Job Discussion Forums

[MilesFerdinand]

Unfortunately (now), I decided to leave school early and start work and therefore missed university. Many years later I "discovered" English teaching, got the TESOL qualification and now have 8 years teaching experience in Poland and Germany. Ive taught in a whole range of private schools and companies - technology, banking, government, telecommunications etc.

Without a university degree am I wasting my time even considering applying for jobs in the Middle East? I think Ive got a lot to offer in the way of experience but do companies over there see it this way too? I mean, what good would a degree in horticulture (the field of study I set out on!) be anyway???

Would be greatful for some advice.

[mishmumkin]

THe short answer is "yes." At least in the Gulf STates. I've known people over the years that landed in Egypt, got a local (not expat) offer of work, and are now teaching in a some language school for $700/month, but I don't suppose that's the kind of work you're looking for.

[veiledsentiments]

It depends on where you mean when you say "Middle East." If you mean the place where you heard that they pay big bucks - the Gulf - you would have little or no chance as almost all employers require copies of your degrees. (yes, plural). So, while you might be able to find a job, it would pay very badly and the Gulf is VERY expensive. (equivalent to Europe in many areas)

If your money expectations are low, you could, as MM suggests, try Egypt and another place that has many language schools is Morocco. Syria has a few jobs, but my friend that went there didn't like dealing with the hassles of the work visa (ie regular visa runs).

[mishmumkin]

[Cleopatra]

As VS said, there's next to no chance of getting any sort of job in the Gulf countries without a degree (and often a Master's degree too). I would also say that, given the general preoccupation with pieces of paper in this part of the world, it might even be difficult to get a work permit, hence job sans degree in the less well-off countries such as Egypt and Syria too.

[scot47]

If you have no degree you have no chance of getting a job in this part of the world.

[lall]

Just a thought.

The beauracratic requirement of a degree (of the administrative set-up in ministries and institutions) notwithstanding, would it be possible that the ESL teaching scenario in the Gulf/ME could move to a position where a person who's fluent in both Arabic and English could replace the current requirement of a degree?

Just a thought.

By the way, I tend to be a purist and am of the opinion that degrees that pertain to the subject at hand are essential, in the teaching line.

Regards,

Lall.

[NadiaK]

Long-term you might want to look into studying for a Master's degree - I believe that some programmes may accept life/work experience in lieu of a first degree.

Sorry, this doesn't answer your question, but thought I'd mention it (particularly in light of the other answers...)