Job Discussion Forums

[geoffwode]

Hi

I am planning on applying for a BA in English. It is a 3 year course. I already have a CELTA. I intend to teach in Vietnam once qualified.

Whilst googling I saw mention of the need for a 4 year degree, either for a work VISA, or to get the better paid teaching positions.

Looking at the leading school websites, however, I can only see a requirement for a 3 year degree.

Does anyone know if choosing a 3 year degree would hinder me at all? If not in Vietnam, then perhaps elsewhere?

Thanks

Alex

[tellersquill]

A three year degree is fine.

I'm not sure the exact reason why, but Americans study for their bachelors over fours years, whereas Brits study for three years.

[SeldomSeen]

My degree certificate does not mention when I started the degree, only when I was awarded it. How will anyone know how long it took?

[ExpatLuke]

The 4 year degree just means a Bachelors degree. It doesn't matter if you complete it in 2 years. It largely stems from the confusion between college and university degrees here in Vietnam. College degrees are just 2 year vocational degrees, and university degrees are all 4 years and considered the "real" degrees.

Try talking to a Vietnamese person about the different degrees we have in the west, and they cannot comprehend it. "What do you mean, there is a 2 year Associates degree in America?" It blows their mind.

[geoffwode]

Thanks very much everyone for clarifying. Can happily put my degree application in now

[tellersquill]

Has anyone noticed that they do not care about degree classification?

I mean, one guy could have a third from Derby study media and another could have a first from Oxford studying Mathematics and they would both be treated the same.

[suphanburi]