Job Discussion Forums

[Vecchia]

Hi all I was wondering if some of you would take the time to describe your experiences on either program. I applied to both and have been accepted to both but I would really like some more information about what the programs are really like!

I realise there are a few old posts but things change, new faculty members etc
Thanks in advance

[timothypfox]

I will give my 2 cents worth about MA TESOL programs in NY. Take it or leave it since I do not have experience with the schools you mention in question.

I did an MS TESOL at City College of the City University of New York through the New York City Teaching Fellows. The Master's cost me around $4000 because it was heavily subsidized by New York City, and gave a lot of assistance certifying me as a public school teacher in ESL and then placing me in a public school. I could work and study at the same time as a full salaried teacher.

Both Columbia and NYU effectively would yearly tuitions that are 2000 to 3000% more expensive (assuming the NYC Teaching Fellows still subsidizes at the same level). But, if cost is no issue it is informative to know that most professor I studied with trained at Columbia University or NYU. So, if your aim is to be a professor at least in New York City - these 2 universities are a good way to go.

If you do the more affordable public school route without the teaching fellows, you can still get quite affordable tuition and finish your studies with a PhD if you are so bound at the Graduate Center at the City University of New York.

If money is no issue, sorry for making you read my post!

[scintillatestar]

I go to Columbia, so I can only speak for this program. I enjoy it a lot. I've found all of the classes I've taken within my department to be very good. I would recommend the TESOL or Applied Linguistics tracks. I am doing TESOL with the optional K-12 state certification. For me, Columbia was also quite a bit cheaper ($15,000-$20,000) than NYU, as the tuition was lower and fewer credits were required.

I don't go to NYU, but I've heard that it's considered more "practical." I got the CELTA before I started, so I actually felt that I needed additional grounding in the language.

The last poster is correct; most professors and university lecturers in NYC went to either NYU or Columbia. I currently work at NYU and credit the program for helping me get my job. If you want to go this route, I would recommend one of these two programs. NYU has a good reputation worldwide, but I believe that Columbia's is even more well-respected.

However, unless you have a trust fund or huge savings, it's a big financial commitment. There are places and/or school around the world when you can work tax-free and rent-free and pay it down.

[Vecchia]

Thanks for the reply. I visited both universities for tours and I had a chat with a couple of faculty members. I found TC to be more organised, open and helpful so I've accepted to go there. Although the Ma tesol seems to be more theoretical rather than pedagogical at TC, I noticed you can supplement your course with breadth modules whilst also having reasonable freedom for the research project. Also, I felt a real community spirit at TC!
Yes it is very pricey but I genuinely believe it will open more doors for me in the future.