Job Discussion Forums

clandestino · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2007 5:22 pm Post subject: A lack of experience

I have been really frustrated all summer by the way I keep getting rejected due to a lack of experience. I have 2 years cumulative experience of teaching English although I only got my CELTA last year. I speak Arabic having studied it at University. I have excellent refrences and 1 years full-time experience in Italy and the UK. I have pretty much given up my dream of teaching in an Arab country, which is really frustrating because I really believe I have the potential to do well out there, is their anyone who knows of somewhere in Oman who may consider employing me based on these qualifications? Oman is a country I would very much like to work in.

georgemcduff · Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 16

Have you tried CECNE in Oman? I've just finished 2 years with them and I came across several teachers with less experience than you. And it's not like these people charmed their way in either; one or two were right muppets, I can tell you.

In contrast to some others here, I found CECNE to be a reasonable outfit; they did what they said they would- they employed me, housed me, paid me on time, flew me out, flew me back again.

Failing that there's Bahwan Cybertek, although they, as the story goes, should be approached with a lot of caution.

huntjuliehunt · Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 87

Don't give up, mate.

You sound more than qualified to me!

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Why give up? If you really want to teach here but so far have only been told that you don't have more experience, why not just get another year or so of experience and then apply?

d

flutterbayou · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 244

Ask an experienced teacher (or employer) to look at your resume. It might be that you aren't presenting what you have to offer with panache. When I was hiring, a poorly planned cover letter or a disorganized resume received only a quick glance.

Another thought is to do as Denise suggests and get teaching experience elsewhere - never give up so easily. China is very open to young college graduates getting their start in teaching. If you work in China, per se, for a year and obtain a couple of strong references, you could be in Oman in another year from now.

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

Middle East employers look at 2 things... your education level and the number of years teaching... related teaching.

You have a CELTA, but do you have a first degree? If not, you will be at a big disadvantage. If you have an education or English first degree before your CELTA, you would be in good shape. (though they prefer MAs)

Since most teaching in the Middle East is for academic English, they want to see that you have taught at university level... things like reading and writing... or test preparation like IELTS or TOEFL. So, if you have any experience teaching these things, stress them in your cover letter and CV.

Your knowledge of Arabic is a good thing... have you ever taught Arabic speakers that you can put on the CV?

If none of the above, try to get a year or two of related experience on your CV and try applying then.

VS

Geronimo · Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 498

Hi clandestino,

Have you applied to the ELS network in Oman?
http://www.elsoman.com/contact.htm

Geronimo

stabnkill · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 62 Location: the land of dreams

DON'T put on your resume that you speak Arabic. It is not a selling point, as you may think.