Job Discussion Forums

[Valaki]

Hi guys, yet another what are my chances thread, sorry.

I have:

*MA English,

*CELTA,

*maybe about a years' experience

*non-UK EU passport - I am a white European male in my late 20s

*no accent

What are my chances of landing one of the better Saudi jobs? I would really appreciate your insight.

Thanks

[cmp45]

On the plus side, your credentials 'appear' to be okay, on the negative side...your age and limited experience.

Depending on where you apply, any job you manage to get would probably start at/ near the bottom of the pay scale. 6-10,000 SAR a month?...if you are lucky? This is only my guestimate...others are free to chime in with their expert advice...

You are a European, but do not have a UK- EU passport... this shouldn't be a problem as long as your English is fluent.

[Valaki]

Thanks,

I recently got an offer in that salary range, but it comes with a business visa and shared accommodation.

I was thinking I might wait for something a little more appealing and worth all the hassle of relocating to and living in Saudi.

Regarding my credentials, my MA is not from the UK but is accepted by the almighty 'UK NARIC', and the CELTA is well..... a CELTA.

[cmp45]

[Cleopatra]

Agree with CMP.

The warnings issued by the 'oldies' (and often blightely disregarded by the 'newbies') on the subject of business visas have turned out to be quite accurate. As for shared accommodation: avoid at all costs. It mgiht be fine if you get on with your flat mate and if you're the type of person who's happy to share. But given that you have no idea who you would be sharing with, and that Saudi Arabia is a claustrophobic environment at the best of times, sharing is a no-no.

Also agree that now is a bit late to look for offers this autumn, espcially as it's now already Ramadhan. That said, even the better places can find themselves short a few teachers in September. Realistically, however, you'd be better off aiming for Jan-Feb 2011 rather than this semester.

[veiledsentiments]

I'd suggest that you get a few year's experience elsewhere... and then reconsider Saudi or the Gulf. Asia? South America? Europe (since you have an EU passport)

VS

[Valaki]

Thanks for the valuable input guys, appreciate it.

@veiledsentiments:

You know, this may sound strange from a 20 something guy, but I just wanna settle down somewhere and live a stable, financially secure life.

As I understand it, that's currently only possible in the Gulf for TEFLers- correct me if I'm wrong. (I'm not too keen on Asia at the moment)

I would love to live in Europe though! If you have any leads on how that can be achieved, can't wait to hear them. But just reading this forum makes this seem highly unlikely.

What country did you have in mind VS? France, Germany or maybe the UK?

[veiledsentiments]

[Valaki]