Job Discussion Forums

txmsk · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 58 Location: The World

I was wondering about the requirements for those who want to teach in a university in the UAE.

Many listings say that one must have a MA Applied Linguistics, TESOL, or related field.

What is considered a related field? I have an MA in foreign language and linguistics (yes, a specific one). The BA degrees I have also were in foreign language and linguistics, with also some courses focused on structure/history of English and a TEFL methods course.

I have 4 years' teaching experience -- all in teaching adults -- that I gained in two foreign countries. I do also hold the CELTA.

So, given this information, how possible would it be for me to obtain a university level position in the UAE?

Thank you all in advance for any replies. I also welcome any leads as to where to apply/not to apply.

PS: Yes, I am a native speaker of English! Smile

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

I presume that this is not a degree from an English speaking country and that English is not your first language? Excuse me if I am wrong... I was going by the Moscow on your ID.

Your credentials should get you in... with no problem... and if you are not a native speaker, your interview would tell them if they will accept your spoken English. I worked with a few European teachers whose first language was not English, but I could barely tell. Laughing

You are late in the process, but I would apply immediately if you are thinking of a job in August/September. It is late!!

VS

txmsk · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 58 Location: The World

I hope I'm not too late. I've applied for a couple of positions, just not sure where to look.

I really want to get out of Moscow. I'm tired of the job instability, fluctuating pay, and lack of support/room for growth.

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

I would apply to HCT, ZU, UAEU, UoS, ECAE at the least. I know that HCT just ran an ad here this week.

VS

txmsk · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 58 Location: The World

Thank you! I have applied to HCT and Zayed I know for sure. I think I might have tried looking at one or two colleges/universities, but either they didn't have any vacancies or I just couldn't find where to look.

What is the response time once they have received an application? Is it wise to follow up with an e-mail or call, or is that an unwelcome gesture?

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

In this part of the world, waiting is the name of the game. However, HCT does have a facility on their site to allow you to track the progress of your application, and, if you get one, the success (or not) of your interview.

I'd wait at least 4 weeks before I started chasing. Unless THEY'RE desperate to hire someone, generally it just takes time. If they are desperate, you'll hear very quickly

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

This is crunch time in hiring. I might not wait 4 weeks right now (normal for the rest of the year though). One good thing about HCT and ZU is that they usually tell you very quickly if you don't pass muster.

ECAE is a smallish place, so they are likely finished hiring, but UAEU and UofS will likely still need people.

VS

txmsk · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 58 Location: The World

Okay, so I have been accepted for the next step in the Cert process -- I have to upload my documents, degrees, etc.

What do the Cert English teachers actually do? Also, what is the acceptance/rejection rate?

Any advice? Thanks!

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

That's good news... progress!!

I doubt that anyone can tell you the acceptance/rejection rates because no one here works in HR and they would never give out any numbers about applications and/or rejections. Life is a crap shot... (especially when it comes to applying for jobs)

All you can do is send off the papers that they asked for and wait... check their website... twiddle your thumbs... wait some more. Laughing

One good thing is that HCT is very quick to tell you if they are not interested. I believe that you can check the progress of the application on their website.

Someone else will have to tell what CERT is doing these days. I know that they have done some special contracts with businesses and the military. Not sure what else or what now...

VS

mr fawlty · Joined: 20 Apr 2009 Posts: 24

Hi! I'm also interested in the (if there are any) differences in working for CERT English faculty or just plain (HCT) English faculty. Thanks Very Happy

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 10:00 am Post subject:

Supposedly, there is no difference between the two when it comes to pay and benefits. The main difference between the two is that for CERT you'll be teaching to students, as VS said, that are different from the main as they are already employed, such as police, military, food safety, etc, etc. With the HCT you'll be teaching academically-oriented students who'll go on to specialize in IT, Aviation, Business, etc, etc. Hope this helps!

NCTBA

mr fawlty · Joined: 20 Apr 2009 Posts: 24

Thanks, NCTBA!

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

NCTBA... any truth to the rumor that CERT is more likely to hire someone without an MA?

VS

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 2:20 pm Post subject:

Well, as a Master's is the preferred gateway drug, I've heard of people with an initial degree and a CELTA coming on-board. An initial degree will get you an adjunct position with no benefits as the assumption is that your spouse will have a full benefit package.

I have a mate with BA and a CELTA and was told by an old manager at CERT that he would be fully considered. I think, however, that my manager's and my good working relations may have been the thing to get him the full consideration.

NCTBA

txmsk · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 58 Location: The World

Yes, some comments on CERT will certainly help give me a better picture. If they are more academically oriented, as it's been mentioned, this is something I'd be interested in.

A quick question. Has anyone heard about or does anyone know about the MA TESOL program at the American University of Sharjah? It looks really attractive to me... I one MA, but it's in foreign lang/ling, not strictly TESOL/Applied Linguistics.

And one last comment. I might be there this summer in the UAE. Would there be any chance or might it be a good idea to check out some of the universities first hand (for employment purposes), if I have some free time?

Also, is Kish Island as close as it looks on the map? If I do get to come this summer, I'd like to hop over there sometime and have a look around - if, of course, it's worth the time.

On a side note, I'm still waiting on HCT...still waiting for that screening process to be done with.