Job Discussion Forums

[luvz_teaching]

Ok! OK!
I got the message, to teach in one of the better places an MA is a must.
(I just have a 2yr post grad diploma in TEFL)

So, if I am currently in Saudi, where do I get one? Which Uni? How much would it cost?
Let's say I got it, would reputable places in Riyadh acknowledge an MA from their own country?? Or does it have to be from an English speaking country?
Can I get a job in return for a masters with some $change$ for life's everyday expenses?

On a different note:
I asked this question before but no one answered and I urgently need an answer:
If I acquired my diploma through an education academy(in the mideast) that flew in instructors from the original American University in the states, and I spent the time(160 class hours), had observed teaching + practicum, handed in the exact assignments as if I were an actual student, what is that called? Distance learning?

Thanks again for everyone's help

[Sheikh N Bake]

From what you describe, this was an on-site, residential ("brick and mortar") program, not distance. It doesn't matter whether the instructors were flown in or were resident faculty. If the faculty are flown in temporarily, they are simply adjunct or visiting faculty.

[scot47]

I have never heard of programmes like this in Saudi Arabia. There are some in Bahrain - and in the other GCC countries. If you know of any in KSA, please post the info here.

Certainly KSA is a good place to do Distance Learning or "Blended Learning" (a mix of Distance and on-site).

[Cleopatra]

Have you considered doing a CELTA? It would be a cheaper and certainly quicker way to attain a widely recognised qualification. I've heard that the British Council in Riyadh and Jeddah ocassionally run CELTA courses. Try phoning them to ask.

[Umm 'Abdil-Wahhaab]

Thanks for sharing Cleo!

I know CELTA is the way to go, but do people know they only offer it in about 5 places in the US? At least thats what I found. It can make it difficult or impossible for those who are not able to go stay in one of these cities for a month. It's nice to know that you can get a CELTA while there!

Here's what I found:

CAMBRIDGE CELTA (SUMMER 2010)

Contacts
For more information please contact our customer service staff by email at [email protected]
Or Call +966 2657 6200
Or Contact:
Yasmin Haniya: Customer Services Advisor
Hadeel Ahmed: Customer Services Advisor

Cost: SR 8000 (Please note that this course is available to women only.)

http://www.britishcouncil.org/me-saudiarabia-english-courses-details.htm

[Didah]

Hi LT,

You may want to consider one of the distance learning masters programs. I completed my M.S. Ed. TESOL through Shenandoah University in Virginia. All of the coursework is done online. SU does have a requirement that you make a presentation to the faculty at the end of the program. The transcript does not indicate whether the courses were done in a classroom or online. This was not a fly-by-night degree mill and the coursework was challenging and interesting.

There are other programs similar to the one at SU. A couple of advantages were that the tuition was relatively inexpensive -- about US$ 1, 400 per class. Also, the university is accredited by Southern States which also accredits Georgetown and Duke.

On a final note, I am not a shill for this institution. After earning my degree, it did open doors in the Middle East.

Good Luck

[Cleopatra]

Bear in mind that online degrees are not usually accepted in KSA, no matter how reputable the issuing university is.

And the fact that the certificate doesn't specify how the degree was obtained won't neccessarily help you. If, according to your CV, you were resident in KSA at the same time you were studying for a degree from an American university, it doesn't take a genius to put two and two together.

[luvz_teaching]

Thanks for everyone's feedback.
From it all I guess CELTA is the way to go. I have seen from various job posts that online MA's or TEFL certificates are not accepted. So I will try to contact the British Council in Riyadh to see if the hours suit me. I do have a morning job and a demanding afternoon life. Will see and let everyone know.

[appletini7]

If you're male, the British Council in Riyadh is providing CELTA training this summer (btw, my experience with the British Council in Riyadh hasn't been positive. They don't return phone calls, their website is misleading, etc. etc.).

If you're female, you'd have to go to Jeddah.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]