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soheeb16
Joined: 17 Jun 2013
Posts: 57
Location: New York, NY
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 Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 1:25 am Post subject: Breaking Business |
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Hey everyone, I have a question:
Is Business English in demand in Saudi? Can one break into the field of Business English, either on the side or possibly full time, from a University ESL position? Also, what kind of qualifications are needed/recommended?
(I myself would be trying to get into Business English with a CELTA, and a Business BA. I have an ESL MA i'm starting, and am looking into Business English certificates) |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 3:55 am Post subject: |
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I'd guess there isn't much of a need for native speakers to teach ESP domains like business English. However, in terms of this particular domain, the Institute of Banking (IOB) comes to mind. You'd probably need a business background and knowledge and possibly experience teaching ESP. There's also the College of Business Administration (CBA), which I believe has an English Language Academy. Then there's Berlitz, but even if they offer biz English, it's not a company you'd want to list on your CV if you plan to move ahead in TEFL.
Anyway, I'm in no way stating these institutes have biz English courses nor am I endorsing them as employers---I just don't know enough about them (except for Berlitz). As for getting a biz English certificate, it may or may not be worth the extra cost. |
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soheeb16
Joined: 17 Jun 2013
Posts: 57
Location: New York, NY
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 4:28 am Post subject: |
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Yes, I spoke to someone who works with recruiters and he said that there's things out there, but you would have to learn Arabic first. The "English only" model doesn't seem to be the model for businesses. I already planned on learning Arabic as well I could; this just adds another reason to learn it.
As for the certificate, my impression is that its better than no certificate, especially if it only takes a month a few hundred dollars. It may get you through the door for that experience you'd need to keep moving forward. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 4:58 am Post subject: |
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| soheeb16 wrote: |
| The "English only" model doesn't seem to be the model for businesses. I already planned on learning Arabic as well I could; this just adds another reason to learn it. |
I assume this is your 10-year plan.  |
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soheeb16
Joined: 17 Jun 2013
Posts: 57
Location: New York, NY
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 5:58 am Post subject: |
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| Haha yeah, well, I should have noted that I've been studying Arabic for a few years now. So maybe more of a 3-4 year plan. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 6:36 am Post subject: |
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| soheeb16 wrote: |
| Yes, I spoke to someone who works with recruiters and he said that there's things out there, but you would have to learn Arabic first. |
I've taught business English at a college in another Mid East country; the courses focused on grammar, business vocab, writing, speaking/presentations, critical thinking, etc., within diverse business contexts and were part of a wider English language program. Therefore, English was the language of instruction and learning---these were ESP courses. Plus, the students were degreed, working professionals with many years of experience in their specific fields. However, the teaching situation you describe sounds more like teaching basic business skills but in Arabic. Is that what you expect to do? If not, then be wary of something someone heard from someone who recruits for some company regarding the "things out there"...
| and wrote: |
| I should have noted that I've been studying Arabic for a few years now. So maybe more of a 3-4 year plan. |
Okay, but also be aware it's very easy and more cost effective for employers to hire qualified Egyptians, Jordanians, Tunisians, and other bilingual native Arabic speakers for these types of positions. |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 8:56 am Post subject: |
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| Most ELT in KSA is at Elemenary, Beginner and Low Intermediate level. English for Special Purposes is not common. Why bother when you can hire a Pakistani or Filipino Secretary at 3000 SR a month ? |
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soheeb16
Joined: 17 Jun 2013
Posts: 57
Location: New York, NY
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| Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 3:49 am Post subject: |
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I didn't have anything specific in mind. I was actually asking just know if there was something worth looking into. I don't know if a business BA and a business English certificate would get me passed the "basic business skills" barrier. I was hoping there would at least be a niche market.
Nomad soul, if you don't mind me asking, what were the required qualifications for the Biz English job you mentioned, and was it financially worth doing? Oh, and may I ask which country?
Thanks |
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2buckets
Joined: 14 Dec 2010
Posts: 515
Location: Middle East
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| Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 4:42 am Post subject: |
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Get an MBA and your prospects will be much improved.
The dreaded HCT in the UAE often recruits MBAs to teach business in the English language. Since they recently did not renew most of their business teachers who had completed three 3 year contracts, there is probably a need for them. Content teachers are treated better than the lowly "dime a dozen" ESL teachers. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 5:24 am Post subject: |
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| soheeb16 wrote: |
| Nomad soul, if you don't mind me asking, what were the required qualifications for the Biz English job you mentioned, and was it financially worth doing? |
Prior to changing careers to teaching, I worked in both government and corporate. Plus, my first MA focuses on employee relations and alternative dispute resolution. Anyway, I initially taught intensive English---the ESP classes were an add-on. |
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soheeb16
Joined: 17 Jun 2013
Posts: 57
Location: New York, NY
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| Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 6:00 pm Post subject: |
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| Well I have a BBA and I don't think I will go back to undergrad to just get the MBA. I'd rather finish my ESL MA. |
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