Job Discussion Forums

epik_teacher · Joined: 09 Aug 2010 Posts: 52

I've been teaching ESL since 1995. I'm American, have an MS Ed in Curriculum Design and have been in Asia the whole time. Last 10 years in Korea, 3 years each at two small hakwans and the last 4 in public middle school in EPIK. I'm taking the Cert TESOL in Spain in Jan-Feb 2011 and am planning to start the distance Diploma TESOL right aferwards. (Yes, it is possible to do it.) Very strongly considering coming to Saudi as my contract ends 25 FEB 2011.

I know the Asia market well but don't know the pitfalls of Saudi. I'd like to avoid all the scammers and find a decent job. but don't know where to start. Can someone point me in the right direction?!? Thanks.

Grendal · Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2010 10:03 pm Post subject:

Sorry to be the party pooper but may I suggest turning around running like heck as fast as you can from that idea?

ARAMCO
KFUPM
BOOZ HAMILTON
IPA
RAYTHEON

Just to mention a few. Oh wait a minute! Ooops. Sorry, that's about it plus or minus a couple.

Regards.

Grendal

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2010 10:33 pm Post subject:

Aramco doesn't hire directly and the other company is Booz Allen Hamilton now known as Booz Allen...

NCTBA

Al-Mansoor · Joined: 15 Aug 2010 Posts: 76 Location: Here

Hi epik_teacher

You should still try Aramco: https://sjobs.brassring.com/1033/asp/tg/cim_home.asp?PartnerId=25270&SiteId=5396

Although they rarely hire directly, you might be in with a chance with your qualifications. They offer a superb package, which I was unfortunately declined after an interview.

Where are you originally from and what "mother toungue"? This has bearing on hiring with some companies, unfortunately.

johnslat · Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2010 11:07 pm Post subject:

Dear epik_teacher,

The MS is OK - although the better places prefer an MA in TESOL or in Applied Linguistics; the overseas experience is good - although the better places prefer that experience to have been in the Middle East (and in teaching adults.)

"I'm planning to start the distance Diploma TESOL . . ."

If you're doing that for Saudi, don't waste your money. To the best of my knowledge, none of the better employers credit any degrees//certificates done on-line.

Regards,
John

epik_teacher · Joined: 09 Aug 2010 Posts: 52

I'm doing to Cert TESOL because I haven't been on the student side of the classroom in a long time. I doubt I could complete the Dip TESOL without doing it. That was the goal, and why I'm doing it. I should have done it years ago, but I got comfortable and a bit lazy in Korea. I'm considering the ME because I'm tired of Asia and want to go somewhere else. I'm American, by the way. Would they consider the DIP TESOL done mostly online illegit? It's four months of online study and one month of in class study.

I thought I'd look at Saudi first, then other countries. Should I look elsewhere?