Job Discussion Forums

DELB1 · Joined: 06 Mar 2011 Posts: 3

Hi Everyone,
I am a recent college graduate from the US, I'm 23 years old, and would like to go to an Arabic speaking country to teach ESL. I am not certified, but I am planning on getting a certification. I would like to do an online course, but I understand that an online certification may not be very helpful in this region. I have begun volunteering as a teacher's assistant in an ESL class. By the time I apply for jobs, I will be certified and have 6 months experience in an ESL classroom.
I wish that money was not an issue, but unfortunately it is. I need to make enough money to survive, plus an extra $350/month to cover some bills back home.
Based on this information, what would be the best country for me to consider? I would like to go to Egypt because I have family there, but from the information I've gathered on this forum, it seems like Egypt pays new teachers barely enough to survive.
Any information or advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

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

You hear correct. Online certs are not accepted in the Middle East. The whole point of a cert is to have had supervised classroom teaching... something impossible with an online cert. Thus, I would waste no time or money getting one.

If you are truly interested in teaching in the Middle East, get the CELTA. With what you have now, being able to support yourself and pay bills back home is pretty much impossible.

VS

sheikh yer money-maker · Joined: 23 Aug 2010 Posts: 79 Location: Saudi Arabia

Computerized
English
Language
Teaching
Accreditation ?

Isn't that an "online" cert? Maybe the OP should go for the

Decredited
English
Language
Teaching
Appellation

instead.

Cool

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

You're doing it again!! Confusing the newbies!! Cool

VS

sheikh yer money-maker · Joined: 23 Aug 2010 Posts: 79 Location: Saudi Arabia

DELB1 · Joined: 06 Mar 2011 Posts: 3

So, will the CELTA put me into a better spot as far as salary goes? What country in the region would I have a good chance to get hired in. It seems like many of the posts on the job board for ME countries are way beyond my qualification.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

DElB1 - it's true that decent ME jobs usually require related MA and at least two years of teaching experience, preferably with Middle Eastern students.

A CELTA would make you more employable in the region, but you'd still be eligible for just the minimum in terms of most jobs - it's a newbie level certification, after all.

To achieve your aims of making enough to pay back debt, you would need more quals and experience - this might be do-able in a few years.

Meanwhile, the easier option is probably Korea. You might be able to achieve your financial goals teaching there, though I realise culturally it's not as good a fit for you.

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

AlitasAir · Joined: 22 May 2011 Posts: 2 Location: out and about

I've got eleven years teaching languages, and a MsEd....

just applied with Teach Away.

Chances?

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

Only if you are a certified/licensed (from your home country) primary or secondary teacher. At what level is your teaching experience?

VS

AlitasAir · Joined: 22 May 2011 Posts: 2 Location: out and about

VeiledSentiments,
I pm'ed you a few years back. Tried to log in to touch base but had to re-register (I just added "Air" to my original username). I have taught k-12, and for the past 4 years only 9-12, as my professional license is a k-12 cert with my state. I am "Highly Qualified" (Thanks, NCLB) as a Spanish teacher. My Masters is in technology and literacy.

When we talked, I was looking at going for my master's in Egypt and fulfilling a dream of learning Arabic.

I've finally earned that Master's degree. TeachAway told me I was qualified for private schools but not public.

We'll see!

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

Welcome back!! Now you just have to break into that first job... the next big hurdle. After that, it becomes easier.

I'm wondering why Teachaway said that you weren't qualified for public schools... perhaps because your license is for Spanish? So... your MA isn't in TEFL/TESL? Are you interested in university level? You might look at HCT or ZU. Your credentials are out of the norm, but you might give them a try.

VS

Badar Bin Bada Boom · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:51 am Post subject:

Or the American Univ of Sharjah? Maybe they'll be less persnickety about what specific master's you have as long as it's in the field of linguistics and / or language teaching?