Is the Middle East still a good place to go and teach english to make decent money?
I'm looking into Dubai, Japan or Korea, as I want to experience a new culture and save to travel around at the same time, but I had heard that the middle east has been just as badly hit by the recession recently and alot of ex-pats are returning. Anyone have direct experience? Many thanks
Other - Africa & Middle East - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I think you have better chances in China than those places that you've mentioned particularly in the smaller cities. I mean instead of Shanghai go to Nan Jing (don't know if i typed it correctly or not) Shanghai is too big and already has far too many English tearchers. Or try Dongguan.
2 :
I teach English in Egypt and while I am in a smaller city and the pay isn't good (it's ok as I have my own business here), in Cairo or Alex you can earn between 10,000 or 15,000 EGP a month, (5.67 to 1UDS) and a package of housing, transportation, and holidays with an accredited, renown school. You won't get rich, but you will make more after expenses than in the US. In Egypt there are taxes, but Kuwait and UAE are tax-free. In order of most expensive to live to least expensive are: 1. Dubai-very expensive 2. Kuwait- moderately, based on lifestyle 3. Egypt-least expensive but you will compromise your lifestyle The lifestyle is challenging at times, of course Egypt is an Islamic country so it can be quite a challenge for some. You should be aware of the culture of Arabic Islamic countries and the costs before coming to any of those countries. For example, during the Holy month of Ramadan, if you are caught taking a drink of water in public before the sunsets, you will be arrested and put in jail. My first Ramadan in Kuwait, a little phillipina maid was caught drinking a juice on the street and was put n jail until the end of Ramadan, so she was jailed for about 10 days. She didn't know the custom, and all I can say is thank goodness my co-workers told me in advance, because I wasn't aware of it either, or I may have ended up in the clinker. hahaha Also, it is third world, here where I live, compared to America or Europe, so things that we take for granted are not the status quo here. Services, products and sanitation are all issues here for me. I worked 1 year in Kuwait, and 2 years in Dubai, and you might like either one of those countries better. They are cleaner and more Western. Depends on how much adventure you want. Know that English is everywhere in Dubai, less common in Kuwait and Egypt. So if you don't speak Arabic, that can be frustrating in those countries. Do be prepared for the least professional services, and business environment in the world(at your work) in ANY of these countries. They are light years behind in business practices, human resources and customer services. (Sorry to say it, but so true) In Dubai, it is about 7% nationals and the rest expats, comprised of about 87% Indians and the rest a mix of Asian's and Westerners. Exploitation is common practice and while there may be "Labor Laws", you will find unfair and inhumane business practices everywhere based on Nationality, and how much ""Cousa" or personal relationships, one has that protects you and helps you. Also expect insincerity and dishonesty in most of your interactions. Cheating others is common practice and accepted here. Things like under-the-table business happens and even in government offices people will pass money wrapped up in a newspaper to the clerk to get the stamp or seal they want on their document. It's HOT HOT HOT here too. So think of that. Yes, to answer your Q, many expats left Dubai and Kuwait over the past year. it was reported that 35,000 leased cars were abandoned in the Dubai airport parking lot as expats just ran out of the country and left the cars behind there. Crazy huh? I don't like Dubai, I love Egypt and but can really best recommend Kuwait to you. I don't mean to discourage you, it is my duty to inform you of my experiences. It is only my opinion and my experiences. Nevertheless, it is an adventure that any bold, cultural savvy person can enjoy! Best of luck, and email me if you have more Q. Salam, Jude, American woman living in the ME for almost 4 years.
