Job Discussion Forums

[matador]

Is it true that any hint of online study modules on your BA / MA course will prevent you from working in the KSA?

I was just wondering why this study mode was so alien to the bureaucracy there. A lot of recognized universities do this: Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, etc.

This is one I am applying for:

http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/courses/list/06954/ma-digital-technologies-communication-and-education/course-details/#course-profile

Your work is graded to the same standard whether you are on or off campus.

Seems rather odd for the KSA to have a benchmark based on 1970s learning styles not those of 2017.

Head in the sand?

[Motorcycleman]

Most of the MA certificates don't show it was distance learning, so it may not matter.

[nomad soul]

That program has more than a "hint" of online credits if you choose to do it part time. Regardless, it's been the Saudi government's policy for more than three years and isn't likely to change any time soon. They maintain that online/distance learning doesn't offer the level of academic rigor as on-campus learning, even if the program requirements and instructional objectives are the same. Degrees with online course credits are not recognized by other GCC countries as well. The mode of study gets confirmed with your university registrar. (The Saudi cultural missions/bureaus don't simply go by what's printed on the diploma when authenticating/attesting degrees for the work visa.) Anyway, it's their rule.

That MA Digital Technologies, Communication and Education looks like a solid program. (I have a Master of Ed Technology and took similar courses.) If you can do it full time on campus, then you're good to go for the ME and for future non-TESOL jobs if/when you return home.

[sammysez]

Online degrees and programs are clearly not ACCEPTED in KSA.


And as far as an ESL degree, seriously consider what you are getting into. As much as I enjoy ESL, an ESL degree in the USA will usually get you a low paying part-time job, no benefits, no holiday pay, no overtime, basically 20 hours maximum, with no pay for outside work, paperwork, recertification etc..

You might get a job in the public schools, this might be the best full-time job in the USA you can get with an ESL degree.

If you want to make money or enjoy traveling, plan on going overseas, and even with that, salaries have dropped considerably in the last decade. The only thing is once you get tired of living overseas and return home at 40 or 50 years, you have no Social Security, but hopefully your student loans are paid and some type of nestegg.

[scot47]

Saudi Arabia makes the rules. They are in charge ! I really find it strange that this is resented so much by some teachers.

[sicklyman]

[scot47]

"The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong," as we read in Scripture.

[matador]

There are a lot of solid courses out there with online components. If bureaucrats in the KSA don't accept them... they're losing out on some good people.

http://www.education.ox.ac.uk/courses/msc-telus/

At a slight tangent:

In general, how would you rate the teaching in the KSA?

1=a 1970s top down timewarp... 10=an innovative, interactive 2017 approach.

[santi84]

There are enough applicants with brick & mortar degrees and they don't need to bend the rules according to those who argue online is just as good. Not everywhere in the world has adopted this belief and that's their prerogative. I wouldn't agree this is a time warp, after all, even 10 years ago people had reservations about online/distance education.

You'll go nuts in the Middle East trying to impose a western perspective on things. The acceptance of online distance education is just the tip of the iceberg, you'll encounter much worse than that.

[currentaffairs]

To be honest, I think any degree or course related to education should be studied face-to-face in my book. I find it hard to imagine how you can gain all the requisite skills and knowledge solely through distance learning. I know a lot of providers now tend to mix in some residential modules which makes sense.

[nomad soul]

[plumpy nut]

[plumpy nut]

[nomad soul]

[MuscatGary]