Job Discussion Forums

Mehdi72 · Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Beijing

What are my chances of finding work in Jeddah without a degree? I am a native England born English speaker, don't have a strong regional accent and consider myself well spoken. I worked as a EFL teacher for 2 years, have taught privately for 3 years and recently completed a TEFL course. Which companies are more open to hiring teachers without degrees?

Cleopatra · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 3:53 pm Post subject:

Mehdi72 · Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Beijing

johnslat · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 4:47 pm Post subject:

Dear Medhi72,

"My sister in law, who is not a native English speaker and is in fact Russian and has no qualifications whatsoever, teaches English at a University in Riyadah so it's not impossible."

And the university is fully aware that she has no qualifications? And she was hired outside of the Kingdom?

I'm sorry, Medhi72, but even if the answers to the two questions above are "Yes" (and I very much doubt they will be), I'd say that you're giving yourself some really bad "false hope" here.

Regards,
John

Mehdi72 · Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Beijing

johnslat · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 5:02 pm Post subject:

Dear Medhi72,
I take it that you're not in Saudi now. What kind of "visitor's visa" are you planning on getting. Are you going to go on Umrah or join a government approved tour group? Are you going to be on a "family visit?"
There are, of course, no usual "tourist visas" - besides the ones mentioned above. And, of course, if you go on a "visitor's visa" and find work, you will be doing so illegally.
Now if the employer you find has LOTS of wasta, you MIGHT be able to get your "visitor's visa" changed to a work visa. But please heed our warnings.
The chances are extreme that you will be getting yourself into a world of trouble if you pursue this course of action.
Regards,
John

Mehdi72 · Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Beijing

I will go on a family visit. I can't go on an Umra visa as I would have to leave the country before the end of Ramadan which doesn't give a great deal of time to find work. Your advice is noted.

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 8:36 am Post subject:

Just as I predicted, someone came along with a story of working as a 'teacher' in KSA without a degree. It does not change my argument: There are exceptions to every rule, but the rule still is that without a degree, the Saudi embassy will not issue you with a visa to work as a teacher or lecturer.

Mehdi72 · Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Beijing

I guess I'll have to forget about going to Saudi for a few years until I get a degree.

johnslat · Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 6:56 pm Post subject:

Dear Mehdi72,
That really would be the wise choice. I'm sorry to have poured cold water on your plans, but, believe me, going there WITH a degree will help ensure a MUCH better experience (and keep you legal.)
Regards,
John

12 Monkeys · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 82 Location: paradise lost

Zat iz da kweschun.

Dear Mehdi72,

Please get a degree and while your at it go for your Masters in TESOL. This is the future of esl. As the market floods with esl teachers even my 12 monkeys are finding it hard to find EFL teaching jobs.

Cornelius of the chimpanzee

Mehdi72 · Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Beijing

tatsuo1 · Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Posts: 75

Linguist · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 202

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

Dear Linguist
I've just told my daughter, a Cambridge graduate who recently received her MA (Cantab) six years after her BA, about your post and she is still laughing. May I suggest you check your facts about these ancient and prestigious universities before you make such comments. The only other university that I know of which does similar is Trinity College Dublin. There's plenty of information on the web.
Regards
LOL