|
Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
mimi_intheworld
Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 167
Location: UAE
|
 Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 3:26 am Post subject: |
 |
|
| Indonesia! That's what I was thinking of! The only island country that kept coming to mind was the Philippines, and I knew that wasn't the right one. Thanks, ttompatz |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
|
| Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 10:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
[quote="vva"]
| mimi_intheworld wrote: |
| I honestly do not know if I want to get into EFL for life. My academic-to-career pathway is supposed to lead to teaching high school English classes in the US. However, rather than completing 4yrs of education and going straight into 2 more yrs of education for grad school, I wanted to take a little breather and do something different, without straying too far from my career goal. |
I got that clearly the first time around. What I didn't get was your "ugh!" remark about getting a master's. Was that disparaging remark only because you didn't want to invest the time and money to get a degree to get your door into Saudi, or because you didn't like the idea of the money/time overall, even for a teacher's license?
(I see you wrote: " "not cool" refers to my not being able to do anything overseas until I do get my certs and all", so that answers that, and to such an opinion of being a professional teacher, at home or abroad, I can only say this: If you need an MA for Saudi, then either suck it up and get one, or choose another country where it isn't needed. There are 200 countries on this planet.
Many people roam the world in TEFL. I don't, but that's me. Those who roam can probably offer more advice than I can, but I'll tell you this. You meet the requirements and don't complain about it, or you don't get into the work, even for only short-term.
I was a bit surprised to see you write that you want to take home your overseas experiences mostly to be considered "the cool teacher" when you return to your homeland. Personally, I don't see that as being a productive or professional goal. Learn overseas, don't just see TEFL as a means to make you look like the Fonz. Your own personality, charm, and teaching style will be the "cool" that students should acknowledge, coupled to your exotic stories, IMO.
| Quote: |
| It seems like the perfect opportunity to explore EFL, moreso for the purpose of traveling to a Muslim country and improving my Arabic conversational abilities than to teach, but the teaching part will obviously help me stay on track.... |
I should hope it would keep you on track! You seem to see TEFL as a very self-serving thing, not something that will help you professionally back home. I hope you don't think that the Saudi students are so different that you can't use their classroom experiences when you return.
Last edited by Glenski on Mon Oct 25, 2010 1:17 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sojourner
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 738
Location: nice, friendly, easy-going (ALL) Peoples' Republic of China
|
| Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 11:23 am Post subject: |
|
|
Vva,
Both Mimi and TTompatz have emphasised the fact that the Muslim world is more than just the M.E./Gulf region !
Mimi recommended Malaysia - I second that recommendation ! Fascinating place, with a "progressive" variant of Islam within the context of a multicultural/multi -faith society.
If you are unable to land a job in the M.E. ,you might want to consider China. In spite of more EFL hopefuls flocking here, thanks to the GFC, it is still possible to land a decent job in China - even within the uni sector ! At least in some of the more out-of-the-way areas, it might even be possible to land a uni job with just a BA degree ! In particular, you might want to investigate the job situation within that province in China's NW where the majority of people are Muslims (can't think of the name offhand).
Although it might be possible to get a reasonable teaching position in China with just a BA degree, be aware that a Master's degree, as well as a teaching certificate/diploma ,will be essential for your teaching career when you eventually return to the "developed" world. Possibly, you might want to commence your MA studies, via a reputable online/distance education programme, whilst doing EFL teaching in China (or wherever). Ideally, you should have completed those advanced studies (even) prior to taking on the EFL challenge; but, if you're keen to embark on such an adventure ASAP, then go right ahead - you'll probably get something with your BA. But even in countries like China, the best uni jobs will go to holders of MA (or higher) degrees.
Good luck !
Peter |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Paul D.
Joined: 19 Aug 2010
Posts: 55
|
| Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 12:52 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Perhaps Peter/Sojourner is thinking about Qinghai or Xinjiang?
Xi'an in Shaanxi has a lot of Muslims too. Xi'an even has a "Muslim Quarter" tourist spot. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
vva
Joined: 19 Sep 2010
Posts: 42
Location: NY, USA
|
| Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 5:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| sojourner wrote: |
Vva,
Both Mimi and TTompatz have emphasised the fact that the Muslim world is more than just the M.E./Gulf region !
Mimi recommended Malaysia - I second that recommendation ! Fascinating place, with a "progressive" variant of Islam within the context of a multicultural/multi -faith society.
Peter |
Yes, I'm quite aware of that, but I've got lots of reasons that eventually simmer down to the KSA or UAE being the most ideal places to visit just after graduating and just before getting back into academic life. One strong reason particularly is that I've got family around the area, so it won't be as scary of a trip for a first timer going alone. I've ALWAYS had Malaysia on my list of places to visit when I've got the funds and family to take with, but given where I'm currently at in my life, I'm pretty sold on KSA+UAE or nothing.
Regardless, I'm really grateful for all the constructive feedback I've been receiving! I'll give March-May my all in terms of applying, but if nothing comes up, the disappointment won't be as severe as this forum's def. given me a reality check!
(btw, my besty's grandmom is a Chinese Muslim! I wonder if she's from Xi'an...) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
|
| Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 3:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I'd say you're native if you great up speaking English. Where were you born and why did you wait so long to get citizenship? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
|
| Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 4:55 am Post subject: |
|
|
| naturegirl321 wrote: |
| if you great up speaking English. |
??? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
|
| Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 5:06 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Glenski wrote: |
| naturegirl321 wrote: |
| if you great up speaking English. |
??? |
 I have got to stop trying to have conversations with co-workers and type at the same time. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Contact Dave's ESL Cafe
Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
