Job Discussion Forums

[rachmaninov3]

I have been contacted by a visa agent in London today asking for me to verify my PGCE at the Saudi Cultural Bureau. You have to verify ONE qualification which relates to the position you are going to hold in Saudi Arabia. My PGCE is from a university affiliated by the SACB (HEDD) so I don't need to contact the university to confirm my PGCE or something. Has anyone else had a PGCE verified for teaching English in Saudi Arabia? I don't have a BA or MA, I have a Graduate Diploma.

[rachmaninov3]

Come to think of it, the visa agent didn't say a PGCE could be attested to be an English teacher, he just suggested verifying the PGCE (but not the Graduate Diploma). So, I'm having my doubts whether it will get attested successfully now. I don't want to spend a few hundred quid finding out either unless the employer pays for it. I'm possibly looking at doing saudi only on a business visa if there are any employers who still do these.

[Lord T]

You are right to be cautious: 6 months ago agents were rejecting experienced teachers with related MA's (my ex-colleague).

Now it seems the goal posts have been moved yet again.

Perhaps they have rejected too many people recently and now find themselves short of teachers, who knows?

[plumpy nut]

Rejecting teachers with a related MA? That's a new low for Saudi employers.

[nomad soul]

[veiledsentiments]