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desert
Joined: 24 Nov 2011
Posts: 41
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 Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 4:30 pm Post subject: what to expect after getting MA TESOL |
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Hi everyone,
I'm going to start an MA in TESOL this fall in the U.S.A., and I'm wondering what kind of jobs would be possible in the Middle East after that. I'm not looking to bank it in on my first job after graduation, but I wouldn't mind working for a half decent employer.
Right now, I have a BA in linguistics, 130-hour tefl certificate, and a little less than a year's experience teaching overseas. I should be able to get some more teaching experience during the MA program, but nothing is guaranteed as of yet. Do you think this would be enough for me to get started in the Middle East? |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 7:33 pm Post subject: Re: what to expect after getting MA TESOL |
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| desert wrote: |
Right now, I have a BA in linguistics, 130-hour tefl certificate, and a little less than a year's experience teaching overseas. I should be able to get some more teaching experience during the MA program, but nothing is guaranteed as of yet.
Do you think this would be enough for me to get started in the Middle East? |
Yes and no. Employers in the Gulf region want to see at least 3 years' post-MA experience at the tertiary level as well as a CELTA/equivalent TEFL cert. However, with a newly-minted MA, you might get work in a Saudi prep year program, especially if you're female, but the job is likely to be with a contracting company and not in a more-desirable, direct-hire situation. Still, Oman and maybe even Yemen (once things settle down) might be options for you once you finish your degree. Anyway, most new teachers go to Asia to build their first couple years of teaching experience before heading to this region. |
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desert
Joined: 24 Nov 2011
Posts: 41
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| Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 8:37 pm Post subject: Re: what to expect after getting MA TESOL |
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| nomad soul wrote: |
| Still, Oman and maybe even Yemen (once things settle down) might be options for you once you finish your degree. Anyway, most new teachers go to Asia to build their first couple years of teaching experience before heading to this region. |
Asia might work for some people, but I'm more interested in Islamic Studies and the Arabic language. I don't see how that should be a problem as long as I am getting the proper teaching qualifications and I keep my religious views outside of the classroom... As for working in Saudi Arabia through one of the recruitment companies, I'm kind of surprised you would even suggest it. I've been offered jobs like that with my current qualifications (as a male), but I have found all of those shady recruitment agencies to be unacceptable.
I would prefer to teach in places like Jordan or Kuwait, but if the prospects for getting a reasonable job in the Middle East are really that slim, I might consider going to Morocco or working on a PhD instead. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 10:06 pm Post subject: |
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| desert wrote: |
| Asia might work for some people, but I'm more interested in Islamic Studies and the Arabic language. I don't see how that should be a problem as long as I am getting the proper teaching qualifications and I keep my religious views outside of the classroom... |
Hmm... I'm not sure where you got that impression about your religious views being a problem; it's irrelevant. You only indicated that you were interested in where to most likely gain your first teaching experience but mentioned nothing about your interest in Islamic Studies and Arabic.
| and wrote: |
As for working in Saudi Arabia through one of the recruitment companies, I'm kind of surprised you would even suggest it. I've been offered jobs like that with my current qualifications (as a male), but I have found all of those shady recruitment agencies to be unacceptable.
I would prefer to teach in places like Jordan or Kuwait, but if the prospects for getting a reasonable job in the Middle East are really that slim, I might consider going to Morocco or working on a PhD instead. |
Definitely not a suggestion but merely a statement that direct hire is more desirable. If you read my posts on the Saudi forum, you'll see I dissuade others from working with contracting companies. Yet, it's up to you to make your own informed decision.
As for Jordan, TEFL jobs for expats are rare because the country produces its own very capable EFL teachers. However, keep in eye on the various job boards for this region; perhaps there will be a position that suits your interests and experience by the time you complete your studies. |
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desert
Joined: 24 Nov 2011
Posts: 41
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| Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 12:04 am Post subject: |
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| nomad soul wrote: |
| desert wrote: |
| Asia might work for some people, but I'm more interested in Islamic Studies and the Arabic language. I don't see how that should be a problem as long as I am getting the proper teaching qualifications and I keep my religious views outside of the classroom... |
Hmm... I'm not sure where you got that impression about your religious views being a problem; it's irrelevant. You only indicated that you were interested in where to most likely gain your first teaching experience but mentioned nothing about your interest in Islamic Studies and Arabic.
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I agree that it is irrelevant, and that is the attitude that I would hope to encounter, but I was trying to preempt others from telling me not to come the Middle East on the basis that there are already enough 'reverts'. This has happened to me before here, which obviously has nothing to do with you.
I mentioned that I worked overseas for a little less than a year, but maybe I should have specified that the time was spent teaching in Yemen and Turkey. I'm not sure if that would change the available opportunities.
At any rate, thanks for the advice. |
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