Job Discussion Forums

[vorticity]

Hey

It would seem from the posts of some that such qualifications hold little value with employers in KSA. However, there seem to be some who have experienced a more favourable attitude. Is there anyone who falls into the latter category? And if so, would you mind disclosing some details in this regard?

Also - if you fall into the former - is this an attitude you feel is likely to differ greatly amongst employers in KSA?

I'm considering undertaking a distance MA, and would be grateful for responses to the above; as well as any useful advice those with experience might offer.

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to your responses

[lazycomputerkids]

[vorticity]

Hey 'lazy'. The only implicative I see from your previous two posts MOD EDIT, I believe [if so, well done]) is the amount of free time you apparently have on your hands

[johnslat]

Dear vorticity,

I'll be very interested and surprised if anyone responds affirmatively regarding an employer's having a positive attitude towards degrees obtained on-line. To the best of my understanding, very few in the Kingdom would fall into that category, and none of those would be among the better class of employers.

However, not having the ability to know the requirements of all the potential employers in Saudi, I could be mistaken.

Regards,
John

[vorticity]

Thank you for your reply, johnslat.

Well, the idea I'm getting is pretty much what you've mentioned. It seems one might find a favourable attitude should they go through a recruiter; but as far as direct-hire is concerned, it may be a different story.. (and I'm open to be proven otherwise..)

[veiledsentiments]

I recall reading here that distance/online MAs won't be approved by the Ministry, but those who said that could have only "heard" it too.

VS

[Cleopatra]

Most employers do not recognise MAs done by distance learning. Nor, to the best of my knowledge, does the Saudi Ministry of Education. That may mean that if your job title requires an MA (most teaching jobs do no) the embassy would not give you a visa if they were aware that your degree was done online.

However, many employers do recognise 'blended' degrees - where part of the study was done online, and part of it on campus. If your degree falls into this category, you should be OK.

[vorticity]

I see.. thanks for that.

Also, a query about your post, 'Cleopatra':

"..(most teaching jobs do no).."

Do you mean 'not' or 'now'? I have a feeling it's now.. which leads me to another question..

are there any blended-courses available for those working full-time in KSA? If so, has anyone been on one?

Thanks again, and I hope you people don't mind my picking your brains

[Cleopatra]

[vorticity]

Had a look on their website (University of Birmingham), but didn't find mention of any 'blended' programmes. Didn't find much via google as well (atleast as far as UK universities are concerned).

[johnslat]

Dear vorticity,


Would this be it:

http://www.cels.bham.ac.uk/programmes/distance/tefltesl.shtml

http://www.cels.bham.ac.uk/programmes/distance/tefltesl-descriptions.shtml#descriptions

Regards,
John

[vorticity]

Yes, johnslat, that's the one. I did have a fair good read of the information there, but didn't find mention that any part of the course (optional or otherwise) would/could be on campus.

[johnslat]

Dear vorticity

Ah, but if it's accepted by the Ministry of Ed in Saudi (as Cleopatra believes,) no problem (i.e. ma fi mushkils.)

Now - how to find out for sure that the Ministry accepts it; that's the problem.

Regards,
John

[vorticity]

Ma fi mushkila indeed. And actually, I was thinking about that before - i.e. how one might find out specifically what the Ministry considers acceptable. So another question is raised..

[Cleopatra]