Job Discussion Forums

ludhilltoysoldier · Joined: 01 Feb 2009 Posts: 31 Location: UAE

Hi, I have been teaching EFL/ESL for 9 years. Until November 2007 I worked in language academies and for the last year and a half I've been teaching first grade primary in a bilingual international school. All of this in Spain. I did the Trinity College Cert in TESOL in 2000 and since then have completed an advanced dip in applied linguistics and a master of arts in education applied linguistics by distance with the Open University (Milton Keynes). I am currently applying for jobs in the Middle East but, as yet, have received no positive responses. Can anyone tell me whether, with this experience and these qualifications I have a chance of finding employment, or am I wasting my time? Any advice would be appreciated!

adorabilly · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Ras Al Khaimah

Hey Ludhill.

With your experience and your degrees you should easily be able to find work at a tertiary institution in the ME.

It all depends on where you want to go.

Some places do not line online degrees, and some are fine with them.

I would suggest attending Tesol Arabia in March in Dubai and going to their job fair because there will be hundreds of schools all in one place for all over the ME.

The biggest issue you may run into is that with the economic situation right now, there may be a huge influx of teachers looking for positions. But other than that, come to Dubai, hit up the job fair and you should have several job offers by May.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

You shouldn't have any trouble finding a job. Anything we don't know about?

ludhilltoysoldier · Joined: 01 Feb 2009 Posts: 31 Location: UAE

Thanks for that. I will continue to send off applications. I guess I have to be patient and remember that there are always hundreds of applicants for any one job! I'd love to go to the job fair but it's impossible. And....no, I have no dark secrets! Thanks again!

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

What kinds of TEFL jobs are you applying for? Perhaps you haven't heard back because your experience isn't similar to the jobs applied for?

You may want to work on your CV and cover letter.

VS

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

The hiring process in the ME is a 'process' requiring great patience. One of the advantages of going through a recruiter is that a good one can respond to you in a timely fashion. The trick is to find the recruiter you think is 'good'. There are many jobs available in Oman!

moonapali · Joined: 12 Nov 2005 Posts: 8

Good luck, Ludhill. I am in a similar position. Thanks for the thread. Very Happy