Job Discussion Forums

[cheriberry]

Hello...I posted in the Turkey forum as well...hoping someone out there can offer some seasoned advice for a newcomer.

My name is Cheri, I live in Fairfax, VA, just outside DC. I will finish my M.A. in Linguistics in May. I have my TESL cert. Light on teaching experience (just have done some part-time work at a local language school).

So...considering I will have the paper, but lack the experience, what's your best advice as to where I should focus my search in the Middle East? I'd like to teach in some form of a college or university. From what I've read, I can rule out the Gulf area...any suggestions?

If I stay in the U.S. to get experience, what type of job would be best to build up my experience? Would community college be worthy enough? I don't think I can get a job at a U.S. University without overseas experience. It's a double edged sword, I fear.

THanks!

[Brooks]

Morocco is a good choice.

Work at community colleges is a good chance for getting experience.

[veiledsentiments]

Hi Cheri,

I used to live in Fairfax County and know that good jobs are hard to get there - usually part time with no benefits. But, if you stay to get a year or two's experience, your best choices to prepare for Middle East teaching would be NOVA or George Mason Intensive English programs. But, I know that this is competitive. There is also Fairfax County Adult Ed, but the hourly pay is lower.

You didn't tell us your age. Are you in your 20's? If so and you really want to come to the Middle East, I would recommend Turkey, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt --- mainly because they are more fun places to live and work. The Gulf pays more money, but it tends to draw older teachers, usually married, and it can be dull for the younger singles.

The best jobs tend to come when you have experience on your CV. So, don't expect to get the perfect job right away. If I were you, I would try to experience different countries. Do a couple of years here and a couple of years there. Give yourself a track record that would look good to an employer.

And have fun at the same time.

VS

[dmb]

You could easily get a reasonable salary teaching adults at a private language school in Turkey. With a good interview you could get a job at a state or private university in Turkey

[cheriberry]

Thanks! That was helpful. By the time I graduate I will be 35 years old, I'm unmarried, and would like a bit of a social scene, but it doesn't have to be anything major.

I actually work at George Mason right now (non-ESL job). I did my undergrad here and am in their Linguistics/TESL program. I did my practicum at their English Language Institute here on campus. You cannot get hired at the ELI unless you have overseas experience. NOVA is definitely a possibility, but as you said, part-time with no benefits, so I think if I stay here, I would have to work 2 jobs, which is fine. I was just hoping to teach full-time. I did have a chance to interview for the adult ed, but because of scheduling conflicts, I couldn't do it (classes were taught when I, myself, had classes). So do you think if I worked at NOVA for a year or two (part-time) that it would be enough experience to get something decent overseas? Also, would working in a public/private school (kids) be a good or bad choice, considering I want to teach adults when I go overseas?

To be honest, I've been in this area for 10 years and was really thinking of moving on....I'm burned out. So any ideas you have would be much appreciated! It seems from all of your posts that you've lived just about everywhere! So thanks for all the info!!!!!

Cheri

[Gordon]

I think your best bet is to work overseas somewhere for awhile. Being unattached you can go anywhere, but things can change. It will make you a more well rounded teacher in the end if you do decide to settle down in the States. Turkey would be a good starting off point, but one issue is if you will have loan payments to make as this can narrow down your choices.
If your goal is to teach in unis, than don't take the kids job. Employers will wonder why you took the job and if you say that it was the only thing available, than it makes you look desperate.

[cheriberry]

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who replied. I really appreciate you taking the time to do so.

DMB - I actually had initially focused entirely on Turkish Universities and will still apply to them. From reading the boards, I realized I have to broaden my search, but Turkey seems more realistic than anywhere else. From what I've heard, Istanbul would be best. I have compiled a spreadsheet of places there.

BROOKS - I don't know much about Morocco..haven't seen much work advertised there. Do you know of any places?

Question: Since the 'ink won't be dry' on my M.A. until May (probably won't get it in th email until June), when should I start applying???? I fear lack of documentation will hold things up. If I didn't get my documents until mid-summer, would it be hopeless???

VS - see my long note to you

Thank you again!

[cheriberry]

Gordon, thanks. I agree on the kids bit. Good advice. I had an offer to work at a private school teaching ESL to 5th graders and I turned it down. I'm currently working in the computer science dept. doing admin work, so I don't know which is worse...teaching kids instead of adults OR not being in the field at all! I've been doing part-time teaching of SAT English at a Korean school. By the time I graduate, I'll have almost a year at that job, even though it's VERY part-time. I figured it may help a little bit??? What do you think?

You are right about loan payments, but I am pretty sure I can defer them for a year or two. It hasn't been a problem in the past. I agree overseas would be best. I guess my attitude is, go for the overseas, and if it doesn't happen, then pick up some part-time work at a community college here...I'm VERY open, but I will be honest and say that I want to work in the ME area, not Asia. Just a preference.

Does anyone know about government sponsored programs (not Peace Corps) that pay you to teach overseas? I haven't seen that on the boards.

Thank you again!

[dmb]

The new academic year has recently started. However there are usually a few vacancies to be filled between now and Christmas. In fact do a search on Koc university(suburbs of Istanbul). I heard this week they are still looking-they also pay well.

[cheriberry]

DMB, I actually won't graduate until next May, so I am looking for work starting next fall. Any idea when I should start applying?

THanks!

[veiledsentiments]

Hi Cheriberry,

Check your PMs.

I would start applying in December/January to those that appeal to you - or any ads that look interesting after that. Personally I would save NOVA or FCAdult Ed as back up if you don't get any good offers overseas.

Definitely put Koc University on your list. I know someone who got an offer there with a freshly minted MA. Most Morocco jobs don't pay very well, but there are the American Language Centers and AMIDEAST. There is Sultan Qaboos University in Oman and a couple of the private colleges are OK to take as a first job after an MA. I can't remember for sure, but I think UAEU is also a possibility. (I think they prefer post MA experience, but they also hire many teachers, so they may make exceptions)

Glitches may occur because of the paperwork for the new MA, but nothing ventured, nothing gained... deal with the problems as they occur.

VS

[Brooks]

for Morocco, the school year started a few weeks ago.
You could apply for a school at one of the American Language Centers.
When I was working in Rabat, I was an intern for one spring, and they also had interns for the fall. At that time I wasn`t finished with my M.A.
I had a stipend and a room at their annex.
The interns came from　Saint Michael`s College and SIT, I think (both are located in Vermont).
The American Language Centers are in many cities including Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, Agadir, Marrakech, etc. I think Meknes, Tetuoan, and other places too.
Rabat and Casablanca tend to need the most teachers.

It may be a good idea to go to the TESOL conference next year to meet recruiters.

There is English First in Casablanca as well.

BPEC in Casablanca doesn`t have a good reputation. And I heard bad stuff about the university in Ifrane.

[dmb]

cheriberry, you will probably see a few ads around June for next fall. However it is better to approach the unis individually. It is even better if you are in Istanbul and can meet them directly. Most people(I know )who work in unis tend to hear about jobs word of mouth and having a friend who works at a uni and can reccommend you is the easiest way in.