Job Discussion Forums

[luvz_teaching]

Hey everyone,
I have spent endless hours reading your invaluable posts. Thanks a alot to those of you who are trying to help us TEFLers out there, especially here in KSA.
To get to my questions:
1. How can I explain my qualifications in my cover letters?
Explanation of question: I am an openminded Arab female who lived out of my Arab country most of my life and studied in an English speaking country. I have a BA as an engineer from my home country. I loved teaching so much and because of my English fluency (native like) I decided to do my post graduate studies in TEFL. I did the post graduate degree through an academy available in my home country which allows me to get the instructors of an American Uni and have the same class hours as if I was actually studying in the States. I attended everything and did all the assignments with a practicum and all (have transcripts to prove it). Ofcourse it all cost me an arm and a leg but I finished it and graduated with honors. So its not online, is it considered distance learning? How do I explain all this?
I also have 7 years TEFL experience but for middle school level not adults or university kids.
Will this hurt me on the resume', what should I say or should I even bother?

2. If I do ever get hired how much should I expect as a salary?

[Sheikh N Bake]

Hi there Mrs. Luvs-to-teach! I have a reputation here, I think, as being a prickly bear, but I'll be gentle, I promise, and you'll respect me in the morning. I don't quite understand why you have a bachelor's in engineering and want/expect to teach EFL at a university in the Gulf. You will need either a BA in English/TESOL/Linguistics + a CELTA, or go on to an MA in TEFL. And usually have three years' full-time experience POST-EFL qualification before you're considered. So regarding your cover letter, you are simply not even remotely qualified to teach at a university/college in the Gulf.

A "BA" in engineering? In US degrees that would be a BS. And of course you need to take the exam to become an actual engineer. What about teaching engineering or engineering technology? Too male-dominated in KSA? You want to switch from engineering to EFL?? Doesn't sound like a choice i would recommend (I wish I were an engineer!) but other than the comment I just made, I'll just say it's your business.

[Mia Xanthi]

Miss Luvz, you have a couple of serious problems facing you, but it is not all bad news. The fact that you do not have your undergrad degree in English, TEFL, or linguistics will stand in your way, even with post-graduate qualifications, because it might make it difficult for you to get a visa. On the other hand (and this is the good news part) if you are on your husband's iqama, this may allow a university to hire you without having to worry about the qualifications for the visa.

The other problem is the fact that you are Arab. Many places will not hire even the most native-speaking expat Arab to teach English. The place where I worked before would even throw out CVs for English jobs just because the applicant had an Arab name, regardless of passport, history, or qualifications.

In the case that you do get hired, you will be offered a lower "local hire" salary and you should not expect to be provided with benefits. I know it's not fair, but with your husband already being employed in the Kingdom, this is just the way things work.

Sorry to sound so discouraging. I wish you a fruitful job search in spite of all the obstacles. Good luck to you!

[luvz_teaching]

Thanks Sheikh for being so gentle. I know for a fact that you have given far more whipping comments, so I guess this is an accomplishment for you.I don't "want to" switch careers now, I already did so 10 years ago! I have been teaching EFL for the past 7 years but not uni level.I can't afford an MA right now.
Mia, thanks for your compassionate reply. I know what you're saying. The discrimination is not fair (regardless of qualifications or ability to teach), but that's life. I was offered a position at KSU last year as a local hire without a contract!!! That's when I discovered this forum. After reading what everyone wrote about KSU, I thought: If this is what happens to people with contracts, what's going to happen to me?!! Of course, I refused the offer and it wasn't as low as you might think given that they don't have to pay me benefits or tickets (my husband's benefits are already great so I don't mind that part)

I am asking: Do I have any shot at a decent place with a legal honored contract plus a good (reasonable) salary or should I just save my losses and stay in my current job (no interview hassles and all).
Sheikh made it crystal clear (in his own polite way ) that I should forget about it.
Other people agree?

[Kipling]

There is always very pertinent advice on these boards and it should be heeded for a happier life, I am absolutely no expert on these matters in the KSA but as my dear old Mum used to say to me

" Kip, if you never ask, the answer is ALWAYS NO"

So if you have the time and can put up with inevitable rejections or silence then I don't see why you shouldn't give it a shot, you might 'luck out' and if not, well you have lost nothing but time.
AK47's perennial and sage advice is worth following too( Choose your Masters well)
Good luck with your search and let us know how you do.
We'll be on the look out to see if you luck out.

Mr K

[luvz_teaching]

Mr. K ,
Your mother sounds like a very wise woman.
I will let you know. You will probably know anyway because I am not done asking questions, this is just the beginning
Thanks 4 ur support.
Ms. Luvz-to-teach

[Cleopatra]

[luvz_teaching]

Ms. Cleo, thanks for your feedback. '
It's definitely reassuring to know that the Arab aspect is not an issue but we still have the MA issue to deal with. Please check my other post about MA in KSA and help out if you can.
To answer your questions:
* I am residing in Riyadh.
*My husband's benefits are wonderful, so I am not worried about accomodation, medical, or other benefits.
* I have one child (special needs, 2yrs old), and I have no idea what day care at any uni is like or if they accomodate special needs children. If you have any info on the topic, please enlighten me.

In a previous post you said something about PSU being one of the honest universities out there. You also said their salary range is low. How much do they offer without benefits (just a range).
I understand that universotoes that offer good salaries range btw 16-20K
medium salaries like KSU btw 10-14K
Is PSU lower than that?

Thanks again, really appreciate your contribution in all other posts as well.

[Cleopatra]

[scot47]

10,000 SR is very unlikely in your position. I would say 6,000 is more likely. Special Needs Education will be a problem for you and your child. Your husband may be entitled to an education allowance but probably not until the child is in Grade 1.

You will have to pay full fees but finding a place in Special Education for a two-year-old will be VERY difficult.

[luvz_teaching]

OK, something doesn't make sense to me.
I currently get a considerable amount more than 6K and I am working in a big Saudi school. How can I get less when I work at a University??

I was also offered more than 10K as a local hire at a university last year, but this was without benefits. I refused the offer because there was no contract and you guys posted so many negative things about the university in question I got scared.

Thanks Ms. Cleo I knew I would have something arranged for my son but I was asking in case there was another alternative out there.

Can anyone shed more light on this or is this post dead!

[Cleopatra]

[luvz_teaching]

Well, now that you've mentioned it. I am a bit impatient and I shouldn't be. It's just that I have to take a huge decision regarding my son's special needs school next year. There is a big waiting list especially that I am not a Saudi, plus it's immensly expensive and no matter what a great job anyone might have no job covers kids below 4yrs.
I just need to make my decision if I continuing in my current job and keeping my son with me, or am I putting him in a special needs school and moving on to greener pastures (which I am seriously doubting are even there!)

[scot47]

I wish you well but think you have to be realistic about what is possible. And realistic about the availability of Special Ed places and the prohibitive cost.

[luvz_teaching]

Well Scot47,
I am starting to get the picture. Yes, I am. Unfortunately, it's not a pretty one