near impossible to avoid. But, after a months in Cairo, it all just 'disappeared' and I ignored it... along with the dust and chaos and blaring horns that are part of the Cairo street scene. In the Gulf, the country with least problem is Oman... in most areas, it is less than even the US. In the other Gulf countries, the problem mostly comes from... the multitudes of workers from the sub-continent who spend years in squalid man-camps away from their wives and families. If you do get a job in one of these countries, we can get more specific about this issue by PM.

VS

[Biz Girl]

Veiled Sentiments, brilliant feedback as usual and some very good specific advice which I wanted and will follow up on
I have a acquaintance at AU Cairo and may ask him to put in a good word for me. If I could combine my biz experience with teaching that would be cool but I may also look at working in-company for business teaching, which I really enjoy most. Aramco has come highly recommended by a friend in Jeddah although he doesn't know anyone who actually works there right now.

You're right, one does get used to the staring and leering but I find it weird as a not-so-young woman to still get that kind of attention ... I mean when I was in my 20s sure, loved it but now? I'm not even trying to get any attention ... hence take taxis everywhere Guess I will have to grow a thicker skin for the ME and focus my eyes on the floor

[veiledsentiments]

I've always told people that I had to hit 40 years of age and move to the Middle East to learn what a symbol of female pulchritude I really was... who knew? Of course, I quickly figured out that my age, size, or even possession of at least a few of my teeth had little effect on my devastating "beauty." It was all a reflection of having pale skin (which I would call "dead fish belly white") and hair that is considered "blond," in spite of the fact that no one in the US or Europe would consider me that. I'm more of a dishwater or dirty blond... or perhaps mousy brown. But... all is relative, as we say.

Check out the AUC website for the writing program for Freshman. As to ARAMCO... although we had one woman who was posting here a few years back who claimed to be getting a job with them, her posts were eventually seen as a probable troll. We have had no evidence here of their ever direct hiring women. Someone said that on the rare occasions that they require a female teacher, they can easily hire a spouse living on their compound already.

VS

[Sheikh N Bake]

[veiledsentiments]

Yes SnB, but I managed to pick up the pieces of my shattered dreams and move on without you... etc etc.

VS

[scot47]

My advice - DO NOT GO