Job Discussion Forums

[Teach2Learn]

Hey everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am looking for some advice from experienced TESL/TEFL instructors in the ME.

I am a recent graduate with a BA in the Humanities field...I have considerable background living in the Arab world and have near native ability in Arabic (both MSA and two dialects). Currently, I would like to pursue a MA in TESOL or TEFL.....I am between two programs. One is the TEFL from AUC....the plus is students teach a couple classes each semester..Downside---stipend is small and have a family to help support, not to mention student loans. The second is TESOL at the American University in DC....Plus-- it allows me to work (the courses are schedule in the evenings) and save money before traveling......downside: doesn't provide exp. teaching in ME at univ level.

My ultimate goal is to work at either the AUC in Egypt or as a lecturer in a univ in the Gulf States. I am hoping to make upwards of 20,000 USD per year. So, what are your recommendations? Where should I go from here? (by the way, I have one year of experience teaching english in the private sector in Egypt) Can I find a job at the univ level in the ME region after completing the MA TESOL here or would I need more experience? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[veiledsentiments]

I would say that either job would prepare you for teaching in the ME. Some places want experience after the MA, but that is a bridge you can cross when you get to it. I found that most employers did not even count the teaching that I did at AUC, though I am sure the first employer took into consideration that I had taught academic English to Arabic speakers. But I still started at the bottom of the scale for MAs.

I enjoyed getting my MA under the AUC Fellowship program, but if I were you, I would apply for both and see which will leave you in the best financial position when you have your degree in hand. It was nice to be able to walk away with an MA in hand and -0- in student loans.

You may not be offered both of them... the AUC program is very competitive. I'm not sure about the AU program.

VS