Job Discussion Forums

Nabby Adams · Joined: 08 Feb 2008 Posts: 215

I am 42. I have 12 years teaching experience. The last 7 in a Japanese university. If I do a MA now will I get a decent job in the ME?

I like teaching, but I love the holidays too. How easy is it to find a job with 2 longish holidays? 2 two month breaks would be perfect. Smile

What country should I be looking at?

Oh and what is the typical teaching load?

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

I know of no employers that give two two-month breaks. It sounds like you need to stay there if that is a priority. The better universities that require a related MA with 3+ years of related experience offer 2 months off in the summer (plus a couple weeks between semesters and the two Islamic Eids that are 4-10 days)... with probably an average of 18-20 contact hours... with many requiring 35-40 hours on campus.

VS

sisyphus · Joined: 20 Sep 2009 Posts: 170

I am in a similar situation as the original poster, I am 44 and for financial reasons, am planning to do an MA Applied Linguistics and EFL and then try to get a job in the gulf. As VS mentions you probably need post MA experience, which I wont have although I have all together 14 yrs teaching experience and ran my own school here in Czech Rep. What are my chances in ME/Gulf ..?

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

I'd say pretty good... though you could run into a problem that those interviewing you may think you are after their job. Laughing

The more and varied experience you have pre-MA, the better your chances. That said, there are employers who insist on X years post MA. But again, demand is the key. Where a real problem can come in is for someone who applies for a job that advertised MA+3... and a person has only three years... pre MA... and it was conversation classes while most of that type job wants Academic English, preferably reading and writing.

VS

sisyphus · Joined: 20 Sep 2009 Posts: 170

VS many thanks for reply. I think if you werent around our knowledge would be substantially diminished. appreciated as tbh im on a pretty low ebb at the moment and it keeps me going...if I didnt have a family I would just do a one year full time MA ..but havent got the option.cheers.