Want to know about life in Saudi Arabia or Korea? How to land overseas teaching positions? How to pack your life in 2 suitcases?

To keep this rolling, I’d love to receive any questions you have, by email. Please forward them to alanabrown30@yahoo.com, with the Subject line titled: “Question:_____”

Check back here, a week later, to find your questions answered!

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1) My husband and I are looking to live and work in Saudi Arabia.  I wanted to know how do you we find jobs there?  My husband is a certified New Zealand teacher and I’m currently working on my masters in education.  Are there recruiters that we can contact to get our resumes reviewed for teaching positions in Saudi?

~Anonymous

Most of the English teachers at my university (~100 at this campus) have been recruited. Education Experts is who I came in through. The contact person is Sarah Ahktar (sarah@experteach.com). She will request a curriculum vitae, over a resume. You will each go through a Skype interview. Then depending on openings, they will send you each a contract. You two will be placed at separate universities, due to gender segregation.. but at least somewhat nearby. After signing, they will likely have you apply for a Work Visit Visa for quick processing, and it’s renewed by the school every 3 months. All of these steps should be guided by the recruiter.

2) How easy is it to get a nanny/housemaid?

Many nanny/housemaids are found by word of mouth, through black market. Talk to teachers at the school you’re placed.  Some companies place teachers in extended-stay hotels, like mine, that provide very basic housekeeping and services that are included in the rent. If you get a good nanny, or tip well, they’ll do everything from dusting, changing of sheets, mopping .. to taking clothes to cleaners and delivering jugs of water.

3) I would like to join the hike hash would you please give me details. im really bored :S

Hi Sarah,
You can email the group, at r3h4_info@yahoo.com. Please be reminded that attendance at the Third Herd is restricted to foreign passport holders only. This rule has always been in effect and must be enforced accordingly. You may be asked to show a copy of your passport or your Iqama at the sign out/sign in table.

4) Do I need to have prior Teaching Experience to teach English in Saudi Arabia? (Asking because I want to switch careers from IT industry (which I have no degree but plenty of experience and government background) into something that allows me to enjoy other cultures and see the world. However I do not want to go to school and accumulate debt.) Thanks.

Hi Remth,

For Saudi, almost all positions will require teaching experience. On average, they prefer 2 years. However, if you’re interested in countries that don’t require experience, check out Asian and S. American countries. I started off in Seoul, South Korea … and absolutely loved it! Not only was it decent pay, but you also get free housing and airfare, it has a unique and fun culture, plus has many surrounding destinations to visit during long weekends and vacations.