Job Discussion Forums

[nativeiowan]

Right now, my boyfriend and I are just researching possibilities. Currently I have a BA in English from University of Iowa, and an MA in Public Policy from New England College, no CELTA yet, I understand that to work in Middle East you should NOT do the online CELTA, so most likely I plan to go and take the CELTA course in Minneapolis, MN through a Cambridge center. Is this a good path to take?

Also I will be with my boyfriend (who is a native Moroccan, but has lived in the US and is a US Citizen almost 10 years now) and I know the Mideast frowns upon un-married couples teaching, we plan on probably starting in Asia, which I understand is the typical route. My questions are is the information I discussed earlier accurate, and where should couples start first, Asia? With a BA in English, MA in Public Policy and a CELTA, what jobs would I qualify for?

Thanks, this is my first post so I am glad the information is available.

[fluffyhamster]

I'm not sure a CELTA (which is usually on-site, has any possible online version quite taken off yet?) will be sufficient for the ME. That is, from what I understand, the usual ME requirement is that any (mostly ELT-related) MA shouldn't have been taken online. But you'd perhaps be best posting on the general ME forum about all this.

You'll be eligible for entry-level jobs in Asia with the CELTA (and even without in some cases), but finding suitable work for your boyfriend may be harder.

[jtea]

Asia is a good place to start and you both should qualify for entry level positions teaching in public schools or learning centers. Also, look into both CELTA and TESL certifications. Some schools out there prefer one or the other, although most of the time it doesn't matter.

Depending on whether or not your boyfriend has an accent may make it a bit harder for him to find a job compared to you. Some places don't care but a lot of places want native speakers. It will also be harder if you two are wanting to be near one another, but that's by chance and what jobs are available where.

[nativeiowan]

Thanks, he does have an accent

He does speak French also, we thought of going back to Morocco and teaching as well.

[nomad soul]

You never mentioned your bf's academic credentials unless you're planning to financially support him. Anyway, it's way too premature to be thinking about the Middle East (Gulf).

A couple of things to consider over the next two years about teaching in this region:

1) If you're still in this relationship, then you need to be married. Period.

2) For Saudi Arabia and Oman, you'll both need at least a TEFL-related BA + a few years' experience at the university level (gained post-degree). Experience teaching Arabic speakers is a plus. That is what's needed to teach in a university foundation year program via a contracting company. Your BA would be acceptable. Some Saudi contracting companies accept lesser qualifications, but they tend to be sketchier. A relevant MA + post-degree experience will help you compete for the better jobs in KSA and Oman and will make you marketable for Qatar and the UAE.

[nativeiowan]

I appreciate the advice, I know about the marriage thing I just wanted to know how strict they would be. I also know that working in the ME is not going to be number one on my list most likely will have to start in Asia somewhere and work towards the ME.

My boyfriend previously taught as a teacher in villages around Agadir Morocco, but moved to the states and is working on his BA, 2 years left.

If we go to Morocco I don't think he will teach, since he is also a citizen of Morocco and will most likely go into the tourism field. I would be the only one teaching.

If we decide to go to Asia then we will both get CELTA and both have BA's. I notice they are more accepting of couples.

The ME will just have to wait, we've been together 4 years, marriage is not in the near future, and I know they would not accept a dating couple. As my bf is Muslim, they don't even accept dating, but Moroccans tend to be more Liberal on this matter, than the Gulf ME countries.

In the meantime I am saving $$ for the CELTA and learning Moroccan Arabic and MSA for fun and I have a great partner to practice with!

[nativeiowan]

oh and I forgot to mention I am an adjunct instructor now for a community college for Comp I and II, and Communications. I plan on continuing this to help my resume, would this be considered helpful and useful for my resume are they looking strictly for elementary and secondary class experience?

[Sashadroogie]

Join the Party! Come to Russia!

[nomad soul]

[suphanburi]

Bottom line. Finish his BA then travel.

You would easily find jobs anywhere in East Asia.

The easiest place to find work is China.
Even with an unrelated MA you should be able to find work teaching K-12 or at the tertiary level in most countries (Taiwan and HK being exceptions; mainstream schools require teaching licensure although language academy work abounds).

A CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults - the Cambridge branded TESOL cert) is nice but not a requirement for Asia. Any TEFL cert of at least 100 hours including 20-60 hours of "in-class" time AND observed practicum is more than adequate.

He, even with a US passport, until he gets his degree from a "western" university won't qualify for (legal) jobs anywhere.

Being married is NOT a requirement for most of Asia if you both qualify for work visas / permits.

If he is unable to work legally (BA still not complete) then staying with you is problematic due to visa issues (there is no b/f visa). Being legally married allows him dependent family (spousal) status everywhere.

.

[PuraVidaPolitecnico]

Hello all! I know I'm joining this conversation a bit late, but have you considered teaching in Central or South America?

If you can live on 1,000 USD per month (or a little less, depending on the number of hours you teach per week), Costa Rica might be an option. Many places are looking for native English speakers (or near-native English speakers) who have a bachelor's degree and a TESOL certificate. Just a thought...

[golsa]

[Prof.Gringo]