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TheStudent
Joined: 08 Mar 2014
Posts: 10
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 Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 5:12 am Post subject: Middle East without experience |
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Hey Guys,
I'm new to the world of TEFL and am basically just trying to weigh out my options (if any).
I'm a Native English Speaker from Canada, with a BComn, and am hoping to get TEFL certified in the near future.
I'm not really expecting much in terms of compensation... As I understand, everyone must pay their dues... My main objective is to simply get my foot in the door, and learn a bit of Arabic.
Furthermore, I do not have any issues working in conservative (or 'boring') regions such as Saudi Arabia. As long as I can read, study Arabic, and get some exercise every once in a while, I think I'll be OK.
Do I stand any chance landing work in the Mid-East? If so, where?
Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks! |
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Gulezar
Joined: 19 Jun 2007
Posts: 483
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| Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 1:15 pm Post subject: Re: Middle East without experience |
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| TheStudent wrote: |
I'm not really expecting much in terms of compensation... As I understand, everyone must pay their dues... My main objective is to simply get my foot in the door, and learn a bit of Arabic.
Furthermore, I do not have any issues working in conservative (or 'boring') regions such as Saudi Arabia. As long as I can read, study Arabic, and get some exercise every once in a while, I think I'll be OK. |
Exercise depends on your gender and your employer in KSA. The men are sometimes given quite nice gym facilities; however, if you are a woman, you might find yourself walking stairs for exercise or circling inside the walls of your compound. |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 3:52 pm Post subject: |
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I would recommend that you look at getting a CELTA in the British Council in Egypt or Morocco. That will get you certified and into an Arabic speaking country at the same time. It will also give you a better chance at getting some experience as you learn or soon after.
You will need a bit of cash put aside at home to live on as it takes awhile to be able to support yourself even after you finish the CELTA. There are a number of language schools where one can pick up courses... and one can slowly built up private lessons... especially if you like working with kids.
Check out the British Council CELTA locations on their website.
VS |
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TheStudent
Joined: 08 Mar 2014
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 6:03 pm Post subject: Re: Middle East without experience |
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| Gulezar wrote: |
Exercise depends on your gender and your employer in KSA. The men are sometimes given quite nice gym facilities; however, if you are a woman, you might find yourself walking stairs for exercise or circling inside the walls of your compound. |
Male... and exercise for me could be as simple as going for a jog with a combination of pushups and pull ups at home.
Thanks! |
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TheStudent
Joined: 08 Mar 2014
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 6:07 pm Post subject: |
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| veiledsentiments wrote: |
I would recommend that you look at getting a CELTA in the British Council in Egypt or Morocco. That will get you certified and into an Arabic speaking country at the same time. It will also give you a better chance at getting some experience as you learn or soon after.
You will need a bit of cash put aside at home to live on as it takes awhile to be able to support yourself even after you finish the CELTA. There are a number of language schools where one can pick up courses... and one can slowly built up private lessons... especially if you like working with kids.
Check out the British Council CELTA locations on their website.
VS |
Thanks VS...
Is CELTA a must in the Middle East? Or would Trinity work as well? How about other in-class TEFL Certification programs?
I was looking into an online course (with an in-class practicum), but I'm assuming this will not be acceptable for most Middle Eastern employers...
I'm located in Toronto, so would I be better off just getting certified at home, or just heading out to a place like Morocco where I may be able to find employment soon after I finish?
Thanks! |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2014 2:31 am Post subject: |
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CELTA is the preferred cert in the Middle East. I suggested doing it there because it gives you the chance to do some networking so that once you finish the CELTA, finding a job becomes easier.
Online certs are not recognized anywhere in the Middle East countries where a CERT is required. The point of the CERT is to know that you have had supervised classroom teaching of actual students.
VS |
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tigress
Joined: 03 Jul 2014
Posts: 23
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| Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 11:47 am Post subject: |
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@thestudent
I'm in a similar situation, no tefl cert, however my degree majors in English and Media and Communications Studies, I have a post grad diploma in Marketing Management and currently at dissertation stage for my MBA.
South African with approximately 3 years corporate experience, 3 years as a training manager and 1 year self-employed- no formal 'school teaching'. I've secured an offer to work in Saudi.
From what I've read on this site, as a 'newbie' you'd be lucky to secure work in the ME, so this first job is a foot in the door as you mentioned.
Have you been placed since your last posting?
Thank you to the posters for their advice on this thread  |
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