Job Discussion Forums

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

First of all let me apologise.
I'm sorry if this has been asked time and time again but I just spent quite a while reading through threads I thought might be relevant without finding any concrete information to guide me (a sticky covering this topic might be nice for people considering their options).
That being said, there are some thinly veiled hints that a B.A, Tesl and experience isn't going to get me very far in U.A.E. but I'd like to make sure I'm interpreting the information correctly.
Can someone please post up what would be considered 'minimum educational reaquirements' for employment here?
I have a B.A, TESL and 4 years of experience teaching in Asia.

Thanks in advance.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

For a real chance at any of the more desirable jobs (HCT, ZU, UAEU, etc.)
you will need an MA and 3 - 10 years experience.

Tom Le Seelleur · Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 242

yamahuh
You have more than the minimum - there are plenty of employers who would grab you if your interview goes well. Don't worry about the MA this is only a requirement by some of the universities but most places will consider you as the UAE is desperate for decent 'teachers' who can engage the students. If you want to look at particular places and get a foot in the door, forget the main tertiary places - HCT, Zayed, UaeU etc.. try the ones who need people and will give decent salary and benefits. If after your first contract you have then already acquired an MA or are planning to do one (or started - HCT) then you can decide then. Despite some negative posts here and because I have friends and colleagues working or used to work in these places, I suggest you check out the following for employment

Madres Al Ghad (Teacher Mentor) http://www.alghadschools.org/CurrentVacancies.aspx

Nord Anglia
CFBT
Abu Dhabi University

http://www.uaeinteract.com/education/collegesetc.asp
List of contacts for schools, colleges and universities.

Hope this helps
Tom

British Council

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 9:35 am Post subject:

You might squeeze in at CERT. But, a CELTA would be better. As I don't promote them, do a web search.

NCTBA

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

Thanks for the posts everyone.
NCTBA I'm aware of what a CELTA is but what is a CERT?

Thanks again
Smile

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

Tom Le Seelleur · Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 242

UAE need teachers who can teach rather than academics who can lecture

salary should range from 8000 to 14000 + housing, health insurance flights and gratuity

CERT is the branch of HCT that caters for working people rather than full time students

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

OK thanks for the info.

redeyes · Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 254

Tom Le Seelleur, I just PM'd you off board -- hope that's ok.

Best,

RE

JohnRambo · Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 183

I remember being told over and over that you need a master's to get a decent job in the Emirates, but a friend of mine from Ireland says that's bullocks, and that he knew plenty of people who had good jobs, and that he lived there, and that you can make decent coin working there. I don't think he would lie to me. I have a teaching certificate, and I am a US citizen who is fluent in Arabic to boot. How much should I expect to make in such a country?

Tom Le Seelleur · Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 242

John
You are right about not needing an MA (it can help though). You can still pick up University posts without an MA though this is more difficult due to accreditation. HCT do not require it though like it and the military, Cert, academies etc..
In terms of salary 13- 15,000 per month should be attainable depending on your experience (10 years + helps a lot) plus usual benefits. Check TES (though not today), ADNEC, IAT, Cfbt, Nord Anglia,
Hope this is encouraging
Tom

Arab Strap · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 246 Location: under your bed

I have a BA, CELTA and about 15 years experience and I'm working for one of the bigger 'acronyms' in the UAE.

There is hope for us lesser mortals although I'm doing a MA right now.....

frankly speaking · Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 54

I figured, I would piggy back on this thread.

What about unrelated masters degrees? I have an MA but it is not in English, linguistics, edu or the like. I have been teaching EFL in Asia for over 7 years and taught in the states for a few years. I do have a teacher's license but it is long been expired by now.

Do the good jobs only hire individuals with the more relevant degrees? I really don't want to have to go back to school to get another degree just to get a descent position.

I would love to teach in either the UAE or Saudi but just cannot find a lot of information or good job search resources like Dave's has for Korea or China.

kaisen · Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 13

Try www.charterhouseme.ae

They are looking for teachers from Kindergarten to (so-called) further education levels.

Iamherebecause

Depends on the institution... a few years ago UAEU/UGRU changed its mind about certain Masters Degrees and a smnall number of people who had been working there for years with e.g. MA English Language rather than Applied Linguistics or TEFL/TESOL had to move on. But I suspect this is one of those policies which waxes and wanes with the supply of staff.