Job Discussion Forums

MSnyder540 · Joined: 20 May 2009 Posts: 8

Hi everybody--

I'm a newcomer to Dave's ESL Cafe and am looking for some quick advice. I used the Search function but was unable to find an answer to my question. In a nutshell, I graduated this May from a liberal arts college in New England and am looking towards the Middle East for work experience before applying to graduate school in International Relations or a related field. (The economy in the US kind of sucks right now!) Although it's nothing to brag about, I have six semesters of Modern Standard Arabic under my belt as well as travel experience in the region (semester abroad in Morocco and summer internship at AMIDEAST in Tunisia).

My question is whether knowing some Arabic and/or past experience in the region might improve my chances of securing employment, despite my lack of formal teaching experience? From what I've read, it's not as easy to get a job in the Middle East as, say, Japan--especially without a M.A. in Education or a CELTA. I'm prepared to get a TEFL certificate but am concerned that I might wind up back in North Africa when I'd rather look towards the Gulf countries, not only for the better salary and benefits but also to experience a different side of Middle Eastern culture and society.

If there is a previous post on this same topic that I overlooked, please direct me to it. Thank you in advance and please forgive my lack of forum etiquette.

15yearsinQ8 · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 462 Location: kuwait

you're not qualified for the gulf and if my chance you secure a position not only will you be lucky but your co-workers (professional, committed and trained educators) might also be resentful

would you blame them? one summer's teaching is not enough....

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 1:01 pm Post subject:

HARSH...but, true...

NCTBA

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

This is actually a common request here with the usual answer. Knowing Arabic and the region won't help you get a job because neither of those are credentials for teaching. In the Gulf, you would have a near zero chance without an MA or a CELTA plus a few years of experience. Because they pay well, they are able to demand qualified teachers.

The reality is that even if you get a new CELTA, it is pretty much only North Africa and the Levant where you will be able to get hired and it will be survival pay at best. In fact, AMIDEAST would be one of the better places to find a job in these areas. If you got the CELTA and taught for 2-3 years at AMIDEAST, you might be able to get into an entry-level job with the lower tier employers in the Gulf.

Saudi has the most jobs in this category and if you read around on the Saudi board you will encounter the often unpleasant stories of this level of employers.

Sorry...

VS

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

MSnyder540,
If you have worked with Amideast in the past...connect with them again. They have opened a new shop in Muscat Oman and are looking for people. With your arabic and interest in International affairs you may have a ticket since Amideast is 'more than a language school'. Given your record with them ....who knows. Don't be discouraged...give it a go.

Neil McBeath · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 277 Location: Saudi Arabia

MSnyder540,

I think jdl has given you excellent advice.

As it happens, Amideast in Oman have verey recently lost one of their staff and they could very well be looking for an immediate replacement.

Don't fall for the no Masters, no Job line.

The Royal Air Force of Oman are currently trying to recruit TEN people and they are not asking for Masters degrees. THey aren't paying very well either, but if you need a job......

15yearsinQ8 · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 462 Location: kuwait

it's not
no masters, no job
for the gulf
it's
no experience, no job

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The bit about an MA is simply not true. Lack of experience will be the problem - but everyone starts some time. Personally if I were hiring I would be more impressed by the ability to learn Modern Standard Arabic than some BS Certificate in TEFLOLOGY.

MSnyder540 · Joined: 20 May 2009 Posts: 8

Thank you everybody for your straightforward, and necessarily harsh, answers. I hope the difference of opinion indicates that it's difficult to generalize about employers. My plan is to reconnect with my supervisor at AMIDEAST and see if she has any suggestions/information and can tell me what steps need to be taken. Ideally I could pursue the CELTA but there are only nine language centers in the US that are CELTA certified (an absurdly small amount, and they're not even in major cities like LA and DC). I will probably get a TEFL instead.

I have one more question if people have the time or the knowledge:

Are there any entry-level positions available in the Middle East or at language institutes that are NOT teaching jobs per se but still require the services of a culturally sensitive Arabic learner, especially one who is willing to put up with a lot of travel time and inconvenience? Exchange program leaders, programs coordinators, that sort of thing? Obviously I will have to filter through the job sites but I appreciate your feedback on this matter.

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

How about going to Cairo to get the CELTA at the British Council? I know that they are hard to find in the US because a poster here and I spent a lot of time looking. It was like California, Texas, New York City...

Definitely reconnect with AMIDEAST as they have many locations and lots of good people. Be sure to ask about the Gulf locations. As I recall in Kuwait, they only hired part-time people, but things change. Also, check on what is happening with the Oman location.

As to your last question about non-teaching work, they may very well be the best people to ask about that too. I used to work right across the street from them in DC. Cool

They might have some idea on things like this. Get your supervisor to refer you to someone there to ask.

Good Luck

VS

GlobalDawg · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Posts: 91

MSnyder540,

This might be reaching a bit, but you might also explore government service (GS) positions. It sounds like you might be a great candidate for an embassy position somewhere in the ME.

Good Luck (Above all, don't be discouraged!!)

15yearsinQ8 · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 462 Location: kuwait

try the largest employer in langley, virginia
but from the tone of your mess. you sound too timid for them

15yearsinQ8 · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 462 Location: kuwait

try the largest imployer in langley, virginia , but from the tone of your post , you're too timid for them

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Yeah, forget TESOL. Become a spook.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Would that explain "007"? Shocked

and the sometimes esoteric meanderings that accompany his posts? Question