Job Discussion Forums

[dsayer]

Hello all,

I am seeking some advice and information from all of you teaching in the Gulf now. I am completing my BA in TESOL at CUNY Queens College in NY. I am also considering going to St. Michael's College in Vermont this summer for their Diploma in TEFL. I am a private tutor now and have taught small classes at a local non-profit. I should graduate next year.

My husband and I would like to move overseas when I finish school. I would like to be as prepared as possible now as we make plans. I intend to teach on the secondary and eventually the college level. I plan on pursuing a Master's but feel I need to start working to gain experience (and pay for school).

We are researching UAE, Saudi, and Egypt right now. We have 3 boys and are American Muslim converts. My husband also is researching employment through his current job as they have contracts overseas.

What should I be doing now to prepare myself to enter the job market? What experiences are employers looking for. This is a career for me, not just a travel opportunity. As I am in NYC, there are many Language Centers here; would anyone suggest them as a place to gain experience?

What sort of employment packages could I expect as an "entry-level" teacher? I don't know if tutoring would count significantly as real experience.

Thank you so much for your insight.

[QatarChic]

Ok, I think you should rule out Saudi/UAE as they prefer to have people with at least a few years under their belt. Egypt would be a better option, as they are more likely to take entry level teachers.

With regards to employment packages its always best to secure employment before heading out- especially since you have kids- you don't want to to turn up in a country and find that you have no secure work lined up. Most employment packages should include; return flights, some kind of accomodation allowance etc....

There is a very good site which would help- especially if you want to work in the secondary school sector: http://www.joyjobs.com - you do have to pay a small fee to join, but it's very good. I have used it before as well as other colleagues, and we've found it to be useful.

I think doing your diploma would be useful, but as you are doing it in the USA I am not sure what that would entail (I'm a Brit and we have other qualifications for secondary teaching- PGCE etc)

Hope this helps!

[dsayer]

Ok, in the US, completing the undergrad degree certifies me to teach k-12 ESL. I was looking into the TEFL diploma at St. Michael's College to supplement because it is a hands on practical program for students without significant teaching experience. It is a 6 week intensive prog. Thanks.

[veiledsentiments]

dsayer,

First get your certification for k-12. I expect you have to apply to your state after graduation. The diploma from Vermont will be practically helpful, and *might* help you in your first jobs.

One large problem is providing education for your children. It is extremely expensive overseas... around $4-5000 per child per year. Hopefully your husband's job would provide housing and school fees for your kids. If he has a good job, you do not need to worry as much about what teaching you pick up to suppliment the family income. Time and experience will eventually give you better jobs.

Your lack of experience is a big problem if his job doesn't provide good benefits. Private lessons will not help you. (except that you can do them to earn more money) Many international school contracts offer free attendance to children of faculty. But, at entry level, you may have trouble finding this. A last option is that you home school your kids. (while you work on your MA)

Your first step is to have your husband get a job in one of those countries. Then, you can direct your search to match the opportunities of the country you will be going to. Get any teaching experience that you can... a class at a language school or adult education is better than nothing.

VS