Thinking About Teaching in the Middle East?
Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 8:01 am
I'm an American who's lived in the GCC region since 2011.
The Good:
* Oil wealthy nations in the GCC have some of the most generous compensation packages for Western teachers available. If your goal is to make, save &/or invest money, consider the Middle East.
* Many countries in the GCC are used to Westerners & so there's a moderate degree of Westernization to help you feel comfortable.
* Wonderful weather (except during summer months when it's hell hot & expats run to cooler climates), lovely beaches & easy travel to other parts of the world.
The Bad:
* The Eastern concept of time is the polar opposite of what Westerners are used to. Be prepared for most things to take FOREVER.
* The culture of the majority of the GCC stems from a nomadic root. This means that change is constant. Expect for there to be a lack of consistency with most things.
* Many locals are very privileged and are known to treat foreigners with varying levels of respect, depending on your nationality. So, Americans, people from the UK, the Irish, the Scottish & then everyone else in descending order are given respect based on nationality.
The Ugly:
* Media censorship isn't balanced out with non mainstream or alternative options. You may never really know the extent of issues going on in a particular country or as it relates to Western expats unless it's a major story that can't be ignored.
* Student behavior can rival that of the toughest schools in the West.
* Varying levels of what we as Westerners would consider ethnocentrism, gender inequality and injustice are daily parts of life. Protest and get jailed or kicked out.
I'm happy to answer any questions & strongly urge you to consider taking my eCourse which teaches culturally relevant & effective behavior management strategies - what you 've learned & used in your home country is likely to not work as well out here - and also learn the nitty gritty, real deal cultural nuances you've gotta know in order to stay off the next episode of "Locked Up Abroad" and prevent burn out. https://coursecraft.net/courses/z9Pk8
The Good:
* Oil wealthy nations in the GCC have some of the most generous compensation packages for Western teachers available. If your goal is to make, save &/or invest money, consider the Middle East.
* Many countries in the GCC are used to Westerners & so there's a moderate degree of Westernization to help you feel comfortable.
* Wonderful weather (except during summer months when it's hell hot & expats run to cooler climates), lovely beaches & easy travel to other parts of the world.
The Bad:
* The Eastern concept of time is the polar opposite of what Westerners are used to. Be prepared for most things to take FOREVER.
* The culture of the majority of the GCC stems from a nomadic root. This means that change is constant. Expect for there to be a lack of consistency with most things.
* Many locals are very privileged and are known to treat foreigners with varying levels of respect, depending on your nationality. So, Americans, people from the UK, the Irish, the Scottish & then everyone else in descending order are given respect based on nationality.
The Ugly:
* Media censorship isn't balanced out with non mainstream or alternative options. You may never really know the extent of issues going on in a particular country or as it relates to Western expats unless it's a major story that can't be ignored.
* Student behavior can rival that of the toughest schools in the West.
* Varying levels of what we as Westerners would consider ethnocentrism, gender inequality and injustice are daily parts of life. Protest and get jailed or kicked out.
I'm happy to answer any questions & strongly urge you to consider taking my eCourse which teaches culturally relevant & effective behavior management strategies - what you 've learned & used in your home country is likely to not work as well out here - and also learn the nitty gritty, real deal cultural nuances you've gotta know in order to stay off the next episode of "Locked Up Abroad" and prevent burn out. https://coursecraft.net/courses/z9Pk8