Job Discussion Forums

[JamesE]

I was just wondering If I was to get a job in Kuwait with just a bachelors in English, and maybe a CELTA, could I get a masters in TESL anywhere? I am still in college at the moment, but if I decide to go to Kuwait I would like to work on this while there. I would also need this degree to be acceptable in other countrys. Thanks for any advice you may have.

[veiledsentiments]

So, you are in your early 20's and have no teaching experience? I am wondering... why Kuwait?

There are certainly better places to live and work or especially start one's career in education... if a career is your goal. What level do you want to teach? schools or universities? children or adults?

VS

[JamesE]

I am currently 21. I have a friend who lives in Kuwait, and I would love to spend a year with them. My ultimate goal is to teach on the college level after I get a masters, but like I said I have to do that while I work. At first I will teach at any school or business that will hire me.

Kuwait is not necessarily going to be where I go, but it is high on my list. Japan is my other location of choice, but I don't have friends in Japan. I would like to visit my friend in Kuwait before I go to Japan, because I know that once I go to Japan I probably won't want to leave for a few years.

[veiledsentiments]

OK... it helps to know a little about your goals to answer. To get any kind of job, not to mention to prepare yourself (unless your BA will be in ESL with student teaching), go and get that CELTA. This will give you practical knowledge on classroom management, lesson plans, and how to teach ESL/EFL to various levels.

Since you can stay with your friend, that means that you don't have to worry about a full benefit package - which could be difficult to get with your lack of credentials and experience. You may only find part-time, but with a little hustle and the help of someone living there, you might be able to get classes at language schools to be able to teach adults. You do need to check with your friend about the visa issues in order to work.

Do get started on that MA as soon as possible. To teach adults, you really need it for the best jobs around the world.

VS

[JamesE]

So if I do go this route, is there a college in Kuwait that a non Arabic speaking American can get a MA in TESL while there. Oh BTW my bachelors is going to be in English. I plan to take the CELTA right after college.

[veiledsentiments]

I assume that you would have to do it distance. The only possibility might be the American University of Kuwait, but I would be concerned about whether they have accreditation as yet... and I just checked their website and see no MA programs, so it would be very new and probably not a good idea for you.

Is that a standard literature program or is it English Education? Lit degrees are of little help for your employment (anywhere in the world... unfortunately). If it is education, you might want to get your state teaching certificate as that could also help you get a job.

VS

[JamesE]

Just your standard English degree, mostly Lit and stuff. Getting a state teaching license doesn't sound like a bad idea. Certified teacher has to look good on a resume . so with that and a CELTA at least I would have lots of credentials to make up for my lack of experience. I guess I will wait till I teach in Japan to get my MA. They have an American college there that offers an MA in TESL. Unfortunately they are a private university, so its pretty expensive. I guess you can't put a price on a better long term career though.

[veiledsentiments]

I don't want to rain on your parade but getting certified and having a CELTA would provide minimal credentials (rather than "lots of") to go with your lack of experience. Because of the wealth of the Gulf, just being an English speaker won't get you a job like some countries in Asia and South America. They can afford to pay for all the proper credentials. The majority of teachers working with adults have an MA + 2 or more years of related experience to get a job. At least that is how you get the jobs with decent pay and benefits.

But you are still young, and all of us started at the bottom of the heap in our time. If you can't get anything in Kuwait, just take your new credentials and head to Asia. Teach for a couple of years and you could also check out some of the MA programs that provide scholarships.

VS

[15yearsinQ8]

auk is easily 5,000 kd per year and no masters program yet
the arab open university is associated with the open university system of the uk - i think it has masters ....
google it
yes, your current credentials will get you an entry level job in kuwait
you could do the celta here too at the british council - more than 500 kd
there is a masters program the international schools host part time so that internatioanl teachers can work toward a masters while they work in kuwait - ......new jersey state or something ----- pm me, maybe i could find someone who knows this

[veiledsentiments]

Be very careful about accreditation. Check it out carefully. It can be crucial if you have to transfer to a different university program later.

Doing the CELTA at the BC is a good idea and you could scope out the job market at the same time. I think that is cheaper than in the US.

VS

[JamesE]

Hmm, from the sound of it I would be better off sticking to my original plan of trying to teach in Japan. Thanks for all of the advice. I now feel like I better understand the job market in Kuwait. Maybe I will teach there when I am older. Until then I will work on building my portfolio in Asia. Thank you for your time, you have been a big help.

[veiledsentiments]

Good Luck James...

...probably a better choice for young single people. Look into trying the Middle East with the (future) wife and kiddies... and a good CV with lots of academic teaching, and you can pull in some good money.

VS

[JamesE]

I will have to look into it more seriously when the time comes. Thanks for all the help.