Job Discussion Forums

bereaguy · Joined: 06 Mar 2009 Posts: 6

Hey there, thanks so much for your advice.
I've read up on all of the other threads and couldn't quite get my answer, because I'm in a different situation.

I am available to begin in the fall and will have both a BA and MA in the humanities. Sort of odd degress as they focus on the Appalachian Region, but they are basically Anthropology. I'm wanting to land any sort of teaching job that I can in KSA because I'm hoping to spend some time there, learn the language, and later write my Anthropology dissertation on something pertaining to the country. Therefore, I'm not picky concerning where I work.

I do not have teaching experience, but have worked part-time for three years in different college departments. I also do not have any teaching certification.

Do you kind folks know of anyplace that might would hire me, or am I just plumb out of luck and need to get a job in East Asia first then KSA? Very Happy

I'm also open to other Arab countries such as Jordan, UAE, etc.

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

What do you plan to teach? Your credentials haven't prepared you to teach anything. English? If so, at least go out and get a CELTA. As an anthropologist, why would you want to inflict an unqualified teacher on any culture? Does it not appear that you think that they don't deserve a professional?

I think that you would be better off heading to North Africa or the Levant. They are better places to learn the language... although they and the Middle East in general have been anthropologist-ed to death and the book shelves are jammed with (often-poorly researched) books already. Laughing

Perhaps you could pick a few to debunk...

VS

bereaguy · Joined: 06 Mar 2009 Posts: 6

VS,

I hope to teach English. Of course I wouldn't want to inflict an unqualified teacher on any group of people. I was simply asking what is typical. Obviously, I don't need a CELTA to teach in East Asia, and was wondering if KSA ever hired folks without such a certification. You seem to have a chip on your shoulder about the Middle East, and I don't see why they are any different than Koreans who hire kids right out of HS with a CELTA. We all have to get our start somewhere, and whether or not we have certification, it could be argued that those folks are getting the raw end of the deal. Futhermore, simply because I've an Anthropology background, should I be held to higher standards?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

The ME generally pays better than the other regions you've mentioned. In return, they ask for (and get) better-qualified teachers. It's just not a place where newbie teachers can effectively compete on the job market.

bereaguy · Joined: 06 Mar 2009 Posts: 6

Sprial,

Thanks a bunch!

Cleopatra · Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 5:52 pm Post subject:

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

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 6:59 pm Post subject:

Your chances of being hired in the ME without even a CELTA are almost nil. Even if you get the CELTA, without any experience you will probably only get offers from dodgy language institutes, and those places will make you so miserable that you will forget all about wanting to study the culture here.

In any case, you are really looking at the wrong part of the Arab world in which to study the culture. The Gulf Arabs, including those in KSA, will not take you into their lives in the way you might be imagining. You would probably have better luck in Oman, and most certainly you would have better chances of doing your research in Yemen. You would probably have a better chance of being hired for an EFL job there as well.

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 3:07 am Post subject:

I've just deleted some postings for being inappropriate and personal attacks. If they continue, there will be sanctions. Sanctions can include banning.

It would be a very good idea to stay on topic and far, far, far away from the insults.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Without training and experience you will not get much in KSA. Then once you get here you wonder what all the fuss is about.

Saudi is a very family-based society and - unless you marry one of them - you will not be welcomed into Saudi families.

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

A certain Trading Company discussed at length by tacomaboy on this board will hire ANYBODY, with or without experience or a degree.

Read the posts and if you really want to work anywhere, I don't think they ever received a resume they didn't accept!

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

Nashledanou · Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 64

My advice is twofold:

1) DO get a TEFL. You cannot understand its importance - for you, foremost - until you've got it. It's only one month of your life, and great fun too.

2) DON'T go to KSA on your first teaching experience, whatever qualifications you've got. Spend a few months, at least, in a relaxed Eastern European country, where the students are disciplined, self-motivated and keen on learning (and life is sweet). Indeed, teaching qualifications mean little in KSA, if you are incapable of handling a class. You can be a natural at that, but experience does help a lot.

Wink

Evan2009 · Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Posts: 41

What about chances for teachers with extensive ESL experience + BA and MA in English related areas, but not ESL? If you have a lot of experience teaching English as a Second Language but not the certification, do you stand a chance of getting a job in KSA?

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

You might want to expand your search to all of the Gulf rather than just Saudi. Also check out Qatar, Oman and the Emirates...

There are some employers who insist on the MA being TEFL related, but if you have good experience teaching Academic English - in particular if you have some experience with Arabic speakers, you should be able to find a job with one of the better employers.

VS