Job Discussion Forums

[Karitos]

I'm an American getting my MA in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English in the UK. I intend to work in KSA upon completion of my degree next year.

My question is this: I assume that my MA will validated by the Cultural Mission in the UK, not the USA, since it's a UK degree. So will I have that validation done, and then just simply include that validation in my visa packet to the embassy in the USA? I.e., will I bypass dealing with the SACM-USA entirely? Or will I still have to submit to them too?

[RustyShackleford]

SACM UK basically would give your degree the "all-clear" so when you submit to SACM-US they know you're not giving them a piece of paper. Give SACM UK a call about the procedure and they should get back you - I've heard good things about them. On the other hand, SACM US is a total mess you'll probably never get a hold on..

[nomad soul]

If you haven't done so already, definitely get a CELTA or equivalent TEFL qualification to go along with your MA in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English. However, if your degree program includes a supervised teaching practice component, a cert won't be necessary.

FYI:
UK: Saudi Arabia Cultural Bureau (SACB)
US: Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM)

[Kimchidon]

I sent SACM about 8 emails back in July asking questions about the process. Each and every email was replied to with an email that had attached the degree authorization document and nothing, not a word, in the body. Every single time. I got 8 copies of the authorization request if anyone wants one.

I should also say that my MA (which isn't technically finished) is also from a British University. I didn't even mention it during the process and neither did they.

[Karitos]

[bigdurian]

[RustyShackleford]

Good to know. I was basing my opinion from what I've heard colleagues say and the utter silence from SACM US. Figured since SACM Spain was actually helpful and what I've heard, thought optimism would be okay. Oh well.