Job Discussion Forums

CrownMe · Joined: 09 Aug 2010 Posts: 6

Hey,

I posted this in the newbie forum and received little feedback. I was advised to post it here and see if I can get some additional help from people that are more experienced with the region. Please see below for my original post.

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Hey guys,

I've been interested in teaching abroad (particularly the Middle East) for about a year now. I was looking for some advice and any comments would be greatly appreciated. I'll start off by introducing myself to help you, help me.

I'm a 23 year old single male Canadian citizen, that was born in Saudi Arabia (my parents are not of Saudi background). I've lived in Canada pretty much all my life, but I feel I have a decent understanding of middle eastern culture. English is my first language, and I can also speak Urdu. I also just started learning a bit of Arabic using Rosetta Stone.

Recently I completed a B.Comm in HR Management, but I do not have a CELTA or TEFL or anything of the sort yet.

...hopefully that gives a slight understanding of my background...Now on to some of my questions..

1) from my understanding, most schools in the Middle East require teaching experience... Is that an absolute must or can I still work there without experience given that I should be willing to accept a lower salary till I build experience?

2) What course/accreditation would you suggest (CELTA,TOEFL, TESL, etc.) to someone that is open to teach either children or adults, doesn't matter?

3) If getting a job in the Middle East is even possible without teaching experience.. what kind of salary/benefits should I expect?

.. that should be all for now.. Any other comments, opinions, advice, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

You have no EFL credentials whatsoever.

You have no teaching experience in anything.

You do not qualify for any EFL job - including with most of the bottom feeder employees.

AT MINIMUM you need some sort of certificate CELTA being the most recognized - still won't get you a decent job - but a bottom feeder might take you on until you get used up and spat out. You will have no legal standing (having been brought up in Saudi, you are probably aware you NEED sponsorship in order to work legally, bottom feeders won't give you that). Your pay will be the bottom of the ladder and no benefits (housing, tickets, medical, etc.) and you will struggle in the GCC to survive.

Better to start getting better credentials (starting with the CELTA), working someplace other than the GCC ($$ not so good, but cost of living usually much lower) and then considering moving on to a Master's in a related EFL discipline (i.e. applied linguistics) if you decide you want to continue.

Do a search on these forums - people with your lack of credentials come every few weeks with the same questions. The answers are always the same.