anyone teach secondary school in the middle east?

[blackcurrants]

There are so many jobs in Oman, Dubai, Qatar... any MNers who work there, in international schools?

DH and I are both teachers and we're talking about it, I'd love to hear from anyone who took a job there for any length of time.

Thanks!

Try this school in Bahrain www.st-chris.net I love it and would recomend to prospective pupils and staff.

DH taught in Oman. PM me if you are considering that country.
We had a lovely time, DD was born there and the people are great. The schools vary a lot.

Thank you, all! DH isn't as keen as me, so I'm still pondering, but it's great to know there's good sources of info out there. [hsmile]

Have you looked at the teaching overseas forum on the tes website? Also look at international schools review, you have to pay but it's worth it.

Thanks for the suggestions, marco - I hadn't checked out the TES forums yet, that's a great suggestion.

There is a search facility on the TES site but it is not that good. The people on teaching overseas are very helpful but it is a bit like AIBU here if you ask a question that has been asked repeatedly.

I have not taught in the middle east but have taught in lots of other places. PM if you want more information.

Have a look at British international school riyadh. My children love it there. A lot of teachers from the Uk there

My DC used to attend the BIS in Riyadh which as coccyx says, has a lot of british teachers there. However, I know quite a few of the teachers and a lot not very happy and quite a few moved on. When DS was there a few years ago doing GCSEs they went through 3 teachers in one subject in the 2 year course and as a result a lot of the course was not covered. Some of my old friends from there moved on to Dubai and Qatar and seem a lot happier there. You do have to be cautious about a school when there is such a high turnover of staff.

DS has been at school in Dubai for 5 years currently in year 11. We are happy with his education. I know GEMS get repeatedly slated as they are a money making business, however other schools charge the same and dont really seem to have better results or facilities.
That aside I have quite a few friends as teachers in the ME and elsewhere. Certainly in ME it pays both in contract terms and financially to be hired from overseas, check out www.teachanywhere.com they are very helpful. In Dubai for sure contracts are for 2 years. Any western school has a website be sure to check the finer points. Local schools have arabic teachers, posh local schools have western expats. (Rashid school for Boys and Latifah school for girls). Do you teach junior or senior? UK curriculm schools are always looking for teachers, there are also IB schools.
Contract should include, 1 flight min per annum, relo expenses, 1 month gratutity at the end of 2 years, accommodation (not huge normally in an apartment block with other teachers, usually with gym and pool.

Ask away if you have any questions.

I teach in Oman, and we really like it here, it is a beautiful country and I really find the people friendly. Many of the staff have been here for over 10 years, which is a good indicator.

We both work but are able to live off one salary, so savings opportunities are quite good.

Some (but not all) of the more established schools might look to recruit teachers with some overseas experience.

Personally I would look for a not-for-profit school that has a truly international make up of staff and pupils.

You can add medical insurance and school fees for dependent children to the list of what should be included in a contract.

This is very helpful stuff, - thanks everyone.

Complex How long have you been in Oman, and (if I may ask) what prompted you to make the switch? DH and I both teach secondary and would be looking at UK or IB schools, I think. If we did make the move, it would be in order to save a bit (only think I think would really persuade DH) so the living off one salary info is very appealing! I'm not convinced that it's the right move for us but seeing schools hiring teachers for both our subjects at the same time meant that I absolutely have to know more. Of course, it also makes me wonder what's going on with that school, that the teachers need replacing so often... I think staff turnover is key. Some teachers like teaching in the gulf for that reason: lots of staff don't last therefore they have respectable promotion opportunities. I'm not sure that's a reasonable trade for a stable staff room, myself, but I can also see the attraction of it all.