3 Crucial Tips for ESL Teachers in The Gulf

  Teaching in the Middle East is a dream of many a teacher,be they from Europe or Africa or even Asia. There are numerous opportunities for English, Science and Mathematics teachers

in gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Oman. There are three career pathways:
1. Teaching at the American or British Curriculum international schools
2. Teaching at language centres
3. Teaching at the universities.
If you choose to take the path of teaching at language centres, please take this pieces of pro bono advice.
1. Before you come to the gulf, read a lot about the culture, social life and political aspects of the people in these countries.
2. Be open-minded. Despite your qualifications, you might be put under probation for 3 months. Teaching in these countries is totally different from that of your country of origin.
3. Take courses that will give you an edge over your colleagues in the industry. You should take these courses:
A. CELTA or TEFL or TESOL.
B. Take the IELTS test. Get at least 7.5 band score.
C. M.A TESOL(preferably from a U.K university.)

In the next piece, I am going to talk about how to survive at the workplace.

Why You Should Study English in Kenya

     "The best way to improve your knowledge of a foreign language is to go and live among the speakers. The next best way is to read extensively."   Christine E. Nutall.

           It is the dream of every student to learn English and become proficient in it. Students from all over the world study English at language schools or centers in their respective countries.

But this is not enough because they have very little or no time to practise the language outside of the classroom. 

For instance, in Saudi Arabia, students learn English for many months and sometkmes years, but the output is usually dismal. 

        It is very rare to see a student from a language centre in this country speaking and writing in English to the level of proficiency. It is because of this that students opt to look for better avenues to practise the language.

         Most of the students from  Saudi Arabia in particular and the Arab world in general tend to look for better learning environments in countries such as The UK, America, New Zealand, Malaysia, India, South Africa and The Philippines. Very few go to study English in Kenya.
       One of the reasons why they don't prefer Kenya is they don't have enough information about Kenya. They don't know English is the official language there and that most Kenyans speak English fluently.

        Now let's give you the reasons as to why you should study English in Kenya. 

      First, the language of instruction at schools in Kenya is English. We learn English from grade 1. This means every Kenyan who finished high school speaks English very well.

   So, when you go to Nairobi or Mombasa or Kisumu or Nakuru or any other city in Kenya, you will find many people to speak English with.

       Secondly, Kenyan teachers are among the best in Africa and the world. You will not regret to be a student of a Kenyan teacher.

     Third, Kenya is blessed with a very beautiful land with beautiful weather all over the year. We rarely use A.Cs even in summer.

    Fourth, it is not really expensive to stay and study in Kenya. Nairobi is the capital city and you can find housing and restaurants at affordable prices.

   Fifth, Kenya is known for its amazing wildlife and clean sandy beaches. You can have a great summer vacation as you study!

      Nairobi will give you excellent shopping experience. We have world-class shopping malls with world-class clothing brands and restaurants serving international cuisines from Indian to Japanese and from Arab to Mexican and many more.

     Finally, Kenyan people are very friendly especially to visitors, so you are going to have a really nice time there.

KARIBU KENYA.

WELCOME TO KENYA.