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PaulJam
Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 13 Location: London, UK
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Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:09 pm Post subject: Can I get a job in the UAE, Qatar, or Bahrain? |
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I have four years teaching experience with Shane in Taiwan...and have recently completed my CELTA.
I'm determined to get to the middle east and prefer the countries mentioned in the subject header.
Could anyone share info with me regarding these places and the feasibility of me getting a job there?
Any help much appreciated.
Thanks.
Paul. |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343
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Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:03 pm Post subject: |
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Do you have a degree ? From a reputable anglophone university ? |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2012 12:59 am Post subject: |
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What or Who is "Shane"? If it is a language school doing conversation classes, it won't count for much of anything in the Gulf.
Most Middle East employers are looking for experience teaching adults. They want a BA + CELTA + a few years experience preferably after the CELTA. And most of the countries are now requiring a "related" BA. The best employers are looking for a related MA.
There are very few jobs going in Bahrain, not many more in Qatar, and UAE employers demand excellent credentials. You may have more chance with the recruiter based jobs in Oman. (as long as you have a related BA)
VS |
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PaulJam
Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 13 Location: London, UK
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Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2012 9:21 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for the responses so far.
To answer the questions, no, my BA is not related (it's in Web Design) and Shane is a global English company which focuses mainly on group classes for children but also one-on-one adult tuition. I do have experience in teaching Business English, as well as preparing students for entry level exams such as IELTS and TOIEC. |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2012 3:08 pm Post subject: |
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Tutoring normally doesn't count as "experience." Are you a licensed IELTS examiner? TOEIC is pretty much unknown in the Gulf and there isn't much of a business English market as there is in much of the world.
Language schools of the Shane type don't do any "foreign hires." They can fill all of their positions with local hires - part time... no benefits... no work/residence visa. So it isn't an option for you.
Have you thought about a place like Morocco? There are language schools like AMIDEAST and American Language Center (and probably British Council) that have schools all over the country and your experience would match better. It isn't high pay, of course, but enough for the local economy and more possibility of private lessons to make extra. It would also give you experience with Arabic speakers which would help you to eventually move into a Gulf job with higher pay.
VS |
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PaulJam
Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 13 Location: London, UK
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Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2012 5:20 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks so far to everyone who has contributed. At the moment my priority is money. So I'm starting to consider Korea. I thought the Middle East would be easier than it's proved to be, as I have known people who went there before. However, those avenues are now closed and it seems their situation may be indicative of the region in general.
I thought four years and a CELTA was decent experience, but it seems that competition within the industry is rapidly becoming more competitive. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world
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Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2012 5:52 pm Post subject: |
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PaulJam wrote: |
I thought four years and a CELTA was decent experience, but it seems that competition within the industry is rapidly becoming more competitive. |
You may consider your experience to be decent; however, you're at a disadvantage due to the type and level of your experience. The majority of employers in this region want to see (relevant) tertiary not language school experience. Plus, it seems most of your teaching was pre-CELTA, and as VS mentioned, a TEFL-related MA obviously trumps an unrelated BA. That's what you'd most likely be competing against.
Korea is probably your best bet; you should be able to earn a comfortable salary there as you gain post-CELTA experience. If you still have your eye set on the Mid East, you should think about getting a related MA. |
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