Job Discussion Forums

[AlanS]

Hi -I'm re-posting this from another forum as it has been suggested the ME forum might be a better fit for it

Hi,

I�m new to the forum and have a fairly typical question regarding employment possibilities. Essentially I want to know how likely it would be for me to get a job internationally with the credentials and experience I have. I'm really in the dark here for reasons given below.

I have a Post-Graduate Diploma in Tesol, a MA Tesol and Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (UK) and have worked at language schools in the UK (one year) Korea (one year), universities in Poland and Malaysia (two further years) and a year at a university in London. I returned to the UK to put my kids through school and while teaching a bit in mainstream UK schools I have also taught ESL part-time at the local college (a few evenings a week for the last 6 years).

Anyway, the kids are older now and the wife and I are thinking of returning abroad again in a few years (she has a university diploma in ESL and one year experience teaching ESL abroad as well as 6 years part time experience at the same college as myself).

My concern is I haven�t taught abroad ie outside of UK since 2001 and am concerned this might affect my job applications. I would be interested in working hopefully at university level. Am I aiming too high? Where should I go to? The Gulf? Any advice appreciated. Oh, and if I went abroad earlier, ie with teenage kids, are there any jobs which subsidise schooling? Finally, what are the chances my wife and I get employed together?

many thanks in advance

[voltaire]

You seem like a prime candidate with your education and experience, plus you're a family man, not some ESL nomadic playboy (one assumes). If your Mrs. is similarly qualified, or even a native speaker, or even a competent mid-fluency English speaker she may be eligible from a job comparable to yours to a job teaching young children. The Gulf pays well but you must be aware it's not the easiest place for a foreign woman to be. Korea would scoop you right up, and it's a nice country. But, it's really up to you and your wife.I'd say choose your country and bust loose! The ESL world is your oyster. Break a leg, brother.

[veiledsentiments]

I would look at the various universities across the Gulf. The standard package provides a nice tax free salary, furnished housing (or allowances), medical for you and the family, tickets each year, and some money towards your children's school fees - though it will get pricey for you if you have more than 2.

Kuwait University, American University of Kuwait, Qatar University, and Sultan Qaboos University in Oman. In the UAE, there is UAEU, Higher Colleges of Technology, Zayed University, American University in Sharjah, and Sharjah University.

Saudi Arabia is a whole other issue and I don't know that I'd want to take teenagers there.

Check out their websites. No recruiters used and most take applications over their websites. Do a search here and a google on anything you get a nibble on and read the good, bad, and often ugly of each.

VS

[AlanS]

Thanks for the great advice you two!!! I'll certainly take it on board. I enjoyed my time in Korea (Seoul) and wouldn't mind going back. Actually, to be honest, I would love the idea of a (International?) school or university right away from it all in the countryside. As long as there were some basic local amenities and internet access I'd be happy!! Any places you folk know that might fit the bill or am I asking for my cake and eat it.

[veiledsentiments]

Anything even close to that description wouldn't provide any schools for your kids in the Middle East.

VS

[AlanS]

Sure. I was thinking beyond the ME. Actually, it might worth be following this particular line of enquiry ie living in the countryside, on the general forums