Job Discussion Forums

bardolf · Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 23

Greetings all, I have started looking for another teaching job abroad and the wealthier Middle East countries intrigue me; so I will draw a brief portrait of myself and I hope to read some objective feedback from the hard heads I hope to haul in here....

White male Canadian, Christian, b. 1962; B.Ed. Secondary, English major, French minor, obtained Permanent (lifetime) Professional Certificate in Province of Alberta after eight years of supply teaching at ALL grade levels, and many subjects beside my majors. I have an excellent record as a supply teacher with several letters of commendation from school principals and teachers.

Experience teaching English as a second language -- often did this in supply teaching years; also one completed contract year in South Korea, ages K-adult.

Some additional courses completed in Linguistics, TEFL, Grammar/Professional Writing.

I could say a lot of other things about myself but these are the essential facts that I think a Middle East employer might consider. Feel free to correct me!

Please note that while I may not have a Master's degree, I am nevertheless seeking the most professional, profitable, and respectable position I can attain. I am past the partying age, so the idea that these countries may not be the Garden of Earthly Delights does not bother me in the slightest.

Given my profile, what can I realistically expect out of a job search in this part of the world? If there is any other information I can provide which will be helpful, just ask.

abufletcher · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 12:38 pm Post subject:

Unfortunately, your lack of an MA puts you out of the running for most of the university-level jobs which are typically the most professional, profitable, and respectable. The good news is that you may be able to get into one of the choice International School jobs.

Down from there would be various "company jobs" and then finally the language schools. That you have some overseas experience is good. That it's at a Korean hogwan not so much so.

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

Which is better in regards to the above-mentioned criteria?

A uni job or working in the intl'l. schools?

I know you, abu, and you know me from the Japan forum and it is without a doubt the international school positions are far better than the university jobs in Japan. I'd like to hear about the situation in the mid-East.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I'm sure AbuFletcher will give his opinion too, but IMO university teaching is the better job. Your teaching hours are less and there are fewer out of school hours duties. Generally speaking, the universities also pay better and have better conditions - longer breaks.

That said, many people prefer teaching K-12, and there are in each of the major Gulf cities - one or two very good employers with good benefit packages. (but there are dozens of awful ones with the word 'international' or 'British' or 'American' in its name.)

But, our OP would have difficulty getting the better university jobs and should be in a good position for one of the better international schools.

VS

abufletcher · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 5:53 pm Post subject:

Moot, I think it depends on what you like. If you're an EFL professional you'll probably prefer the uni jobs. But be aware that in most cases the programs have a strong ESP focus (science, engineering, commerce, etc.) rather than the ENAP (English for No Apparent Purpose) found at most universities in Japan.

For those people who see themselves as a K-12 teacher, the international schools are a far better option. The better ones are fully accredited and use the same curriculum as their home country (usually either American or British).

I don't know if there are EFL teachers per se at international schools in the Gulf. Also be aware of one MAJOR difference. In international schools in in Japan 60% or more of the student population is Japanese looking for an "kokusaiteki" education. In the Gulf (at least the top end) the students are the children of expatriate workers. At least in the past there were almost no local Arab students (i.e. no Kuwaitis in Kuwait, no Omanis in Oman). There will still be lots of language issues but fewer than in Japan.

Considering a job in the ME? Cool

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

Thanks for the replies VS and Abu.

Abu, I'm just checking out my options. I am opposite of the OP and have an MA in TESL but not a teaching certificate. I'm now thinking of getting an M. Ed. in Australia. The problem is that I've yet to make use of my MA in TESL (in terms of seeking new employment) so sometimes hesitate spending another couple of years obtaining yet another MA while I could be enjoying a lucrative and hopefully challenging and mentally fulfilling job somewhere.

But on the other hand, salaries for an MA TESL holder in very attractive countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico and so on are simply not enough to make the move and to support my family. I think you discovered this yourself when you were in Mexico, right?

abufletcher · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 8:37 am Post subject:

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

To the OP. Was your supply teaching full-time? If it was then apply to JIC. If it was sporadic then get a list of all days worked for the eight years. The reason I mention this is that your salary depends on qualifications and years of experience, and it would not be financially that good if most of your supply wasn't included.

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

My apologies for hijacking the thread with my communique with Abu.

Abu, you asked about my M.Ed I'm interesting in pursuing. I suppose I was a bit deceiving as it is actually called an Masters in Teaching. It is considered a Master's degree as opposed to the Graduate Diploma. It will allow me to register myself as a teacher in Aust. and in Canada.

I figure the advantage would be that I could secure jobs at either an International K-12 school or, if I choose, could possibly work at a teacher-training university.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

abufletcher wrote,

abufletcher · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2006 2:29 pm Post subject:

A friend recently told me that in Oregon you can be hired as a public school teacher with just a BA+teaching certificate but that you would be laid off at the end of 5 years if you hadn't by that time completed an M.Ed. degree.

I can well understand the idea of doing both at the same time.

Capricorny · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 18

abufletcher · Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2006 4:52 pm Post subject:

Corny, do think there are actually fewer quality university EFL positions today than in the past? Or are there just more lower level job opportunities as well?

Capricorny · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 18

Pappa of Fletcher,

The_Hanged_Man · Joined: 10 Oct 2004 Posts: 224 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia

I used to teach EFL at an eikawai in Japan a couple of years back, and was faced with the same choice of either persuing the k-12 international school or university efl route. I felt like I would enjoy either one equally, so I chose the international school route for mainly practical reasons.

One advantage of international schools is that their salaries are more standardized across the different regions of the world. In countries you mentioned like Mexico, Thailand, and Indonesia it is quite possible to find an international school position that pays $30,000+ annually with solid benefits. This gives me more freedom in where I can travel and earn a decent income. Plus, if you have a family most schools throw in free tuition for the kids which is a major bonus. Finally, imo if for whatever reason you need to return home I think it is easier to find a decent K-12 postion than an EFL one.