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Abu Hawwa
Joined: 18 Jun 2014
Posts: 12
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 Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 6:23 pm Post subject: Arabic Teacher: New to Teaching English |
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Hi guys, this is first post. I would just like to first of all thank you guys for posting your experiences and knowledge on this site. It has really helped me in doing research and making decisions.
So I am an Arabic Teacher (paid position) in the US, I plan on completing a CELTA and then pursuing a job in SA next summer.
My questions are
1. Can I put down X number of years of experience teaching Arabic or does it only apply to teaching English? I have to say that I completed my Arabic studies prior to pursuing a BA. Ive been working for the past few years teaching Arabic and completing my undergrad.
2. I also wanted to ask about getting by MA and possibly a PhD. While working, can I attend universities to pursue graduate studies? |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 7:44 pm Post subject: |
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| Abu Hawwa wrote: |
| 1. Can I put down X number of years of experience teaching Arabic or does it only apply to teaching English? I have to say that I completed my Arabic studies prior to pursuing a BA. Ive been working for the past few years teaching Arabic and completing my undergrad. |
Although you're required to state your work experience on your CV, teaching Arabic is not considered as relevant experience. Keep in mind employers are looking for experienced, native-speaking English language teachers and not those who expect to use Arabic in the classroom. Besides, there are plenty of native Arabic speakers teaching EFL in the Kingdom.
| and wrote: |
| 2. I also wanted to ask about getting by MA and possibly a PhD. While working, can I attend universities to pursue graduate studies? |
If you're referring to attending a Saudi university, nix that idea. You would be in KSA for employment purposes and likely won't have time to pursue a degree, and that's even if you're able to enroll in a program.
Frankly, a newbie with a brand new BA and zero EFL teaching experience (post CELTA) is likely to only appeal to the crappiest of Saudi contracting companies. Anyway, most newbies head to Asia for their first teaching jobs before contemplating the Gulf. |
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Abu Hawwa
Joined: 18 Jun 2014
Posts: 12
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| Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 8:00 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you for your reply.
I should clarify, I am a native English speaker (born and raised in the US). I understand that I wouldn't be using Arabic in the classroom. I just wanted to include that I have teaching experience, though it is teaching Arabic to English speaking students in the US. (I acquired a degree in Classical Arabic and Islamic Sciences.)
Thanks again for your reply. |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 1:07 am Post subject: |
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Yours is a rather unusual set of credentials. I'm not really sure how it would be looked upon by Gulf employers. As Nomad mentioned, the better employers would not consider it "related or relevant" experience. But with a CELTA, it might help you get your foot in the door with some of the "not-so-great" jobs. It is, after all, experience teaching a foreign language.
Here's an idea for you. Take a look at the Teaching Fellowship at the American University in Cairo. They have both a TAFL and a TEFL Master's and with a Fellowship, it is tuition free and you get a stipend. Check out their website. They have an office in New York City, and you might want to call them and ask about the possibilities that they may offer you once your BA is complete. (and still get that CELTA)
VS |
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Abu Hawwa
Joined: 18 Jun 2014
Posts: 12
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 4:31 am Post subject: |
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Wow, I had never thought about the teaching fellowships, that is a great option. I will definitely research that option. Otherwise I might resort to the "not-so-great" offers you and Nomad were referring to. At least it will give me experience teaching another language and since Im fluent in Arabic and familiar with Arab culture/customs, I feel it should still serve me well. 
I just hope I can find a teaching job that will be sufficient for my family.
Thanks for your help VS |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 4:50 am Post subject: |
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| Abu Hawwa wrote: |
| I just hope I can find a teaching job that will be sufficient for my family. |
How many are in your family? |
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Abu Hawwa
Joined: 18 Jun 2014
Posts: 12
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 5:01 am Post subject: |
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Abu Hawwa wrote:
I just hope I can find a teaching job that will be sufficient for my family.
How many are in your family?
A wife and two kids |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 5:30 am Post subject: |
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Having a family to support puts a twist on things.
What do you want to do in terms of a career? |
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Abu Hawwa
Joined: 18 Jun 2014
Posts: 12
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 8:56 am Post subject: |
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For the next 5 years or more, I really want to teach English abroad in the Middle East. During that time, if the right situation presents itself, I would also like to start graduate study (I'm open to study a vast area of subjects so a lot of it has to do with time and place).
Basically, Im hoping to make this endeavor my career. |
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CANDLES
Joined: 01 Nov 2011
Posts: 605
Location: Wandering aimlessly.....
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 10:13 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| likely to only appeal to the crappiest of Saudi contracting companies. Anyway, most newbies head to Asia for their first teaching jobs before contemplating the Gulf. |
NS - I wish you would stop saying this (my highlights).
From AETG to ICEAT and et all are all ]crappy, but we make do with them. Not everyone wants to spend time going through Direct Hire; it's easier through agents, of course it's a headache when things go wrong, but it can happen the Direct Hire way as well surely. |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 1:19 pm Post subject: |
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| Abu Hawwa wrote: |
How many are in your family?
A wife and two kids |
The AUC program would be difficult financially. When I did it in the 80's, the stipend plus the housing allowance only barely covered my rent for a one-bedroom flat with no AC. Then I brought money over every month the first year to pay for the rest of the my living expenses. By the second year of the program, my private lessons covered by costs.
If your wife could do private lessons (take the CELTA too?), that could pay the bills. But, if your kids are school age, another huge expense is school fees.
VS |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 2:32 pm Post subject: |
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| CANDLES wrote: |
| Quote: |
| likely to only appeal to the crappiest of Saudi contracting companies. Anyway, most newbies head to Asia for their first teaching jobs before contemplating the Gulf. |
NS - I wish you would stop saying this (my highlights).
From AETG to ICEAT and et all are all ]crappy, but we make do with them. Not everyone wants to spend time going through Direct Hire; it's easier through agents, of course it's a headache when things go wrong, but it can happen the Direct Hire way as well surely. |
Perhaps you should reread all three of my previous posts because I never mentioned the words direct hire nor implied that's the route the OP should take. My point was that a contracting company that knowingly and willfully disregards the minimal qualifications/requirements of the position in order to hire a newbie with an unrelated BA and zero EFL teaching experience is not doing that person any favor. Yet, other companies, despite their lousy reputation as well, won't look twice at a newbie's CV. |
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Abu Hawwa
Joined: 18 Jun 2014
Posts: 12
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 4:29 pm Post subject: |
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[quote]If your wife could do private lessons (take the CELTA too?), that could pay the bills. But, if your kids are school age, another huge expense is school fees. [/quote]
My wife would not be able to teach, my kids are very young, at least 3-4 years away from attending school.
I also looked at AUC and though it is enticing, at the end it probably won't be best for the entire family.
Do you all think that maybe for a few years I would be able to break even while teaching in the Middle East if I apply the following
- If housing etc. is paid for, the only other thing I really need to pay for is food?
- Have X amount of money sent to me from my savings every month?
- Conduct private lessons (with the permission of the employer or anyone else so it is not illegal)
- Is it possible for me to help the school I teach for in other ways? My degree is in Organizational Leadership so I could help out in PR, management, marketing, etc. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 4:38 pm Post subject: |
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| Abu Hawwa wrote: |
For the next 5 years or more, I really want to teach English abroad in the Middle East. During that time, if the right situation presents itself, I would also like to start graduate study (I'm open to study a vast area of subjects so a lot of it has to do with time and place).
Basically, Im hoping to make this endeavor my career. |
Frankly, if I had your qualifications, I would skip the basic TEFL track. I would continue to teach Arabic in the US but also start looking into graduate assistantships, the Fulbright scholars program, whatever, to pursue an MA in Arabic/English Translation. Check out Kent State University, University of Illinois, Monterey Institute... there are others. Anyway, since Arabic language skills are in high demand, it would open way more doors for you as a translator for an NGO, private international company, diplomatic/foreign service, and so on within the domains of medicine, commerce, public relations, law, education, culture... Moreover, it offers opportunities for you and your family to comfortably live abroad. |
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Abu Hawwa
Joined: 18 Jun 2014
Posts: 12
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 6:16 pm Post subject: |
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Nomad Soul,
That is a tremendous idea, truth be told, the main reason why I wanted to pursue a CELTA was to get to the Middle East in the shortest time possible, but like you said, the other route (getting an MA in Arabic/English translation) may fulfill my personal goals to the fullest and provide me with many other options.
I will have to check out those programs in great detail and hopefully I can find one that is suitable for me. In the meantime, I can try and find some peace knowing that I have options and I hope I choose the right one through careful deliberation.
Thank you for your candid advice, I really appreciate it. |
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