Job Discussion Forums

[redeyes]

At the risk of initiating a discussion that is probably going to invite all kinds of generalizations and sweeping assertions -- I�d like to start a thread on the subject of PHD�s and the �academic life� in UAE -- the value, worth and point of investing time in a PHD etc, the actual practical usefulness of having a PHD in UAE, the �openness� of the system to foreigners with PHD�s, the benefits etc..



How is the situation in UAE? Are Westerners allowed a foothold and accepted at higher levels that require PHD�s � or is there a similar �ethno-centric mafia� that blocks Western teachers out?

Regarding the time needed to complete a PHD � How about UAE? I have heard that at HCT and some of the other Unis, the timetable is as time consuming as , say , The British Council, who seem to delight in squeezing every waking hour out of their staff and ensuring staff are on site, even if not teaching or lesson planning. Is that a common scene in UAE?

That, I imagine, means time for PHD research would be limited.


I�d be very interested to hear how it is in UAE in relation to the scenarios/restrictions/opportunities/ambitions I clarified above.

[veiledsentiments]

IMHO, a PhD is what you get if you want to get out of TEFL and teach in content courses. (preferably in another field...) I don't think that it is of much benefit financially if you plan to keep teaching in IEP programs.

If the goal is to go into the teacher training, applied linguistics area, that is an option. There are not a huge number of openings and I know of universities where the people are there for many years. But, no foreigner is likely to get tenure.

As to doing one, if you decide to do so, it would likely be best in your undemanding job in Asia. I know people who have done them in the Gulf, but they were mostly single people.

VS

[D. Merit]

[globalnomad2]

At the Petroleum Institute, Foundation EFL teachers need an MA. Those who teach university-level English classes, which no doubt include literature, need a PhD. At least, that's how it was when I left there in 2002.

[veiledsentiments]

When they were interviewing at TESOL this year, it was the MA+related experience requirement... just as it has always been.

VS