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[jaitaylor]

I want to know is it better to go it alone?...or use a recruiter or some other organization that specializes in faculty positions in the Middle east.

I am leaning toward Dubai... any thoughts?

[plordan]

I taught in the UAE for 5 years (UAEU in Al Ain, about 80 mi. from Dubai). I made a personal connection with a friend of a colleague by email whom I could communicate back and forth with--and researched the school I was aiming at. The combination was helpful as I got official and grapevine info. At the time, the official lines were not all that clear for communication. I ended up going to a conference and getting an interview. I'm sure you could find/connect with someone at the institution you're interested in, which I highly recommended.

[catherinjolivet]

I would discourage the use of recruiters for positions in the ME in general. They do not enjoy the best reputation and I have heard some horror stories of people providing their personal info + money and getting nowhere in the end.

You'd be much better off applying directly in response to an ad. Places to look would be the Chronicle job forum (of course) and other sources like TESOL.org, as well as local university websites.

Reputable employers also interview candidates every year at the TESOL conference.

CJ