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smokesignals
Joined: 06 Mar 2014
Posts: 22
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 Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 11:08 am Post subject: Flogging a dead horse? |
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I know this question has been asked before in various guises, but I'll ask it anyway:
The hiring season is upon us for September 2014, and I would like to apply to teach English Foundation at one of the private universities. I know that the Foundation Year will be supposedly phased out in 2018, so I'd just like a shot at getting in there, before it is too late. Should I bother?
Now, I have a BA (unrelated), a CELTA, and 6 years in Oman of teaching Foundation with a lot of experience in teaching AES (reading, writing and presentations). In addition, I 've I taught EAP and ESP to students studying their majors. Not sure if this would hold any sway, but I also have an excellent set of references, some written by the Omani "powers that be."
Considering I've met a few teachers who came to Oman from private universities in the UAE, without MA's (eg Canadian University of Dubai), I don't feel it is unreasonable of me to pose this question again.
I am not touting for specifics, just any relevant, CURRENT insights would be helpful. Likely, some will cackle "MA or go away", but is there anyone actually in the UAE, who can advise me on my chances? I don't mind going somewhere unpopular such as the far reaches of Sharjah. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 5:07 pm Post subject: |
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| Even if there were plenty of openings for foundation year teachers, an unrelated BA simply won't cut it---employers have a pool of teachers with relevant MAs to pick from. You can certainly apply for whatever positions you're interested in, but don't hold your breath expecting to get a response. So, yep, that horse is so dead... |
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ttxor1
Joined: 04 Jan 2014
Posts: 119
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| Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 8:27 pm Post subject: Re: Flogging a dead horse? |
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| smokesignals wrote: |
| I am not touting for specifics, just any relevant, CURRENT insights would be helpful. Likely, some will cackle "MA or go away", but is there anyone actually in the UAE, who can advise me on my chances? I don't mind going somewhere unpopular such as the far reaches of Sharjah. |
as you mention an interest in Sharjah, the University of Sharjah, in a vacancy posted March 2nd 2014, require , in this order 1. relevant MA 2. relevant BA AND the type and length of experience that you have |
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smokesignals
Joined: 06 Mar 2014
Posts: 22
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| Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 11:09 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for that.
My conclusion is that this job market is getting altogether tougher, and what was acceptable 3 years ago in terms qualifications is not so now. Seems like experience does not count for a lot - pity. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 11:38 am Post subject: |
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| smokesignals wrote: |
| Seems like experience does not count for a lot - pity. |
But again, you're competing against others who have a similar level of experience in addition to a relevant MA (and/or PhD), which is key. It's not just about experience. As harsh as it seems, there are employers who will like your experience but then see your unrelated BA and be puzzled or put off that you haven't moved forward in your career by getting a related MA. |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 4:13 pm Post subject: |
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| smokesignals wrote: |
Thanks for that.
My conclusion is that this job market is getting altogether tougher, and what was acceptable 3 years ago in terms qualifications is not so now. Seems like experience does not count for a lot - pity. |
I don't believe that the market has actually become that much tougher. The well-known high-pay positions in the UAE would never have considered your current credentials.
There may be small private colleges/universities that will consider you.
VS |
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smokesignals
Joined: 06 Mar 2014
Posts: 22
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| Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 4:24 am Post subject: |
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| It is the smaller, private universities which I am interested in, as I know I might be in with a chance. At the same time, I am researching MA's to start in September, so point taken. |
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smokesignals
Joined: 06 Mar 2014
Posts: 22
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| Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 4:53 am Post subject: |
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| It is the smaller, private universities which I am interested in, as I know I might be in with a chance. At the same time, I am researching MA's to start in September, so point taken. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 8:39 am Post subject: |
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| smokesignals wrote: |
| It is the smaller, private universities which I am interested in, as I know I might be in with a chance. At the same time, I am researching MA's to start in September, so point taken. |
With so many universities using adjuncts (hired locally), hopefully there are full-time opportunities you'd qualify for. |
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oilers
Joined: 01 Mar 2014
Posts: 33
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| Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2014 8:34 pm Post subject: |
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same old smug responses from same old responders: "no MA no way", and not even currently living here (just having 'contacts' does not count...)
i'd say like oman, this country is awash in wasta-ism, so if you've got an in with someone, somewhere, (or go about cultivating one) you may land one of these "MA-only" jobs. In fact, most of these institutions have a small number wasta-farians who somehow either got in or kept jobs without the requisite qualifications. so there is always a chance, albeit small. The market is tight, too many vying for each job, best to move here with a so-so position then move into a better one, get active in Tesolaraba, do presentations, get that MA, there will be money thrown around this place regardless of the future of Foundation programs, it will just shift to a new 'area', most likely secondary schools, vocational programs and teacher training, from the looks of things from where they stand now, from someone who lives here now, reads the local paper daily, has daily 'contacts' with numerous others working in the field, etc. etc. etc...
cold calling and knockin on doors can bring about some surpising results! I know people teaching here with no BA, no teacher training, just a warm body that was needed and in the right place at the right time. (almost sounds like japan/korea, tho it is much rarer here...) |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2014 2:51 pm Post subject: |
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| oilers wrote: |
| same old smug responses from same old responders: "no MA no way", and not even currently living here (just having 'contacts' does not count...) |
| plus wrote: |
| i'd say like oman, this country is awash in wasta-ism, so if you've got an in with someone, somewhere, (or go about cultivating one) you may land one of these "MA-only" jobs. In fact, most of these institutions have a small number wasta-farians who somehow either got in or kept jobs without the requisite qualifications. so there is always a chance, albeit small. The market is tight, too many vying for each job, best to move here with a so-so position then move into a better one, get active in Tesolaraba, do presentations, get that MA... |
Aren't you contradicting yourself? Besides, no one is telling the OP not to apply---it's just that his/her chances are slim, especially with an unrelated BA.
| and lastly wrote: |
| cold calling and knockin on doors can bring about some surpising results! I know people teaching here with no BA, no teacher training, just a warm body that was needed and in the right place at the right time. (almost sounds like japan/korea, tho it is much rarer here...) |
Since you purport to be in the know, you could certainly be more helpful to the OP by naming specific UAE employers who tend to hire full-time teachers with his/her qualifications from abroad (versus locally). |
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D. Merit
Joined: 02 May 2008
Posts: 203
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| Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2014 3:06 pm Post subject: |
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| nomad soul wrote: |
| Aren't you contradicting yourself? |
Yes, a bit odd that he's working himself into such a state of righteous indignation about the commonly held view and then basically concurring with it.
And there's no way the UAE can be compared with Oman in terms of the need for a Master's. |
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smokesignals
Joined: 06 Mar 2014
Posts: 22
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| Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2014 9:13 pm Post subject: |
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All posts gratefully received.
Oilers: Knocking on doors, using Wasta, and being there at the right time and in the right place, (with, in my opinion, your own cash cushion to cover flights, temporary hotel stays, car hire, cost of living, and even a downpayment on accommodation etc) - there is a lot to be said for that, and I may just do it. Total independence, and you possibly have real choices, and can try to get a decent enough deal to recoup your expenses. In-country knowledge is essential here, and I have it logistically, but not in terms of the academic environment. Therefore, if this is different, tougher or ... ? compared to Oman, I could be sorely disappointed. Any views here?
I am looking for current, local knowledge, so Nomad Soul's suggestion of specifics:
| Quote: |
Since you purport to be in the know, you could certainly be more helpful to the OP by naming specific UAE employers who tend to hire full-time teachers with his/her qualifications from abroad (versus locally).
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Sure, specific names would be extremely helpful, but not sure if allowed by moderators. No doubt one or more posters could clarify this.
I am applying from Europe, not locally. Therefore, the "knocking-on-doors" option is slightly risky, and possibly expensive. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2014 3:04 am Post subject: |
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| smokesignals wrote: |
Oilers: Knocking on doors, using Wasta, and being there at the right time and in the right place, (with, in my opinion, your own cash cushion to cover flights, temporary hotel stays, car hire, cost of living, and even a downpayment on accommodation etc) - there is a lot to be said for that, and I may just do it. Total independence, and you possibly have real choices, and can try to get a decent enough deal to recoup your expenses. In-country knowledge is essential here, and I have it logistically, but not in terms of the academic environment. Therefore, if this is different, tougher or ... ? compared to Oman, I could be sorely disappointed. Any views here?
I am applying from Europe, not locally. Therefore, the "knocking-on-doors" option is slightly risky, and possibly expensive. |
Big-time risky and expensive. Knocking on doors while on a tourist visa isn't recommended because it's not how employers hire, so forget about getting a deal and recouping your expenses. And again, their preference is for teachers with relevant MAs + experience who they're willing to bring from abroad. Your other competition are those qualified expats who already have sponsorship in the UAE through an employer or spouse. As local hires, they're the top choice for adjunct university and full-time language school positions because they save the employer money. That is, they equate to zero flight, medical, and housing benefits.
Save your money and apply for jobs from abroad. |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2014 3:51 am Post subject: |
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The Gulf is not the place to arrive and find a job. They will nearly always merely hire you as an adjunct or local hire... salary and no benefits. Without benefits, one can't afford to live in this part of the world.
There is no problem with a poster providing you with specific names of employers. What is not allowed is posting a particular opening with contact details. (ie... free advertising  )
VS |
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