Job Discussion Forums

[Cleopatra]

How was it for you?

[veiledsentiments]

So, Cleo... are we to assume that you mean TESOL Arabia? There was some discussion of it in the UAE section I think it was.

Of course I don't think the main TESOL 2007 (in Seattle) starts for a couple of days...

VS

[Cleopatra]

Yeah.... that one.

Anyone get any top-notch jobs there? Any ground breaking 'seminars'?

Or, much more to the point, any beautiful friendships formed over the annual TESOL speed dating session?

[Gauguin]

I thought most teachers attending TESOL conferences were in love with themselves.

Does it really cost over 1000 dh?

You could buy a couple of nice paintings for that!

gauguin

[Cleopatra]

[veiledsentiments]

Yes, but then they have something to put on their CV...

[letitslidedude]

Recruiters these days are not stupid and are aware of all these TESOL Conferences scams. They know and in my opinion, the INTERVIEW in front of a shooting squad is the most important. That is, if you do well and answer the questions the way they want, then they go back to your resume and proceed further!

I have seen resumes with things like: I attended bla bla bla bla........, But once you confront the person you realize that he bought (with money) those colorful TESOL Arabia Certficates.

I have taught everywhere BUT never seen a conference that charges 1000 AED, a shame on them.

I'd call it: TESOL ARABUSINESS!

[bje]

[letitslidedude]

You had fun for 400 AED but to be fair, let others express their opinions and we take it from there! I might be wrong?????? TESOL membership/ Conference fee/ Job fair = 1000 AED, Not expensive huh???????

[veiledsentiments]

Relative to salaries paid here, I'd say that it is not that expensive. Look at the TESOL US conference held the week after:

Convention Registration
Member registration: $295
Nonmember registration: $440

Hotel costs: $140-$200 per night
Food and Airfare costs: varies for each individual

So, if you happened to live in the city it is held, the registration alone would be $370 or 1370 dhs for a member or $440 or 1630 dhs. Thus I would have to say that it is not expensive. Relatively speaking, US ESL teachers are paid much less than Gulf EFL teachers.

BTW... as to putting something on a CV, I was not referring to attendance. (why would someone put that on a CV anyway), but to presenting. There are employers in the UAE who consider presenting at conferences important. (like HCT, ZU, AUS, & likely others) They want people who will present in their name at future conferences.

VS

[letitslidedude]

There are teachers who can afford it while others simply cannot. I am aware of many ESL/EFL teachers in the Gulf who found the fees really high! Then again, it depends on each teacher's financial shape. This year, not many teachers attended the conference as 5 years ago. The ones who participated are those who either their institutions paid full or partial fees for them or those desperate for jobs and had no choices.

Do not mention only TESOL Arabia in the USA!!!!!! Check TESOL Canada/ KOTESOL (Korea))/ Japan/ Malaysia. The fees do not exceed $ 75. Oh I forgot TESOL Qatar costs about $ 20. Why this TESOL Arabia (Gulf & USA) are still charging considerable amounts? And what is the point of organizing it in a 5 star hotel?????????????????????

[Cleopatra]

I agree with the above: charging 1000 Dirhams for a 'conference' is just outrageous. Sure, it might be OK if you live in the UAE, but for posters coming from elsewhre in the Gulf, and who have to pay for flights, hotels and food on top of the conference fee, it really is a serious amount of money just to hear someone talk about using computers in the classroom.

[veiledsentiments]

So... if you can't afford it... don't go...

easy...

VS

[bje]

[letitslidedude]