Job Discussion Forums

[LindseyF]

I'm a 28-year-old white American, Muslim convert, married with 2 young children. We've decided to explore life in the Middle East so I'm looking into ESL teaching. I earned my AA degree & went on to become a Certified Medical Language Specialist while teaching preschool. Since then I have privately tutored Arab women in English while running a successful property investment/management company with my husband. I can read/write Arabic and have a basic vocabulary.

Before I spend the time and money earning either a CELTA or reputable 120-hour TEFL certification, do I even stand a chance in landing a good job?

Thanks in advance for your insight.

[veiledsentiments]

To give advice on this, we could use a bit more information from you.

1. What Middle East country? The answer would depend on whether you are planning to go to the Gulf countries or North Africa/Levant.

2. Will he get a job and you come along - or - do you expect to get the job and bring the rest of the family on your visa?

VS

[LindseyF]

Thanks for your quick response, VS!

1) We're open. From my research, I'm certain it'd take nothing short of a miracle to land a job in the UAE, but the other Gulf countries and Morocco are definite considerations. Egypt would take some convincing

2) We'd move only if I secured a job. He'd continue investing and managing properties in the US from there.

[nomad soul]

[veiledsentiments]

Your lack of a BA means that you would not be offered anything acceptable in the Gulf. By acceptable, I mean one that would provide the pay and benefits for you to be able to afford to bring your family. If you were coming along on a spousal visa, where your husband's position would offer the housing, education fees, and other necessary benefits in these expensive countries, then you could likely pick up a position in a language school or K-12 school for enough pay to supplement the family income.

I'm not sure about the requirement for a BA in Morocco, you might touch base with the two main language schools that hire many Americans - The American Language Center and AMIDEAST. They would only give their rare foreign hire contracts to qualified, experienced teachers. So if they would consider you for pick-up classes, it would be minimal pay, but the cost of living is relatively low (compared to the US or the Gulf). The key is whether your husband's work online could provide most of the support. The visa question for the family (and yourself) could be tricky.

So, I'd say that the answer to your question:

[LindseyF]

Thanks everyone. This is the impression I've gotten throughout my research in TEFL overseas, so this serves as confirmation. I appreciate the input!

[nomad soul]

[veiledsentiments]

Thanks Nomad...

VS