ESOL has a really bad reputation, mostly because of claims of unethical business practices by the owner, Walid Abushakra. I was hired at an ESOL school (my first overseas experience) and after signing the contract, kept hearing international teachers say "Oh God you're working at a WALID school"? Like I was supposed to know all about this guy and his schools.

As it turned out, it ended up being a good experience. He had little to do with that particular school (at that particular time). I think that he has cleaned his act up somewhat - many of the "horror" stories I have heard are from 10 years ago or so. However, I continue to hear "hilarious" (and let's face it typical) stories about his FOR PROFIT techniques of running a school. He is a business man supremo, so keep that in mind! It is all about the bucks at his school.

I know people working in his schools now, and the reports are varied: I hear people say they love a school and others hate it. I think it really matters who is the superintendent / director and whether or not they are able to keep it all together. I would consult teachers CURRENTLY on the ground at ANY ESOL school before signing on the dotted line. High turnover is NEVER a good sign.

Having said that, his school in Dubai (UAS) is brand new and rapidly growing so that could be a reason for that particular school hiring a lot. ESOL recruits for all their schools at once now, so check to see specific schools and how many positions are posted for a particular school.