Job Discussion Forums

[rudder]

I'd like to head to Saudi Arabia, but I know right now that I don't have the qualifications to land a good job there.

By good job I mean one that gives you all the benefits (airfare, health insurance, clothing, transportation, housing, vacation, etc.) plus around $2,000 USD per month.

Relevant Qualifications:
-Native Speaker
-I've become fluent in two foreign languages (none of which are from the region).
-Lived abroad multiple times.
-100 hour TESOL certificate
-Bachelors of Arts (not in education)

So, would it be better for me to get an MA in TESOL or go for the CELTA + DELTA?

On top of that how much work experience should I gather? I've recently been hired at an institute in Peru.

Is it true that the work experience should come after the Masters degree?

And lastly, Is the ME really the best place for saving the most money as an ESL teacher?

[cnthaiksarok]

[cnthaiksarok]

[cmp45]

[nomad soul]

You might rethink your list of what your consider "relevant" qualifications for when you eventually apply for positions in the Gulf. Except for being a native speaker, your other qualifications are simply that: qualifications but definitely not relevant ones for this region. You didn't include your teaching experience, so I assume you have none, which equates to being unlucky enough to possibly get a teaching job with the sketchiest Saudi contracting companies (several seem to be vying for that honor). So even though Cnthaiksarok says you currently have enough quals to get a position in KSA, it's not advisable.

A CELTA (not a 100-hour cert) + an unrelated BA + a few years of experience will likely be enough for a teaching position via a Saudi contracting company. Obviously, a related MA + a few years of (post-degree) teaching experience will make you quite marketable for direct-hire opportunities in the Kingdom and in other parts of the Gulf as well. However, experience from language schools (conversation English) and teaching children won't excite any of the better employers, so aim for university-level teaching experience before heading to this region. If you're male, there are military and oil industry teaching opportunities as well once you boost your qualifications.

[cnthaiksarok]

[cultofpersonality]

Just apply to a contracting company...some of them are not so picky about experience. I knew a lot of people who didn't have experience when they started. Ty and steer clear of the institutes. They will work you and you will most likely do split shifts. I went through that life and I wouldn't wish it on anyone! The only contractor I'd recommend at this time is Al Khaleej though Skyline. I worked for them and compared to what I hear about other companies on here, Al Khaleej is a godsend.

[cnthaiksarok]

[rudder]

http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=31535

Here's one that doesn't require an impressive list of qualifications. No CELTA or Masters necessary. Just one year of experience.

[psychedelicacy]

Pulse.