Job Discussion Forums

Generasian X · Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 50

Are distant degrees(MAs or PhDs from Australian University of Queensland for example) accepted at the EMB (for NET)? How about for private employers? Thanks!

Ludwig · Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2004 1:35 pm Post subject:

I think you may mean 'distance' degrees, not 'distant' degrees.

As it happens, such things do not tend to go down all too well here, after all, they must compete against proper degrees, and, as they say, the market rules supreme.

On all EMB applications, there is a whole section on whether qualifications were obtained on campus as opposed to off-campus, and whether they were completed on a full-time as opposed to a part-time basis. So, in short, judge for yourself.

Obviously, for Doctorates the situation is somewhat different as a large majority of such degrees are conducted on this basis. Nevertheless, here too you would be competing against those who teach at the university at which they are completing/have completed their Doctorate studies and you would be examined on how your supervision was arranged by people who themselves are academic doctors.

As regards private firms, it is not so much what they do or do not accept, as more what the immigration allows them to accept. You do not perhaps understand some of the (very real) economic realities of (what is essentially) a (very finite) city-state.

well-travelled · Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 97

As far as I understand with regard to the NET scheme, MAs, whether distance or non-distance, do not really enter into the equation. It's initial degrees, teaching qualifications & experience that are important.

Having an MA of either pedigree does not necessarily help you get a NET post and you certainly don't receive any more money because of it.

well-travelled

Butters · Joined: 22 Aug 2004 Posts: 9

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=21941

Ludwig · Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 1:45 am Post subject:

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

Ludwig wrote:

well-travelled · Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 97

I agree that having an MA wouldn't do any harm when applying for a NET post, but I doubt it gives you a great advantage over someone with a BA and lots of experience.

As it happens I have an MA, many years teaching experience and I am a NET. I seriously doubt, however, that my having an MA played any significant part in EMB's offering me a NET positiion.

well-travelled

ozman · Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Posts: 133 Location: HONG KONG

Agreed well travelled.
I too am a NET with an M.A. You don't get extra for it and I did do half of it part time and finished the other half by distance. I didn't need the M.A. to become a NET.

It might give you the edge however if you are looking to change schools in the future within the NET scheme. It all depends on what the schools want.

Most places in the Middle East want an M.A. so it's not a bad string to add to your bow.
Ozman

well-travelled · Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 97

Ozman -

I agree with everything you write. The irony is I'm back here from the MIddle East after a less than edifying experience there.

In truth, most jobs in the ME (and I'm talking tertiary level here) pay peanuts compared to the NET scheme. I include here Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait & most jobs in Saudi Arabia. I was offered posts at universities in Oman & Bahrain for roughly the equivalent of $HK16,000 a month.....

Some posts in the UAE are better - namely HCT, UAEU & Zayed University. You don't need an MA for HCT (but some of the HCT colleges are run by scumbags) but UAEU & Zayed are okay if you can get a post there.

You still, however, receive less pay than on the NET scheme - and, in general, the students here are far far more motivated than the students you have to deal with in the MIddle East.

Cheers,

well-travelled

guru · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 156 Location: Indonesia

What would be better ME at UAEU/ HCT or NET with a non working spouse and 3 kids 5 years, 3 and 1 ?

NET don't look after the family do they so would i better off financially in the ME or Hong Kong?

well-travelled · Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 97

Guru -

Depends where you are on the UAEU/HCT payscale & the NET payscale - which depends mainly on years of experience. In terms of basic salary I think the NET scheme has the edge.

However, you're right that there is no kids' educational allowance on the NET scheme. I know that HCT - and I presume UAEU too - have very generous educational allowances - which would be relevant to your oldest child entering a primary school in the UAE. However, they do not pay kindergarten fees.

If you were to stay for the long-term, that educational allowance would make a big difference.

well-travelled

Joshua2006 · Joined: 04 Jan 2010 Posts: 342

My MA counted and that was a distance course.

Never needed to use it mind......