Job Discussion Forums

[kevinca]

Hello,

I have spent the last day or two reading through as many of the posts as i can, trying to gain a feeling for how things might be in your neck of the woods. It seems here and there, really depending on the individual and location.

This summer i received my TEFL certificate from a four week intensive course in greece, hoping to stay here and work. Being an american, the work visa issue became a problem, so i am looking for employment elsewhere. I have my undergraduate degrees in biology and theater, a minor in philosophy, and my TEFL. I do not have any "proper" teaching experience, as of yet.

I am interested in the prospect of a short term contract in the middle east. If anyone has any advice, information, contacts, warnings, etc. it would be extremely helpful. A teacher here i have spoken with was in the KSA earlier this year on a three month contract, and spoke very highly of the term. He did not live in a compound, but in a saudi residential area. At the same time, everything he says seems to be embellished, so it is hard to get a feel for things. Besides, it is september now. Things change.

I am as western looking as they come. Blonde hair, blue eyes, fair skin. Although it has darkened just a bit from the greek sun. Hardly enough to pass for anything but what i am though.

Thank you for your time.

Kevin

[Sekhmet]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that getting a job pretty much anywhere in the Gulf without experience (and a Masters) was practically impossible... I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but that's my impression from what I've heard and read.
On the other hand, I think places like Syria, Jordan and Egypt are easier to get into with out experience, and from personal experiance, Egypt is well worth it!!! The pay might not be as good as the Gulf states, but the working conditions seem better...
I hope you figure it out!!!

[jeddahteacher]

Apply for all positions you are remotely qualified for. You may get lucky.
JT

[Jim Bigelow]

I don't think it is correct to say that you have very little chance of working in KSA or the Middle East without any experience. It may be more accurate to say that you will probably find yourself limited to a certain type of teaching post. Most of the franchised language schools out here, Berlitz,Direct English,Wall Street etc, target inexperienced teflers with little to no experience.
A quick read of posts on the above language schools will show you that the package offered and working hours are not the greatest to be found but do provide a foot in the door. I feel, especially in these current times that the problem may not be finding work but whether you are happy accepting the type of work available.
I would say that I would advise any job hunter with little or no experience to be very caustious about jumping in to this sea, it can be rough and tough and many a well wisher have perished in these here waters!

[Stephen Jones]

With no experience you're in a mess.

There are few places that are likely to offer you a three month contract, but there are a fair number that might offer you a six or seven month one, since a lot of factories will give training contracts for that period of time.

If there's nobody else you might strike lucky, though unless you are really tight for money, I would consider getting experience somewhere else first.

[Jim Bigelow]

As I mentioned you could try, though be aware of what you'd be getting into, the following. Just doa google search and look for the centres in KSA and drop them an email. They waon't suit everybody but they may suit some!

Wall Street
Berlitz
Direct English
ELS
English First
Saudi British Centre

[kevinca]

thank you to everyone for your responses. i have been in touch with a couple of employers. although it appears as though my plans have changed...i think i am putting off teaching for a bit in order to do some hiking in spain. so again, thank you for your advice.


kevin