Job Discussion Forums

[Balance1]

Hey guys, I'm deciding on whether to start a MA program in TESOL at Texas A&M Uni. Commerce or at AUC (Egypt). Which university you think would stand out more in my resume? F.Y.I. I plan on staying in the M.E. in the long term. Thanks in advance.

(This is my first post woohoo!)

[veiledsentiments]

If you plan to stay in the ME, do as I did and get the MA at AUC. It is well recognized in the Gulf.

If you have an education BA and/or a few years of teaching experience, look into the Fellowship program at AUC. It takes 2 full years, but the price is right... -0- in tuition. Check it out on their website...

VS

[Balance1]

Thank you VS for your quick reply. Actually I have a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry + CELTA but unfortunately I have zero teaching experience. Does this information change your opinion? I'm hoping that I would be able to teach full-time in Egypt for one semester and then join AUC and switch to part-time teaching. Is this realistic or am I starting to rock the boat a little bit?

[veiledsentiments]

The lack of experience is a problem (are your BS degrees for education? did you student teach?).

I think your expectations of scheduling work elsewhere with studying for the MA at AUC could be problematic. Getting around Cairo is a nightmare of logistics and the new AUC campus is way off the beaten track. (of course, the previous location on Tahrir Square is not the place to be these days)

VS

[Balance1]

No my BS degree does not have an emphasis in education and I didn't take advantage of the student teaching (BioCat) positions my department had available when I was an undergrad. I did teach during the CELTA course though...

I was thinking of applying for a job around the 5th settlement and El Shorouk City neighborhoods. If I do go to Egypt I plan on staying as far away as I can from Downtown Cairo.

B.t.w. I appreciate all the input you're giving VS... thanks.

[veiledsentiments]

The tuition is very high at AUC, though you would be eligible for education loans under the US system. Since the Fellowship is probably not an option, I would compare the two degrees by cost... and ability to support yourself near either university.

Matching your teaching hours schedule to MA program class offerings may be an issue in Cairo. It is a small program so it could be problematic to get all the required courses plus electives done.

VS

[nomad soul]