Job Discussion Forums

[nellyp]

I am considering going to Saudi in 6 month's time to teach for 2 years, and I am looking for some up to date information about preparation for teaching there

I would be grateful for any advice

I understand that the teaching method is generally rote and grammar instruction, but can anybody tell me the most common types of books that are used (interchange etc)

How serious is grading or do you simply have to pass everybody?

Do students participate in classes or do you only teach to "the few"

Is lesson planning expected or do you just use the books?

Are there any companies or schools to avoid and any that you would choose as a preference

Will my lack of teaching adults be a big hurdle

These are the types of thing I am interested in, but any advice would be appreciated. I have 6 months to get ready for any shocks that I may encounter, and would like to get ready for them as soon as possible.

A little about my self. I am a 50 year old UK national with a degree in TESOL and I have been teaching primary and secondary English in Thailand (where I also earned my degree) for 5 years. I have a TEFL cert .I am married, but I would be traveling alone.

Cheers

[nomad soul]

There are teaching opportunities via government (military) and oil contracting companies; however, the majority of TEFL positions are in university and college/vocational school English language programs, so the level of instruction varies. Additionally, teachers with TEFL-related BAs and MAs and adult teachng experience tend to be hired directly by the universities, while those with minimal or unrelated degrees typically find work through the umpteen companies that contract with the universities/colleges. There are plenty of ads on the Cafe's job board which should give you an idea of what's required, the duties, benefits, etc. Always, research the employer before accepting an offer; contracting companies, in particular, can range in sketchiness from tolerable to avoid at all costs.

As for rote instruction, that was frowned upon at the university I taught at, and we focused on the four skills and not just on grammar alone. Nor were we simply passing everyone. Teaching methods and coursebooks vary; it depends on the employer and teaching situation.

That said, your degree from a Thai university, and not your experience, will likely raise a flag with recruiters. The preference is for degrees earned from universities accredited in the UK, US, Canada, etc. --- especially for westerners. Some job ads will even indicate western degrees only. That's not to say you won't get any job offers --- it just may not be your desired level of pay nor with an employer you care to work for. Be aware that qualifications/degrees with online coursework are not recognized by the Saudi government and will result in your visa application being denied.

It's unclear what types of "shocks" you're expecting; it depends on your particular priorities in life and how well you handle ambiguity. Frankly, living in the Kingdom is actually more of an adjustment for foreign women than it is for men. But many expat men and women manage just fine with only a few hiccups.

I suggest you take time to look at a bunch of Saudi job ads and read through the discussion threads, including those that were locked.

[scot47]

The degree from Thailand might be an impediment. Did you know that you can edit your posts to correct errors ?

[sicklyman]

see my response on the other forum you posted this on... and ignore my recommendation to register here!

[bigdurian]

[quote="nellyp"][quote]I am considering going to Saudi in 6 month's time to teach for 2 years, and I am looking for some up to date information about preparation for teaching there

I would be grateful for any advice

I understand that the teaching method is generally rote and grammar instruction, but can anybody tell me the most common types of books that are used (interchange etc)

How serious is grading or do you simply have to pass everybody?

Do students participate in classes or do you only teach to "the few"

Is lesson planning expected or do you just use the books?

Are there any companies or schools to avoid and any that you would choose as a preference

Will my lack of teaching adults be a big hurdle

These are the types of thing I am interested in, but any advice would be appreciated. I have 6 months to get ready for any shocks that I may encounter, and would like to get ready for them as soon as possible.

A little about my self. I am a 50 year old UK national with a degree in TESOL and I have been teaching primary and secondary English in Thailand (where I also earned my degree) for 5 years. I have a TEFL cert .I am married, but I would be traveling alone.

Cheers[/quote][/quote]

Teaching methods may vary as would the books you use, you may have freedom to come up with your own stuff, or you may not.

My experience was that even if you fail people, they nearly always pass in the end after some changing of pass marks, 'extra' assignments to help push someone over etc. It was a very small minority who never passed.

Student participation comes down to how much you engage with the students. make it interesting. Some of my best teaching experiences have come from KSA. Times when the whole class has been listening, they're asking the right questions, and then they actually get it. Not all the time obviously, but still quite satisfying all the same.

My experience was that lesson plans are expected , but no one reads them. It's just a paper trail. In my case, the school, went for and got American accreditation, and there was a lot of documentation needed for that.

Try to do some background checks on your employer if you can, and ideally speak to some of the current teachers there.

No experience of teaching adults would not be a hurdle in my opinion, it is the level of English that is important.

The degree for Thailand may be an issue with some employers and it may not. that could depend on who interviews you and looks at your CV. If I was interviewing you and I knew you had a MA TESOL from Chulalongkorn, then I would be suitably impressed, Mr.Abdulaziz may not be. I tend to think that it's not so important, but the fact that you actually have that qualification is the main thing, not where it came from. Others may disagree.

I know people who have got jobs at 25k+ a month plus a car and good compound with an unrelated job and a CELTA. Nothing is written in stone.

On a personal note, is your wife Thai? My wife is Thai and she likes it in Saudi a lot. There is a big Thai community in Riyadh and Jeddah. She wouldn't be lonely. There are always karaoke parties, BBQs, pool parties where many Thais are present. Many of whom have been in KSA for 30+ years. She will also be able to find most Thai foods.

[veiledsentiments]

I assumed 'nellyp' would be female... but one never knows here. S/he should probably tell us because that certainly affects job possibilities.

VS

[tony87]

[In the heat of the moment]

[nomad soul]

[nomad soul]

[scot47]

There are not many teaching English in KSA and earning SR25,000 a month.

[psychedelicacy]

[scot47]

Saudi Arabia is not for everyone. Tony87 is clearly one of those. I hope he is happy in China constructing the "Chinese Road to Capitalism", and working in The Disney School of English or similar..

[RustyShackleford]

I like to think of countries for TEFL in terms of video game difficulty.

Japan, Korea, Thailand are Easy Mode.
China and Europe (for Brits) are more like Normal.
Vietnam and Europe (for Yanks) are Hard Mode.
Saudi Arabia is akin to Nightmare in DOOM.

However, unlike Doom, one can find some satisfaction and sense of lasting accomplishment in working through it.

[sicklyman]

classic