Job Discussion Forums

bigmac182 · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 4 Location: Denver

Hello,
Much to my heartbreak it appears that an inexperienced teacher cannot find a decent position in the ME. I am graduating with a degree in Arabic and had hoped to immerse myself in the language and culture while providing a means of income by teaching English. The experienced teachers can now laugh themselves to death. Moving on however, in the opinion of the experts here, which country would be a good start to gain experience so that I may one day go to the ME as planned. I appreciate any advice available. Thanks

johnslat · Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 6:46 pm Post subject: Talking Turkey

Dear bigmac182,
Besides your degree in Arabic (and congratulations on that; it's not, I'd say, an easy language for non-Arabs to master) do you have anything such as a CELTA or a TESL/TEFL certificate?
I think, in any case, your best bet might well be to try for an English teaching position in a Muslim, non-Middle Eastern country, such as, say,
Indonesia, North Africa or even Turkey.
Be advised, though, that most decent jobs in the Middle East often require a Masters degree, preferably in an area such as Applied Linguistics, TEFL/TESL or a "related field". As an example, here are the qualifications asked for by King Fah'd University of Petroleum and Minerals:

"Qualifications: An MA in TEFL/TESOL or Applied Linguistics, a one- year, full-time postgraduate diploma in TEFL/TESL from an accredited university, or an RSA/UCLES DELTA with a minimum of three years teaching experience and the ability to use Instructional Technology is preferred. More basic postgraduate qualifications in TESOL (CELTA or Cert TEFLA) can also be considered for candidates with particularly appropriate experience. "

There are jobs available that require fewer qualifications, but many/most of them would not be too pleasant, I'd say.
Regards,
John

bigmac182 · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 4 Location: Denver

I apologize. I forgot to mention that I will be completing a CELTA in June "in sha allah". So add that to my credentials. I hadn't thought about North Africa. I had looked at Egypt but it seems that most positions are very scary. I will be bringing my wife and two children so that is also a consideration. Thanks again.
Andrew

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

Hi bigmac,

Yes, I fear that JohnS is right about the requirements for jobs in the Middle East. Your best chances for Arabic speaking countries would be Morocco, Egypt, Syria, and perhaps Jordan or Lebanon (the last two being a bit expensive). I have heard that Tunisia is very expensive for foreigners. You would certainly be able to support yourself in any of those if you were single, but as a family this could be tough. The biggest problem could be education for your children. English speaking school tuition is prohibitively expensive. Hopefully, if they are school age, your wife (and yourself) could homeschool them, which is a good option nowadays.

In making this step primarily to help your Arabic skills, the best choice would probably be Syria as it is a more 'respected' dialect. Wherever you decide to live, the local dialect is going to 'invade' your training. Smile

Egyptian Arabic is widely understood, but looked down upon by many. (what little Arabic I speak is Egyptian and Gulf Arabs found it hilariously funny that I sound like an 'Egyptian'). Moroccan dialect is not widely understood. But, it is a great country to live in!!

Anywhere you go, the money will be tight, but I think you will enjoy it greatly.

VS

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

Damascus or Amman: language schools or USIS/USIA (whatever they call it these days) programs. GO THERE and look around. When it's hiring time and they're short of teachers, they'll often take people without a Master's.

Paul in Saudi · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 404 Location: Doha, Qatar

Big Mac, please send me your resume.

And say hello to Mr. Lux for me, please.

-Paul

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I would apply and just ignore the requirements stated in the adverts.

princessofquitealot · Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Posts: 38 Location: Malaysia

If what you are looking for is experience, and not big bucks, why don't you try to get a job in Yemen? You would certaintly have more opportunities to practice your Arabic and I don't think you would have too much difficulty finding a job without experience. The cost of living is very low and you can easily live on what you earn.

princessofquitealot
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