Middle East & Africa

Wow that was nice. I started to write something assuming it would first allow me to enter a heading, followed by the content. Nope. I want to open up a forum here for the Middle East, Africa, and the Arab Gulf States to discuss teaching in these areas. I am currently working a gig in Saudi for 7,000 USD per month plus housing, airfare, visa, insurance etc. It is a nice gig. This is a short-term ride though as I am filling in for someone that fell ill and was sent home. I´ve been in this region before and I am considering hanging around for a bit if I see more gigs open. I am working on another one that might materialize as well. Aside from the 400 or so soldiers and cops guarding the place where I presently live, it appears "safe" enough.

Anyone else around here?

Mr. Miles, I am an American teacher fairly new to the international scene. Since I had an unfortunate incident that prevented me from getting to my E. European post in August, I have been searching for a new appointment. Money in Middle East is certainly attractive, but I am female. Please tell me whether I should bother responding to ads from M. Eastern schools...
Regards,
Barbara

Ms. Johnson, are you also known as Jane Smith? I ask this because by total coincidence your other posting addressing one of mine uses the exact same painting in your profile pic.

Mr. Miles, God gave me only one name! I don´t know where that painting came from. Since I have no photograph to post, perhaps the program fills the space with graphics ??
I have applied to a couple of M.E. schools and am hopeful. Just wish I knew more about what to expect there. Any thoughts?

Generally speaking women get a tough time throughout most of the Middle East, Arab Gulf States and Africa. If you are married and your spouse is with you, that is nice. If not, it can be a real game getting an exit visa as a single woman in Saudi. I would suggest you try applying at Saudi ARAMCO first. They are hiring as are a number of colleges in Saudi Arabia, although the colleges pay less. Kuwait is not bad for some gigs, around 7000 USD per month plus bonus etc. Again, if you are a single woman, it can be a bumpy ride.

Mr. Miles, could you tell me anything about SABIS schools? I have read their philosophy and spoken to a recruiter, but would really like to know how this different system works, day to day. Incidentally, UAE sounds great from all reports I have heard, but must be in danger of becoming entirely Western.
Regards,
Barbara

Holland, it is very apparent that you have been around the block with these gigs, and with life in general. I have no teaching experience and in fact don´t even have a teaching certificate yet,... but am looking into obtaining one in the near future. I have been a RN for 30 years and recently own a restaurant. I´ve traveled a lot, lived overseas (mostly Africa for 6 years) and well, I miss traveling and I am not a good tourist....Sorry don´t mean to babble. My question to you is can you recommend a good school for obtaining a TEFL? I have been looking online and they are all over the board with regards to pricing and promises. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Connie

I am going to try this again because it looks as though it didn´t go through....or else I am just impatient.
Holland, I am looking for some advice and as it appears that you are very experienced in these gigs and in life in general, I thought you would be a good person to query. I have no teaching experience and no TEFL, etc certificate yet......but am moving in that direction and have been viewing several options lonline and am wondering if you had a reccomendation. It seems as though the online sites are all over the board as to cost and promises. Any thoughts would be welcome.
Any suggestions would be welcome.

Connie, Hi! Sorry I have been busy as heck and not online much. NO experience? If you want a fast TEFL I suggest the online program from SeriousTeachers.com It meets the criteria that MOST schools want and it is cheap. It would at least get you a valid TEFL and get your foot in the door. LATELY the trend is CHEAP LABOR anyway so why spent a mint to make pocket change in ESL? I have the TESOL, CELTA, CELTYL and DELTA, plus my degrees. Here is reality: NO ONE cares. The ONLY places my certificates have ever made a difference in was the Middle East, Arab Gulf States, and Hong Kong. Next: FORGET ESL. Teach sciences, math, or business. More money. If you are an American teach on a Native American Indian Reservation. The cash is nice. Inner city public schools also pay well in some cases.

BARBARA: SABIS is OK. No problems per-se. Now and then a few dings and dents, but overall a B+

Thanks Holland, I was pleased to hear your suggestion. I could not understand the discrepency in prices for the courses. As I said they are all over the board....and some very pricey. It seems that if $185 will be sufficient then...what the heck. At least it will get me started. I live in Flagstaff, Arizona and could easily teach on the Rez, however one has to have the desire to do so. That would not be me. My goal is to teach in a Spanish speaking country. My purpose being somewhat selfish, in that I want to become more fluent in Spanish....I already speak it but there is always more I can learn.
I have read your other threads and I am a little saddened to see that it appears there are many scams out there and that good intentioned people (teachers) are getting sucked into them. But on the other hand what happened to common sense and self preservation?
I´ll let you know how it goes....I´ve already gotten 3 "offers".