Job Discussion Forums

desmond · Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 11 Location: london

Hi everyone. I'm just trying to garner some information regarding teaching posts in Saudi Arabia. I understand an MA is a prerequisite. I have eight years of teaching experience with a BA degree and a largely unrecognised teaching certifiate. My question is this: with an MA and an accredited TEFL (celta) under my belt what would be my prospects? I have taught previously in Mexico and Indonesia. Thanks in advance.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:00 pm Post subject:

Most of the 3rd level institutions say that an MA and x number of years experience are neccessary. In practice, however, particularly given the current difficulty many employers have in recruiting teachers for KSA, people are hired who don't have either of the above. Also, there are non-academic institutions who hire teachers, such as hospitals and military training centres (the latter are usually not recommended). These places often don't require MAs at all.

You say your teaching cert is 'unrecognised' but then you speak of an accredited CTEFLA. Is this because you are planning to get the latter? It's probably best if you do, because most places, even those who dont' require an MA, will demand it. I suppose you're also aware that most of the better places will have done their hiring some months ago, and that you''re probably looking at going to KSA in January at the earliest?

desmond · Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 11 Location: london

Hi Cleopatra! Thanks for your swift reply. At present I don't have an MA or a CELTA/TEFL certificate. I have a BA in humanities and a teaching certifiate from a Canadian owned language institute that I worked at. I taught all levels there including their 'cash cow', a TEFL course that I was appointed to run.

I feel that doing an MA would give me more choice and I have a wife and child to think about. I wouldn't be looking to apply for a position for at least two years!! I just like to know what the 'lay of the land' is like. Lastly, my wife and I are Muslims. Would this be of any advantage in cultural acclimatization? Many thanks, Des.

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 8:45 am Post subject:

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Your experience is the most important.

Some places demand a CELTA, others don't. It's worth getting anyway because it will give you better opportunities if you suddenly decide you don't like Saudi.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

My advice is that if you have two years, and can afford it, do an MA. This is especially important if you plan to stay in this field and want to have the most options. It will put you higher on the pay scales from then on.

Absolute minimum do the CELTA, but I wouldn't bother to do both.

VS

desert date · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 67 Location: Australia

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

Plenty of places in Saudi don't require a Masters.

The Masters thingo is a bit of a myth.

I recommend getting a gig in Saudi and doing your Masters whilst in Saudi.

That is what i did.

You will need a CELTA or DELTA or equivalent but you can do one of those in a month.