Job Discussion Forums

[desertrose281]

Hello all

I'm looking for some advice on taking a Masters in English Education. It doesn't seem like a well-known qualification and I've only found it offered at a few Universities (I'm applying to Korea University).

I already have CELTA so my expectations with an MA in Eng Ed is to get a better foundation in Education with a particular focus on teaching English. My undergrad degree is not related to TEFL which is why I thought this would be a good option.

It's going to be quite an expensive investment so I want to make sure that I'm doing the right thing! What I'd like to know is:

1. Is this a recognized qualification in the TESOL environment?
2. Has anybody here taken this / would recommend it?
3. Would an MA in TESOL be a much better option?

I really appreciate any advice you can share (any comments about Korea University would also be really helpful)!

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

You should probably register and ask at the Korean job forums.

In general, if you want your degree to be accepted by people in countries other than the one you did it in (and possibly in countries very near or that have good relations with that country), you need to do your degree in teaching English language from an 'inner circle' English speaking country. [You may even have problems with employers in the country where the university is located].

[nomad soul]

[santi84]

I can only speak for Canada, but your degree would not be given much weight here by most employers (if not all). I've worked directly with teachers who have had an MA in English Education (English Literature, TESOL) from non-English universities and they have a reputation for poor English skills. I worked with one who couldn't even write a recipe correctly.

I'm not saying you would be like this (I'm sure you can speak English just fine!), but here in Canada, your MA needs to come from an English-language university in order to be taken seriously. Even teachers with French-language degrees in Quebec will struggle to find work outside their province.

If you plan to stay in Korea forever (and this is not something I would ever bank on!) then post in the Korea forum for reviews about the university.

[desertrose281]

Hi all

Thank you for all the advice! I have been part of the Korean forum for a while but I thought the discussion would be more relevant here as I would like advice on a more international level, I wouldn't like to limit my options to Korea only

I am a New Zealander but the trouble with doing an MA in TESOL here is that I need to have done my degree in a related major and have 2 years teaching experience - both of which I don't have... Hence the application for an overseas degree.

The best option would really be for me to get teaching experience beforehand. I would prefer this myself but unfortunately I don't look "like an English teacher" and therefore my chances of getting hired are pretty slim. My strategy is to aim for an academic advantage but I don't know how effective that will be.

[suphanburi]

IMHO...

If you don't have your 2 years in the classroom then spending the time and cash for an MATESOL is not a smart thing to do.

Get your classroom time in then decide if teaching EFL is what you actually want to do.

Alternatively, look at a professional teaching credential (PGCE or equivalent), get your classroom time in and look at the international school circuit. The pay and benefits far outweigh what you would be looking at by teaching EFL in the tertiary sector in Asia.

.

[desertrose281]

[gwiffey]