Job Discussion Forums

[giovanni]

Hello! I am interested in spending a year teaching in the Middle East. I will be available after June 2012

I am a 26 year old woman. I have a B Ed in English Ed, I am certified to teach ESL, English/Language Arts, and Biology in the state of Oklahoma. I've taught ESL and English for ELLs for 2 years in US public schools. I have an M.Ed in Bilingual Ed/TESL. I have an TEFL cert too somewhere

My questions are:

How do I get started looking for an international school job? Are the contracts available for 9 months to 1 year (2 years is a little long, I'd probably be maintaining a long-distance relationship)

any advice websites would be much appreciated thank you

[USAMATHMAN]

Search Associates is one of the best recruiters for international schools. They have several job fairs throughout the year. Check out their website. I think you would need to complete a candidate profile first. http://www.searchassociates.com/

You should also check out ADEC who recruits through Teachaway. I have a few friends that teach in the public schools with them and they are compensated very well. I am positive that they would pick you up right away. http://www.teachaway.com/teach-abroad/teaching-public-schools-abu-dhabi/

Not sure about the one year contract. I don't do long distance relationships so that may be a big issue if you guys are thinking of tying the knot. Decisions Decisions.... Good luck!!

[giovanni]

thanks for the responses. I've actually talked to Teach Away before, I might look them up again. Any stories on them? What are the work conditions like?

Would I have better luck finding a 1 year contract in Qatar or Bahrain or KSA?

[veiledsentiments]

Most contracts with the dependable employers are for 3 years. Some places give 2 years. Only the worst employers give one year contracts... normally those that can't keep their teachers because of the bad conditions. It is very expensive for the employers to bring teachers over, so they naturally want them to stay longer than only one year.

Even though your experience is limited, you have good credentials... good enough to avoid the worst employers. Certainly talk to TeachAway and consider more than a one year contract.

Another option since you have your OK license is to attend one of the job fairs held by ISS. (Google them up and see when and where their events will be) Be sure to check out any school carefully before accepting any offers... on here... on Google...

VS

[millie18]

As VS pointed out for the UAE, it is expensive for employers to hire teachers offshore - so contracts are usually for at least 2 years. The same applies in Qatar and Oman and I believe in Bahrain and KSA.

[johnslat]

Dear mille18,

It may have changed, but in my experience, most contracts in Saudi were/are for one year (renewable.)

Regards,
John

[veiledsentiments]

Yes John, I know that is common in Saudi... and mostly for the reasons that I stated above - the less desirable jobs - especially at entry level. And these days, the majority of them will only offer "Business" visas that are illegal. To be honest, the last place that I would suggest for a 26 year old American female to do her first overseas stint is a marginal school in Saudi. Best she stick to the more open Gulf countries that almost always provide proper visas and one doesn't run into exit issues if one needs to decamp.

VS

[giovanni]

Thank you so much all- I really appreciate it! I'll be back with more questions soon

[johnslat]

Dear VS,

Well, the IPA is 1 year renewable, and so are a good number of the universities (but not KFUPM, which is, I'm pretty sure, 2 years.)

Regards,
John

[veiledsentiments]

True, but our OP is looking for International School work rather than adults...

VS

[Andyc24_uk3]

I've just accepted a job with ADEC through TeachAway - Currently waiting for my visa/flight information and should be out there in the next few weeks. So far, I've been very impressed with them and really can't fault the work they've done. Contracts are for 2 years, however the contract includes something like "The employee may terminate the contract in accordance with the period of notice, on the understanding that the termination will occur at the end of the year". So while it's not ideal, if you really couldn't cope with a second year, then I guess that could be a way out?

Either way, I'd definitely recommend applying with them (They are recruiting now with interviews in Jan/Feb for an August/September start).

[veiledsentiments]

Congratulations!! They pay well, and are pretty dependable. The wild card is the variance related to your assignment. As is usual, some schools are better to work at than others... and a not insignificant number of them are pretty awful. That said... most of us can take most anything for a year just for the experience, and you could end up at one of the best places.

The contract should have specific rules in order to leave early. It is usually like 6 months/one semester or term notice. Easily found out once you are in country. Make it through the two years, and you should have padded your savings nicely...

VS

[Captain_Fil]

Let me also congratulate you.

And may you enjoy continued success.

Just expressing my...veiled sentiments.

CF

[makeajoyfulnoyes]

I had 4 interviews during 2011. Three were Skype, the ADEC/Teachaway interview was in person in New York City (whatever large city you might interview is something to take into consideration as it is costly to undertake that particular interview) In each of the interviews, I was grilled about my ability to maintain a 2 or 3 year contract. They emphasized that I was to be absolutely available for the entire contract period. There are stiff penalties for dropping a contract early, which may include, but not limited to: repayment of the resettlement/furniture allowance, repayment of portion of housing allowance, repayment of any bonuses you may have received.
I would consider very carefully your ability to commit to the contract term. The school generally has to grant you permission to leave the country legally and your visa must be stamped thusly in order to leave. Each time you leave the country, your school is notified (after all, they have paid for your visa and have sponsored you for your position.) Additionally, your banks and utility companies can make it difficult to leave. You may have moved out of the apt, but you may not have gotten clearance from utility companies. This can become problematical.
Good luck with your search.

[helenl]

Such repayments are common in all GCC country education contracts. Just make sure you budget yourself accordingly. The repayment is usually (check your contract to be sure) on a pro rated basis, so if you leave half way through, you repay half your furniture and relocation allowances.

Many people do that anyways as you are generally on probation for a full year.

In UAE you can leave the country when you wish - that's why there are those who are able to abscond/do runners - you do not require an exit visa (like in Qatar or Saudi - depending on the employer). It's when you announce your imminent departure without going through the "tick list" of closing accounts, getting no liability letters etc. that the bank or utility issues may become problematic.

I've lived in the UAE for years - my employer never questioned my comings and goings outside the country so long as I was fulfilling my contractual obligations. No doubt it is much easier for immigration to notify my employer of my exit/entry but I don't know anyone who's had a problem/delay as a result.