Job Discussion Forums

jkazz7 · Joined: 03 Feb 2006 Posts: 16 Location: Saudi Arabia

Hello All,

I'm strongly considering going to the Middle East to work at the university level after attaining my Master's in TEFL next year.

However, all of my teaching experience (5 years) has been at the primary level.

Is there much of an advantage for me to teach for a couple years at the tertiary level (in addition to the Master's) prior to looking for a job in Middle East (UAE specifically)?

I see a number of ads that require tertiary teaching experience, but would like an "insiders" view as well...

Thx !

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

I taught at the postsecondary level in the UAE for nine years. I don't think any colleges/universities there accept primary school-teaching as relevant experience. They want three years minimum college-level teaching. At HCT, secondary teaching exp. did count, at least for intensive English programs, Foundations, Certificate and Diploma.

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

SnB is right. I suggest that while you are finishing your MA, try to pick up some part-time teaching at a local college or adult education. The top tier employers look for three years experience, so that first job after the MA is usually a tough one to find and you may not get top money, benefits, and conditions from the start.

VS

jkazz7 · Joined: 03 Feb 2006 Posts: 16 Location: Saudi Arabia

Thanks for the quick feedback.

Sounds like I better plan to add in the tertiary teaching...

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

The OP might check out the BEd prog. at HCT. You never know...I've known people to get into HCT w/ primary experience, but it was usually because they were teaching something like ICT or working in Ed. Technology.