Job Discussion Forums

bigfoot786 · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 2

Hello,
I am just recently started learning about treaching English as a 2nd language, Herd about it from friends who have taught in Asia.

Does anyone know if it is at all possible to teach ESL/TESOL in Syria without having a first degree. (I have completed High School in Australia in 1986.

Would the TESOL certificate be sufficient with other relevant exprerience.
I can show that I have been tutoring and "teaching" in a weekend cultural/language school on a volunteer basis for about 5 years.

Any information would be greatly appreciated, particularly relating to Syria as my family is currently there for to learn Arabic and I would like to join them but would need to suppliment my income for the next 6-12 months.

Regards.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

No degree ? Your chances anywhere in the ME are small. Do yourself a favour and get a degree.

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 10:25 am Post subject:

In fact, for most of the decent jobs in the ME (by which I mean, in this context, the Gulf) you need not only a degree, but a Master's Degre - and usually post MA experience too.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

BigFoot,

You *may* be able to get something in Syria, but the pay would be minimal and it would likely be part time. Supporting yourself is probably impossible.

Hopefully, our *resident expert* on Syria, Basiltherat, is near a computer at the moment and would have more accurate information.

VS

basiltherat · Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 952

i am aware that there are some people, for example in New Horizon in damascus, who dont have a degree. i would say its possible with experience such as yours but i thnk it would be a risky move and the pay wud be poor. id say get a tertiary qualification first. then again, if you have some contacts who can vouch for your professionalism and teaching skills .... u cud take that risk. a lot depends on determination and contacts. be warned, though, there arent a lot of recognised TEFL institutions and franchises like, for example, in places like turkey. i mean, how often do you get ads on tefl recruitment websites for syria.
personally, i wudnt do it. best places to aim for once uv got a tertiary degree wud be British Council and/or ALC - Amideast
thats my personal take on the situation.
regards
basil
VS is probably right about part-time work only being available. Then again, if your good at the job , yul most likely be given more work.