Job Discussion Forums

candycanegirl · Joined: 17 Sep 2011 Posts: 2

Hi, I have been living and teaching in Asia (Japan and Vietnam) for the past 2 years. I have been thinking of moving to a ME country next. What is the best one for teaching (for a TEFL certified teacher) and living? We are moving as a couple. Willing to adapt to the culture but want a comfortable lifestyle too. Not so attracted to big-lights Dubai.

johnslat · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 2:55 am Post subject:

Dear candycanegirl

Oman for the environment (but not as much money.) The UAE for the money (but not for the environment - unless you like nouveau riche glitz.) Also, in the UAE - but not as much so in Oman - you'd need a Masters to get the better jobs.

Regards,
John

candycanegirl · Joined: 17 Sep 2011 Posts: 2

Hi John - Oman does sound interesting.. I have been to Dubai and didn't like that "noveau riche glitz" as you put it. Is Abu Dhabi any better?

And are there jobs available that don't require an at-home teaching credential (I have 2+ years experience and TEFL Cert only)?

johnslat · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 3:17 pm Post subject:

Dear candycanegirl,

I'm afraid most of (well, all, really) the decent jobs in the Middle East require either a relevant MA or a home-country teaching credential.

I think Oman would be your best bet. Why not post on that forum or the General Middle East Forum?

Regards,
John

Robert3 · Joined: 11 Oct 2011 Posts: 5 Location: UK

I agree with johnslat
Please go to the Kuwait Foum as you are thinking of moving to the Middle East. Please read the Post entitled "MIXED BAG" I posted there. Best of Luck with finding a new role in the Middle East.
I sincerely hope this post helps you.

fladude · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 432

I'd opt for Saudi for the beheadings. And if you are a candy cane "girl" you can enjoy wearing black and not driving.

sharter · Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 878 Location: All over the place

I've lived in Qatar, Saudi and Kuwait (currently in the latter). I must say that my wife (now ex) and son really enjoyed living in Doha. I worked for QP as a direct hire on a married status contract and that too made a real difference. Qatar is also pretty laid back, some would even say sleepy. We finished work at 14.00 every day and were in the pool or the sea by 15.00. Sweet.

I'm currently in Kuwait and married couples seem to have a pretty chilled existence here. There are beaches, apartments with pools and all the usual GCC stuff.

With regard to qualifications; it just depends on the employer and lady luck. There are plenty of good jobs around for those without an MA. I don't have one and I've managed to carve out almost 9 years of oil and gas in-company teaching, which is at the higher end of the EFL salary range.

Salaries are lower in Oman, Dubai is expensive and overcrowded and Saudi is too hardcore, especially for women.

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

I suspect that the oil and gas in-company jobs would be difficult for a woman to secure. Isn't it true.. for the most part... that women teach women and men teach men in much of the ME?

.

eflnoil · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 23 Location: AKTAU

@ Ariadne

Yes, you'd be correct; in much but not all. Not all mid-eastern / Arab countries seperate the men from the women; take Egypt and Kurdistan - all of which have oil and gas reserves - as examples. Even though Kazakhstan ( a mighty oil and gas producer) is not strictly an islamic country - despite the indigenous majority claiming to be muslim - the people here would be horrified at the prospect of segregating the genders.

Despite this, it may also depend on where the training takes place. If it were, let's say, an immersion course for headquarters' staff then a female applicant would stand just as much of a chance as a male one. Training within a facility might be rather more difficult for women if not virtually impossible.

ENO