Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Kaypea]

From lurking on the ME forums, I'd say go for it: you have a husband (male companionship ) and the qualifications. I think it would be interesting and a good payday.

As a single woman who's very fond of outdoor activities, I don't think I'd get much out of the ME. I'm not very patient with religious fundamentalism, either.

[cyui]

IDK man..anyways; Iam American so there is not such an optiion..

Maybe it's called a whv?!

[Sergio Stefanuto]

[cyui]

The earlier refrences from teeleads ( 1st page)

[Radius]

I heard you MUST have at least a Master's degree to teach in the ME, is this correct?

[Sergio Stefanuto]

^ No

[Radius]

[PatrickGHBusan]

The pay is higher.

The requirements are also higher.

It can be a good job but some ME countries put their foreigh teachers under strict limitations when it comes to moving within the country, activities, drinking and so on.

It is a good professional prospect. However, going there because of the uprisings thinking jobs will be there for the picking is an odd strategy. While what happened in Egypt was largely peaceful, they still evacuated expats from many countries. Uprisings in other areas could be less peaceful and you are not invulnerable because you are a caucasian westerner!

[olsanairbase]

[redaxe]

[fromtheuk]

I did over 2 years in South Korea. I am now in my 2nd year in Saudi Arabia.

I teach at a university in Riyadh. The pay is very good and you can save far more than in Korea.

But if the western lifestyle i.e. partying, drinking alcohol is something you cannot live without, and you cannot accept living under a different set of laws to what you believe in, Saudi Arabia wouldn't be a good choice for you.

The standard of living here is high and inexpensive. I've seen no hint of strife coming to Saudi. Each Middle Eastern country is not exactly the same.

Generally, my students tend to show greater interest in native teachers (especially caucasians).

As with Korea, there is also xenophobia here. Overall, life is quite good.

If you have a Masters you'll get better pay. I'm thinking about doing one, face to face for 1 year. I don't know if they accept online degrees, but if you have a Masters they'll accept, you can apply direct to universities and get better benefits.

I work for a company that employs teachers for the university.

It's also relevant to mention you'd need to do some research on whichever country you choose. To go somewhere, clueless about its culture could lead to problems. So, make sure you know the dos and don'ts of the country. Also, don't show open disrespect, attempt to impose your ideas or walk around like you own the place.

I was watching msnbc yesterday and they had a discussion about the Middle East. Pat Buchanan asked an invited expert questions, but demonstrated a decent knowledge of history.

He said Muslims basically ruled the world for 1000 years and had one of the world's best civilizations. He then went on to say they began to stagnate around the 17th century, he asked the expert to discuss why that was. So, you should know some history of where you'll go, to at least appreciate what these people have done, well before American/post-industrialized western civilization for example, was even conceived of.

Comments on this thread for example, which allude to having a second wife being contrary to womens rights, is an example of the western mindset. But if you say such things in the Middle East, that would be disrespectful and insulting. In summary, try to be diplomatic and tactful, as opposed to being a loud, stupid, fool. In Islam, it is allowed for a man to have up to 4 wives. If you said negative things about that, it would be an insult, and not seen as a bit of a laugh.

Pay Buchanan mentioned how women only got the vote in the 20th century in many western countries, which Islam gave to women over 1400 years ago.

As a married person, you'd also be close to an ideal candidate for the Middle East. They prefer that.

Lastly, be aware the students in Saudi don't want to learn. If you can stomach being a glorified babysitter, then you'll do well here. If you even try to discipline them, you'll be the one to blame. Also don't discuss politics or religion, just stick with English.

In class, you need to have no self-respect at all. The development of this skill is ongoing.

[Radius]

[fromtheuk]

To be exact, $2870 a month. I have 30 days paid vacation in my contract. If I had a Masters, I'd get 2 months paid vacation as a direct hire. Even if I stayed with my company, I'd get more money with a Masters.

I'm thinking about doing a Masters. It's a bit expensive, but worth it in the long run. I've also heard an MA in TESOL is pretty easy, many non-native speakers also manage to pass the course.

[Radius]

[fromtheuk]

Yes. You get housing allowance and transport allowance on top of that. All tax free and the cost of living is very cheap.