Job Discussion Forums

[theinquiringmind]

I have applied to AUB with the intention of getting a degree in TEFL. I know the school is reputed to be one of the best (if not the best) in the Middle East but I can't really find any information on their TEFL program anywhere. Does anyone have any knowledge of their program and/or what it is like attending AUB in general? I have already been accepted at AUC, but applied too late to get a fellowship. I am still thinking of going to AUC, but would like more information on AUB before I decide.

Any information anyone can provide me would be greatly appreciated.

[veiledsentiments]

I did the AUC program and never encountered anyone who had an AUB MA in the Gulf... though I heard that a bunch of their new inexperienced graduates were brought into Sharjah University when it was beginning and there were lots and lots of problems.

If you are going to have to pay for it, I would suggest that AUC's program seems to be better known. It is also quite small. Sorry that you missed out on the chance for a Fellowship. It could be worth waiting for next year to get in...

VS

[theinquiringmind]

Thanks for replying so quickly... this is a big decision. I could always take out student loans for the fall (staying at my current job another year is not an option; I hate it with a passion) and try to at least get a fellowship for the remainder of my degree. AUB has not yet announced acceptances or teacher assistantships yet (at AUB I am in the running for a t/a). The New York office told me it was not one of their more popular programs; what you're telling me would seem to bear that out. I guess what it comes down to is how much weight to give the better known degree. I did manage to find a couple of thesis (theses plural?) of students who attended the AUB program by searching the internet but other than that I guess I'd just be depending on the reputation of AUB in general.

What do you think?

Also, while we're on the subject, what is is like at AUC? You said the TEFL there was a small program. How small? What percentage are Americans?

[veiledsentiments]

I don't know the student numbers right now, but when I was last teaching there in the Writing Program in 2001, numbers were still about the same as when I studied there in the 80's. My largest class had around 15 students and as few as 4 in some of the more theoretical linguistics elective courses which many avoided. The classes tended to be about half Egyptian/half American - though total enrollment was heavier to Egyptians but many seem to be part time. The majority of the Americans are Fellows - and serve as a cheap teacher resource for AUC's many large English programs. All but one of the professors are American.

As to the effect on your future hiring of AUB... in the Middle East, an MA is an MA pretty much. I can't imagine that there is any employer who would think. "hummm AUB... now if it were AUC, I would hire him." Outside of the ME, some may look strangely at the degree. It was US accredited in the past, but you may want to confirm current accreditation status. I'm sure it is...

VS

[theinquiringmind]

Yes, it is still accredited.

My research on AUB is that it had lost a bit of its reputation but that, in general, it is still one of the best universities in the Middle East. A posting in one of these forums claims that AUS is overtaking it. I have to believe it is still a rather prestigious school by Middle East standards; institutions don't lose their reputations overnight. In fact, this fall they are reactivating some of the PHd programs that had been temporarily discontinued.

My other consideration is that Beirut seems a lot more fun than Cairo. I'm a single guy, and I like to go out. Until a couple of months ago, I lived in South Beach, and while I'm not the party animal I used to be, (I'm getting too old) I still like to have fun. Also, I love the ocean, (skin diving in particular) and the AUB campus is right on the Mediteranean. In fact, it reminds me a lot of South Beach.

I definitely think you're right about people (especially in the U.S.) looking at an AUB MA strangely; but that might not be a bad thing. Ultimately, (after I work overseas for a while) I'd like to get a position teaching TESOL at an American community college, and it doesn't hurt to have a resume that sticks out. Right now, (aside from my part time adjunct teaching positions) my resume lists my jobs on Wall Street and in the funeral industry. I've been told on several occasions my resume has gotten a potential employers attention when they see such out of the ordinary employment.

Again, thanks for the quick response.

[Stephen Jones]

Considering the political turmoil in Lebanon, you're a brave man!

[veiledsentiments]

Stephen is right as usual that the political turmoil is an issue that you should think about. You don't want to be halfway through your degree and have the university shut down for an unknown amount of time.

Cairo is also a fun town for the youngish and single... not quite as much so as Beirut, but there is that pesky beach shortage. Of course, the best diving is in the Red Sea... just a bus ride away from Cairo... easy weekend trip. I don't recall hearing anyone talk about diving in the Med, so you would probably still have to travel from Beirut to find diving and that would involve passing through various borders which is always a hassle.

Alexandria is also just a short train ride away - lots of beach, but again not much diving.

VS

[theinquiringmind]

I'm sure you're right about Beirut not necessarily being the safest place to get a degree; however I've always been the adventerous type. The best years of my life were spent in the East Village back when you needed to have a gun on you just to go down to the local bodega to get a quart of milk. Places like that just get my adrenaline going. I think I read way too much Hemingway

As far as diving; while I've never been there I see a lot of advertising for it. I just googled "diving in Beirut" and this was the first website listed:

Although the Middle East has its diver's paradise with the Red Sea, there is one overlooked place on the Mediterranean coast, a place which is regaining its rank as the "pearl" of the Middle East: Beirut. Recovering from recent unrest, the country and its capital are ready to welcome tourists and travelers to discover their historical, geographical and culinary wonders.
Lebanon has many activities to offer to its residents and visiting foreigners such as: trekking in the desert, rafting, skiing (2 hours from Beirut), sight seeing and hiking, mountain biking, and of course scuba diving in temperate waters allowing diving year round.

Beirut has amazing dive site close by and all diving activities are conducted by speed boat, making the farther dive site a mere 25 minute ride. From a spectacular drop off (400 m down), just 200 m from the shore in front of the American University in Beirut, to world class wrecks such as the "Alice B" and one of the most amazing wreck dives in the Middle East, le "Souffleur" (see our photo above, before it sank!). Le Souffleur was a French World War II submarine torpedoed by the British before it surrendered to the Nazis under the Vichy government. The submarine lies in two pieces at 37m on the sandy bottom, and is a dream dive for Nitrox divers as bottom time can be extended. Marine life on the wreck is simply amazing and it is not rare to see magnificent huge sting rays inside the wreck and around it, eagle rays passing by, moray eels and groupers, all are habitual local residents of the wreck.




One of the highlights of the place is "Shark Point" in the summertime, where every year from July to August, following some mysterious migrating patterns, small tooth sand tiger sharks (a harmless species related to the grey nurse shark) gather in the area to the complete delight of local and foreign divers.


Our Diving Packages in Beirut



One week - 7 nights, 5 diving days (10 dives)



Package A: with accommodation in a 3* hotel, 10 minutes from the centre
Prices: single 715 US$, double occupancy 655 US$/person



Package B: with accommodation in the "Riviera" hotel, 4* facility in private marina.
Prices: single 1135 US$, double occupancy 995 US$/person



All packages include: accommodation with breakfast, 2 speed boat dives per day, tanks, weights and diving equipment, marina daily access fees. Please ask for availability.
Best months for diving in Beirut are: April until October when the weather is hot and dry. The currency is the Lebanese Pound which is worth 1 US$ = 1500 LP

As far as political tumoil goes, I'll just have to hope the Israelis can hold their fire til I graduate, assuming I go there. I'm still undecided.

[stoth1972]

[vashdown2]

After having lived in Egypt for almost 4 months now (both Cairo and Minia).... living with very conservative Christians and Muslims, dust and dirt everywhere, NOISE 24 hours a day, people ripping you off left and right... bad food, locals who lie and cheat you... Should I continue?

My choice would be Beirut by far. The beautiful city! Even more beautiful and elegant Lebanese who speak French-English and Arabic, the amazing food, the proximity to mountains/sea... the Quality of Life that is in Lebanon would far outweigh any political turmoil... at least in my book.