Job Discussion Forums

[QatarChic]

Am planning on spending next London next summer 2008 (will be staying rent free as have family there) . My questions is, which unis would you recommend for pre-sessional courses? I have already worked on two, but at unis in the Midlands...I already have a DELTA and am a qualified IELTS examiner, which are among some of the things they look for. I quite fancy working at SOAS, any thoughts? Early days I know, but am just curious ....

[Dedicated]

The London Unis ask for an MA in TEFL, but the best places I've worked at for pre-sessional stretches are Imperial College (amazingly bright, motivated students) and King's College. There's also the new London School of Business.

They generally start advertising in about March-April, but vacancies are few and far between, as they keep re-hiring people who have worked there before! The workload, particularly writing marking, is very heavy and you will be kept very busy, particularly towards the end of the course. Do you really want to spend your "holiday" like that??

[QatarChic]

Thanks for the reply dedicated. I really wanted to get my foot in the door in terms of teaching at universities, so I thought that working at universities in London may help with future possibilities in this area.

[Dedicated]

Qatar Chic,

Have you checked out a couple of EAP jobs for 10-12 weeks in the summer which have just been advertised on jobs.ac.uk website, in Birmingham and Colchester (Essex) universities? Colchester is only 45 minutes from London, but B'ham would be too far to commute, though they offer subsidised accommodation on campus.

I think it is most pre-sessional teachers' desire to get a foot in the door, but it's not easy to land a full-time post until you have been around for a couple of summers.

Good luck!

[QatarChic]

Thanks dedicated just saw those 2 adverts. But to be honest, I have my heart set on SOAS and/or Kings....we shall see what happens. I know that SOAS were advertising last year, around the Spring and only wanted a DELTA plus a few years teaching experience. Will just have to keep my fingers crossed and see what happens. Yes I have heard it's competitive but I don't want to move to the UK full time, so it's not that big a deal for me.

[Dedicated]

Qatar Chic,

Have you seen the latest jobs.ac.uk posting - an EAP job at London School of Economics (LSE) starting in the spring...................a friend tells me at �38 per hour, this is as good as it gets in EAP in London.

[QatarChic]

Oooh- thanks for that dedicated . It has a Spring start and I'm still here in Qatar, but I think I may just apply and see what comes out of it...do you teach EAP?

[Dedicated]

Qatar Chic,

Check your pm box - I've just sent you some updates on contacts!

[QatarChic]

Thanks dedicated!

[Dedicated]

Qatar Chic,

Check your pms - I've sent you some contact information. Good luck!