Job Discussion Forums

canadianjesse · Joined: 03 Dec 2009 Posts: 5

Hi,

I have been searching and reading for some time, and have found the information I sought, but still have one last question.

My wife and I have been considering UAE (among other locales) for the last few months and UAE is in the lead. Before we set our sights on the place, we want to be sure we're not missing anything.

My questions is regarding qualifications for university esl dept. work (we're looking at abu dhabi). I know that the typical requirement is either an MA in linguistics or TESL/TEFL, or a BA and a CELTA (don't even get me started on the CELTA vs. TEFL cert. debate). In our nine or so years , five country teaching stint, we've learned that "required" actually means "would be great if you had this but we'll take the next best thing in a pinch.

Is this true of the UAE, as well?

I'm an MA in Lit and Writing, with two TEFL certs (long story) and my wife is an MA in Ed. and a certified teacher (two TEFL certs, as well -same long story). Both of us have mostly language school experience, but each has a bit of uni experience, too.

Every other culture we've taught in takes an MA when they say PhD required, a BA when they say MA required, and your younger brother fresh out of high school when they say a BA required (Yes, I'm looking at you, specific school chain in Korea). We're hoping this is the case in the UAE.

Any insights or advice would be welcome.

-If you would rather not get the hopes up of those youngins, fresh out of university, with their shiny new degree in pottery and a one-weekend TESL-ish certificate, by stating out loud "yes, there is some leeway with regards to required qualifications," then a PM would be equally welcome.

Cheers,
Jesse

Ka-CHING! · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 102

Depends. UGRU requires a relevant Master's. You might have a shot with HCT.

Of course, there are other places that would take you in a heartbeat but chances are, they aren't places you'd like.

BrownSauce · Joined: 31 Dec 2008 Posts: 87 Location: Fantasy Island

CJ, my advice to you is JUST TRY IT! Things in the UAE can depend on which way the wind is blowing, and which Sheikh's words are the flavor of the month. I know of colleagues with just a BA and a TEFL certificate who have been taken on, whereas those with two MAs and oodles of experience don't even get a sniff.

If you apply to as many colleges and institutes as possible, you'll get a bite or three. Just be sure to make the most of your post-high school (= university) teaching experience on your resume, and highlight the spectacular things you did there (as I'm sure you did!).

Moreover, as you're a teaching couple, you're bound to warrant a more positive response than mere singles. So go for it and make the most of yourselves!!

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

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

And what salary range were you and your wife hoping/expecting to attain?

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

I'd say that a teaching couple - both with MAs (close, but not quite in EFL) and 9 years of teaching experience, overseas experience, and a bit of university experience - should definitely bring some offers.

HCT is the first place that comes to mind, but as adorabilly says, you don't get to choose the city.

Another good option, especially if you are American - and with your MA in writing - is the Writing program at the American University in Sharjah. The benefits package is great there and your wife would surely have no problem picking up a position at the nearby places like HCT or UoS or maybe even in AUS.

Attending TESOLArabia is also a great idea (or TESOL in Boston if you are in the US right now)

VS

canadianjesse · Joined: 03 Dec 2009 Posts: 5

Hi all,

Thank you for the feedback. I have one follow up question, and that is regarding HCT. The comment has been made that if we applied to and were accepted by HCT that we would not be able to choose our location? I had assumed that we would apply to postings for Abu Dhabi, and that is where we would go. Am I mistaken?

Cheers,
Jesse

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

It depends - if there is only one college looking for say an IT instructor, then that's where you would probably end up. However, if more than one college is looking to fill the same position, then you don't get a say.

Even if only one college is named, you may still end up somewhere else. Or, if you've been told you're going to x college, you may be told a week before coming that now you're going to y college. It doesn't happen often but it does happen.