Job Discussion Forums

[Zajko]

MA v DELTA depends where in the world you're working and what exactly you're doing. In the Gulf, an MA in TESOL or similar is definitely preferable. Of course this is considerably more expensive and time-consuming than the DELTA.

The 'better' jobs in Saudi - University positions or working for one of the major oil companies, as opposed to teaching for a language school or an agency - will give you shorter hours, more holidays, normally better housing, conditions, prospects etc etc. Maybe (though not always) better motivated students and smaller classes too.

As Scot said - you might find it easier to get a year or so's teaching experience elsewhere first. But there's nothing to stop you taking your first teaching job in the Kingdom: I only had a few months teaching experience under my belt when I first worked there quite a few years ago, and whilst my salary was initially on the low side for Saudi (about 9500 SAR at first, as I recall, working for a language school) it wasn't a bad experience overall. I certainly learnt a lot, culturally as well as academically. Considering you already have some knowledge of the country, have family there and are (presumably) a Muslim, you'd probably find it easier than those of us who don't start out there with those local advantages.

[scot47]

Those of Arab origin may have an easier time of it than those from Asia.

[veiledsentiments]

Can I interject a whole new idea for Mr Omar. If I were you, before jumping into the minefield of EFL in Saudi Arabia, I would think again about the field that you just spent years studying and have a degree in... accounting. It is not an exciting or romantic field - as someone whose first career was in that field - but there is always work and you are able to work yourself up to a much higher level financially and professionally.

TEFL is in many ways a very limited career path, many teachers end up just surviving... and you will hear them complaining about the classroom slog, but they have no other training to change career.

You might look at the idea of adding a business education credential. I can tell you that teaching accounting is much more rewarding than teaching English. That is because while the students seem to never get subject/verb agreement... you can just see them suddenly realize the difference between a debit and a credit. I would go out and work a year or two in accounting before getting into teaching it though... coursework really isn't much like what is done in the real world and it would make you a better teacher.

Just a thought...

VS

[Sheikh N Bake]

[veiledsentiments]

It is the whole key to accounting... and it can take the whole first semester before the little light bulb over their head blinks.

And then you can start on getting them to understand why you "depreciate" even the assets that are appreciating in value.

Fun stuff!!

VS

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[Sheikh N Bake]

Now now, let's discuss this over breakfast like civilized gluttons. Breakfast?! Mmmmmmmmm....donuts....arghrrrgh arrghrrgh argghhhrr glug