Job Discussion Forums

honeyandsweetie · Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 7

Hey guys, I am trying to find a job in KSA for next year. I have a degree but no experience or certificate. I was thinking about doing the CELTA through the british council next year but I am just wondering what are my odds of finding a job by next aug. Also my husband is currently working in KSA and Iam trying to find a school thats close to where he lives. I really need to find something since if I go on a family visa Iam not allowed to work.

johnslat · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 7:45 pm Post subject:

Dear honeyandsweetie,
By a degree, I assume you mean a BA (in what?), and that means that without a CELTA, you'd be highly unlikely to find a teaching job. But this:

"I really need to find something since if I go on a family visa I am not allowed to work."

is mistaken - you could be a "local hire," although that would mean probably getting a lower salary/benefits that a teacher hired from outside the Kingdom.

You might find this interesting:
"-How do you make your living in Saudi Arabia?
My husband is employed full time. I used to work full time (as an English teacher/coordinator in the schools here in the Kingdom, but now I am tutoring a few hours a day. Actually, I am making as much as if I worked full time (local hire)."

Regards,
John

http://www.expatinterviews.com/saudi-arabia/mary-ann-mcenery.html

honeyandsweetie · Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 7

Just wondering how would one go about being a private tutor? Can you really tutor on a family visa? I was told that I was not allowed to work....I don't want to do anything illegal

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 5:11 pm Post subject:

Please do the CELTA before you go, whether you are planning to teach or tutor. It will increase your chances of being hired, and it will also be fairer to your future students. Students deserve to be taught by a trained teacher and not just a degreed native speaker. Just MHO.

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

I second Mia...

The CELTA is a good practical approach to teaching. It will be worth the investment both for you and your students. It teaches you to teach.

VS

honeyandsweetie · Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 7

Not sure if I will be able to do the CELTA but I did find out that a university nearby offers the TEFL certificate course. Does anyone have experience with Oxford Seminars?

phdinfunk · Joined: 30 May 2008 Posts: 69

My experience in Taiwan has been that there aren't many differences in teaching styles that I've observed in the last year between CELTA cert. Oxford cert. and uncertified, school-trained teachers after about a year. In fact, one of the best, most creative teachers I've worked with has no certification but was mentored by some really good teachers.

I think it's more important to have really good, experienced people to talk to and get advice from during your first several months.

--J:.

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

Yes, of course, but this is not the repetitive debate on what makes a good teacher. From reading what she is looking for, experienced colleagues are very likely going to be thin on the ground. Getting some actual training gives one a base from which to develop one's own style.

Besides, Gulf employers - even local hires - like to see actual academic credentials. It increases both your pay and your possibilities. It is worth every penny of the investment.

VS

Cleopatra · Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 9:32 am Post subject: