Where in the Middle East?

[skazzyskills]

What are peoples' opinion of the top places in the Middle East. We're a family of four, teaching couple, with 5 years experience in international schools around the globe.

I've read through this forum and I've seen that Oman gets a lot of thumbs up..but any others? If people know of the top schools in these countries too, that'd be great!

A good package is definitely top priority. ;-)

[overseasvet2]

Based on the experiences of people I know:

TAISM in Oman
ACS in Amman
CAC in Cairo
American School in Doha
ACS Abu Dhabi
American School of Dubai

I know someone who joined ACS Beirut this year and loves the city and is having a good time at the school. Lots of choices - just be sure it's the top school in the city- generally the one diplomats send their children to.

[skazzyskills]

Thanks for that...What have you heard from ABA in Muskat? Just out of curiosity...

In your opinion, which country pays the best, or are they relatively the same and just depends on the school?

[overseasvet2]

I've heard mixed reviews on the head of school at ABA. If you want to be at an IB school, it's probably an okay option. I think the Dubai and Abu Dhabi schools have the reputation as highest paying but a lot depends on cost of living, size of school and some of the benefits not reflected in the salary. Check if you can pay into Social Security in the States (if this is important to you as a US citizen - great way to get necessary quarters in to eventually draw Social Security and Medicare). Also do they have cars to lend/rent. If you have to outlay a lot of cash for transportation, it can really reduce the overall benefits package if you have to buy a new car. What is the assistance for shipping? What stipulations are there on home leave - most direct flight or most economical? If most economical, is there a cap on the number of layovers they can require?

Research those the schools seem like the best fit in terms of a job and then go for it. I don't think you should let the "CNN effect " stop you from heading to the region.

[skazzyskills]

wow..the American School of Dubai is the only school I've ever come across that doesn't have any email listed on their site! that's crazy! I know they are trying to only hire at the fairs (which I'm not attending) but, come on...no way to contact the director, or even HR?....odd...