Hi guys! Does anyone have an experience working in Abu Dhabi...

All of the Middle East has reduced their salaries. Many schools do not provide accommodation anymore. They offer a stipend which does not come close to the rental costs. The same applies for transportation. The administrative heads come from Arabic speaking countries and 99.9% have never been to the USA. This is extremely problematic if the school calls itself American...I have endured many hardships in my long career there. To be fair, many others love it. I guess it boils down to your tolerance level. I hope this helps.

Dominica, I'd love to hear about your experience in China. I was offered a post in Shenyang with a pretty nice salary. However, I am still apprehensive. Could you share some of your thoughts? Thanks and Best wishes, Rollie

I love living and working in the UAE, especially Dubai. It still pays well. Private tutoring pays even better. You can find cheap accommodation through word of mouth. I never obtained housing packages there so can't comment. I'm moving back shortly

I've worked in China too but not so recently. My ex there tells me salaries are higher than before. I personally prefer the Arab Gulf states especially UAE. China is friendly but I wasn't crazy about the pollution and sanitation. But I'd suggest to both of you not to listen to negativity. If you'd like to try either place, go yourself to check it out with a, time maximum to reevaluate so you don't get stuck in a rut. We all have different experiences and outlooks on these places. eg I absolutely love living in UAE but others may not. And so on.

Elisabeth, thank you for thoughtful ideas ! I am considering Dubai as a place to go and teach English, French or Russian. But I feel apprehensive as well since I have never tried teaching away (with relocating, finding a job, a place to live etc). Could you share some more thoughts on particular schools in Dubai which hire or HR agencies with good compensation and other perks ?