Job Discussion Forums

[cloud9]

Hey everyone, I'm sure this has probably been discussed before so I'm sorry, forgive me for being new. But it won't take long hopefully. I'm finishing up my bachelor's degree in English from a state school here in America and being middle eastern and with my fiance over there, I have always wanted to go back and teach and live in the middle east.

So I have a quick question. I'm not sure yet if I'd rather teach university or high school. Looks like there is a good demand in both. I thought I would go over after my BA, get some experience, see what I like, and then persue some more education afterward.

But say I do decide that I'd prefer to teach university students. Do middle eastern employers make a big deal if your MA is from a school like from a north African country vs from the USA (or other country where you "came from")? Because I was wondering if I could possibly work over there and work on my MA at the same time at a local school instead of halting my work experience to come back to do an MA.

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it!

[veiledsentiments]

My original BSc was in Secondary Education with a major in English. Is that what you have done? That would be best case as you would have done teacher training and get your state certificate/license. That would qualify you to teach at the better international schools abroad.

If your English degree is not education related, then your next step would be to get a CELTA. You might consider getting this at a British Council in one of the North African countries. Many people do it in Cairo.

If you want to teach at university level, you need your MA for most employers. I can tell you that most employers will want to see a US accredited degree versus that of the national university in a North African country. They like to see the degree from a country where English is the first language. That said, there is AUC and AUB, which would be recognized. (my MA is from AUC)

VS

[cloud9]

Hey VS, thanks for your fast reply! I am sorta in both programs regarding the English bachelor's. I applied and was accepted for the secondary school licensure track at my school. I put that on hold though since I wasn't sure what I wanted to do and so without doing it I graduate next May, but if I do it, I'd graduate like a year and a half later. So I'm leaning toward not doing it and trying to get some work experience w/a Celta. If I want to I can always come back and do a post bachelors certification program. But I wanted to see what I'd like more, working with high school students or university students, before investing that extra time and money into it.

I looked into AUC as well but the tuition is kind of expensive (more than my state school actually) and I wasn't sure if they offer financial aid like they do here...did you pay that all out of pocket or do they offer some sort of aid or loan program?

[veiledsentiments]

My tuition costs were zero because I had a Fellowship. I tried to find the webpage for the Fellowship, but they have apparently changed it. So I was unable to find the current requirements. You might give the NYC office of AUC a call and find out.

When I was there, you needed either an education BA plus some experience or lots of experience. All of the teachers were aged 30 and over... and I was the least experienced of the bunch.

I'm assuming that you are young? early 20s? If so, do it right the first time. Get the education BA, and then the CELTA, and the experience. Then think about the MA. I've watched too many people plan to go back and then one isn't able to do it.... life tends to interfere.

VS

[cloud9]

Thanks again for the friendly advice. yep you're right I turned 21 recently, you're very perceptive. Well I will look into completing that program then, thanks for your help!

[veiledsentiments]

Just to add one small detail to give you incentive since your plans are to live and work in this part of the world. The Middle East loves academic papers, so you can't have two many academic degrees in hand. It is especially prestigious for them to be from English speaking countries like the US or UK.

So, don't pass up the chance to do it while you are still young and energetic... and here.

VS

[cloud9]

Thanks VS for your help, again That is good advice and the question I was basically hoping to answer by coming here. I will definitely keep that in mind while I finish up my education. You're too kind, thank you!

[veiledsentiments]

Good Luck!!

VS

[wilberforce]

[veiledsentiments]

[wilberforce]

[millie18]

Took you 6 hours to tour Qatar

You must have taken the Karwaa Bus Tour Special or been stuck in traffic for 3 hours at some point!

Doha is dull for sure