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the_raging_inferno
Joined: 15 Dec 2014
Posts: 2
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 Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 1:36 am Post subject: Chances without a Master's Degree |
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After reading the job postings for working in Saudi Arabia, it seems most want candidates with master's degrees or even doctoral degrees and 5+ years teaching. I just have a BA but I am willing to put in the time to get a master's if need be. What do you think the chances are for getting a decent job with my qualifications?
29, married, one 7 month old daughter
BA History, top 5% of class
Taught 1 year of English in Japan (3 - 17 years old)
Taught 2 years of science in the USA
Good references from bosses
No CELTA but can get one
lived three years in Jordan
basic speaking/writing skills in Arabic
Where I used to work, they were often flexible with criteria. Is it the same way for companies as a whole, or do most places really want what they say they want?
Thanks for any advice! |
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happyinshangqiu
Joined: 20 Jan 2015
Posts: 279
Location: Has specialist qualifications AND local contacts.
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| Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 3:57 am Post subject: |
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29, married, one 7 month old daughter
BA History, top 5% of class
Taught 1 year of English in Japan (3 - 17 years old)
Taught 2 years of science in the USA
Good references from bosses
No CELTA but can get one
lived three years in Jordan
basic speaking/writing skills in Arabic
That could help, the rest of it doesn't matter. Being the top 5% in a history class? Sorry man, that doesn't mean squat.
The better jobs require an MA - you could probably get on at EdEx or ICEAT but without a CELTA - expect 11500 a month, not that great for what you are about to endure. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 3:58 am Post subject: |
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| the_raging_inferno wrote: |
After reading the job postings for working in Saudi Arabia, it seems most want candidates with master's degrees or even doctoral degrees and 5+ years teaching. I just have a BA but I am willing to put in the time to get a master's if need be. What do you think the chances are for getting a decent job with my qualifications?
....
Where I used to work, they were often flexible with criteria. Is it the same way for companies as a whole, or do most places really want what they say they want? |
I don't know where you saw Saudi job ads requiring 5+ years of experience---most will specify a minimum of 2 to 3 years. And yes, having a relevant master's degree and university-level experience (gained post-MA) will get you noticed by the better employers.
In terms of your current qualifications (an unrelated BA, no TEFL cert, and a year of high school TEFL experience in Japan), you'll need to apply to see if any of the numerous contract companies that advertise on the Cafe will be interested in you. Don't get too optimistic. Also, be aware that teachers employed by these companies tend to be on a single-status (bachelor) visa and not one that covers families. Thus, a valid reason for you to pursue a TEFL-related MA if you're set on teaching in this region. Give a look at "MA in TESOL -- worth it for Saudi Arabia and elsewhere?" (http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=109705). |
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the_raging_inferno
Joined: 15 Dec 2014
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:19 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| Being the top 5% in a history class? Sorry man, that doesn't mean squat. |
I meant being in the top 5% of my graduating class when I was getting a BA in history, not in a history class.
But you're probably right, although the degree involved a lot of writing it probably doesn't count for much because so many at my university got pointless liberal arts degrees that aren't useful. 
| Quote: |
| I don't know where you saw Saudi job ads requiring 5+ years of experience---most will specify a minimum of 2 to 3 years. And yes, having a relevant master's degree and university-level experience (gained post-MA) will get you noticed by the better employers. |
Thanks for the link! Some of the upper level educational institution jobs wanted folks around that range. You're right, the others want 2-3 years. |
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