Job Discussion Forums

thailandreb · Joined: 08 Aug 2011 Posts: 36 Location: Istanbul, Turkey

Hi, all....

I am aware that most jobs in the UAE require a teaching certificate from your home country. I possess a bachelor's degree in History, and am halfway through a Master's in Elementary Education (with ESL endorsement). I have just earned a type-23 ALTERNATE teacher's certificate from the state of Illinois... it is basically the same thing as the type 3 full certificate, but it is contingent on you having a job and staying in school to earn your full certificate. I also have a state of Illinois substitute teacher's certificate and have been a sub for the last 2 school years.

I have decided not to finish school as I don't have the untold tens of thousands of dollars to finish, and to put it very kindly, the job situation here in the USA is in the crapper big time. Since I have been eligible to apply for a full time teaching job here, I have filled out nearly 1,000 applications in over 120 districts throughout the state, and have been called for exactly one single interview!! I want to go abroad to teach, but not sure if my alternate/sub certificates (and no Master's) would be enough.

I do have a TEFL and TESOL certificate, have taught in Korea for a year and Thailand for a year, and also have volunteer teaching experience in Indonesia (Muslim country, does that help?), Guatemala, and Thailand.

If not qualified for UAE, do you think it would be difficult for me to find work in Saudi Arabia or other regions in the Middle East? I am open to go pretty much anywhere as long as it's a decent paying job. Any responses would be much appreciated, I would love to get out of the USA ASAP!!

Badar Bin Bada Boom · Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 1:04 am Post subject:

Looks like you wouldn't get anything in the Gulf Middle East worthwhile. What is not worthwhile is the language-school sector such as Berlitz unless you are starving.

I'd suggest Japan. You can sign on for nationally organized elementary and secondary school assignments for teaching English even (I think) if your BA is in something else.

thailandreb · Joined: 08 Aug 2011 Posts: 36 Location: Istanbul, Turkey

I have looked into Japan but it seems to me South Korea jobs pay more overall (when you consider they provide airfare and free housing, which most Japanese employers do not). If I am unable to find a job in the Middle East, I will look at Korea, Japan, and China and take the highest offer I can find, but would much prefer the Middle East at this point. Seems like the most you can hope to make in Korea these days is about 2,500 a month, china is more like 1,500 a month, Japan is around 2,500 but you have to pay for much more expenses there. I'd much rather have a 3,000 a month-plus job in the Middle East, if at all possible!

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

I doubt that you are eligible for any $3000 a month jobs in the Gulf (certainly not in the UAE)... with the exception of perhaps some of the more abusive employers in Saudi.

VS

thailandreb · Joined: 08 Aug 2011 Posts: 36 Location: Istanbul, Turkey

I guess the main part of my question, regarding UAE, is that if anyone thinks my alternate teacher's certificate (type 23, State of Illinois), which is basically the same thing as the regular one regarding jobs in THIS state, would work as a valid qualification when looking for a job over there. I doubt my lowly sub certificate would do it, but I imagine it would help a bit in showing that I went through all the BS to get sub certified and a type 23. I have received an email from a UAE employer wanting to know more info, and on their form they simply ask if you have "teaching certification" in your country. Well, I do. So that is the major part of my original question.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

I don't know about the different levels of certification of your state but the international schools here (that one would want to work at) demand and get fully certified teachers with experience (which you seem to have). You probably won't be considered by anyone but those offering the US Curriculum.

Should you apply? Sure. But don't be surprised if you get offered a place at an "international" school that is owned, operated, and staffed by Asians who are not paid nor treated as well as Western operated institutions.

They also prefer to hire trailing spouses so that they don't offer benefits or documentation to be in the country and working legally - it's cheaper if the employee is married to someone else who can sponsor them and provide the benefitis.