Job Discussion Forums

[steinda]

I guess we'll start off with the negatives, which probably ruin my chances of anything remotely good.

I have no teaching experience. I don't have a certificate yet, but I plan on getting if my research leads to possibilities.

However, I have my M.B.A. as well as a B.A. in History and Arabic. I've studied Arabic in Egypt for several months.

I think that is about all I have. I was just curious what I would be able to do with those credentials. Based on what I've read so far, it seems like very little, but I would still like to know if anyone has any knowledge about my type of situation.

Thanks,

D

[15yearsinQ8]

the gulf is in a serious recession and there is no way with your background you can land a good teaching gig
having said that, use your mba
bayt
gulftalent
monstergulf.com
as well as the major companies and their career websites

[helenl]

Short answer (in education) : nothing.

[veiledsentiments]

I'd agree with the other posters and your own impressions of your value in the field of education.

I'd recommend that you go back to Cairo and go to the British Council in Agouza and do the CELTA program. (or in the US, but in Cairo, it would give you experience teaching Arabic speakers) After that, teach a few semesters in Egypt and that should help open the doors.

VS

[steinda]

Thank you very much for all your help . I'm glad that I finally was given some answers. I guess I'll look into other types of jobs around the area. I just saw teaching as an 'easy' way to escape the country, but I guess I'll have to look in to other jobs to do so. Once again, thanks!

DS

[Marquess]

[littleoldlady]

Teaching... easy ? I have spent 25 years perfecting my craft and I am still learning. This is insulting to the teaching profession.

[veiledsentiments]

But LoL, the reality is that world-wide, I would estimate that the majority of those teaching English have no credentials other than the fact that they can speak the language. Since I can remember, people used it as a way to pay for their travels to see the world. As long as there is an endless supply of employers willing to take them on, this situation will continue.

Some of them learn to like it and eventually improve their credentials. Some of them find that they have no other marketable skills and improve their credentials.

But... one can't get into Middle East jobs until you can show academic credentials. This is the main reason that the TEFL crowd in the Middle East tends to be older and married.

VS

[Marquess]

[helenl]

So which of the reliable GCC employers hire people with no credentials? Those that provide on time (livable) salary payment and perhaps a few benefits?

[veiledsentiments]

There are a few in Saudi... who then have slaves with only a business visa and not a work visa... and the recruiters who work with the Oman Ministries have had the wasta to bring a few into the villages in the past, but most of them (all?) were "not renewed" this spring and supposed the Ministry is now more closely checking.

VS

[Marquess]

[helenl]

And these would be considered reliable employers? I can see that is a long list of employers who do no checks on potential employees - that doesn't put them in my own reliable "column".

It's sort of like being offered a free lunch - you get what you pay for.

[Marquess]

Hon, BAE is not a reliable employer?

[15yearsinQ8]

while i totally agree that the casual teacher by default is truly insulting to dedicated professionals who sacrifice to continually improve their abilities and selflesslessly strive to understand their field so as to improve their effectiveness,
you all are missing the point

the op will make much more money with their MBA - that may be their prime motivator

however, having said that, i know a few teachers who are in the 'i only work (italicized) 20 hours a week mode'
they're truly into ease, ease, ease
that could be the op's prime motivator also