Job Discussion Forums

Lissabe · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Chicago, Il

I decided to hold off teaching in Asia while I finish my Masters in Higher Education. I have one year to go until I finish. Do any of you know if this is a credential that will help me negotiate a higher salary? Thanks for your time!

2 over lee · Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 3:14 am Post subject:

So you�re telling me even after I get my Master�s I will still have to work in Asia?

Lissabe, it really depends what country ande do you have some marketable skill beyond plain English, ie can you teach Physics, Maths or Accounting?. The countries organised enought to care about qualifications ie Singapore and HK also care about work experience. In China and Korea as long as you can spout forth English in a long monotonous train a la my Uncle Bob your a highly sort after product.

Your best bet I would think would be Japan. Such questions as you pose above are a little open, I suggest you start e-mailing some schools directly. Don�t forget Asia is a place of great variables housing 60% of the world�s population

2 uber lee

Lissabe · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Chicago, Il

I don't have to work in Asia, I want to. I certainly didn't intend to imply that the entire continent does not look for specific qualifications. I have elementary education teaching experience and I am wondering if after conferring my masters degree it will allow me to teach english to university students. I will apologize for saying Asia, however that section of the world is where I am looking to work. I only have information on schools in Japan and South Korea, however I am asking those of you with experience to advise on whether or not I can find any job other than an entry level position. Should that be the only option available to me, I will still be making the trip. I would just like some advice.

lagerlout2006 · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 985

Is an MA in HIGHER education different than an M ED? Not being sassy--just wondering.

In Korea a Master's is not strictly required to work in a Uni but it would certainly help.

In China it would automatically get you a higher salary...Not by too much maybe--but more. It might also open up a management type job since I assume you could design a curriculum...So yes you should do better than the average entry level job.

Lissabe · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Chicago, Il

It just depends on where you go to school and what your classes are based in , some are research, M.S., theory to pratice, M.Ed, and I am not really familiar with the M.A. programs, are they generally ESL teaching programs?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Japan info:

NOVA used to put on their web site the fact that you got an extra monthly stipend (around 5000 yen, or US$50) for having any one of the following:

master's degree, bachelor of education degree, teaching license or accredited TEFL qualification

Not much for the effort, is it?

International schools offer a slightly higher salary than conversation schools, but you need to be certified in your home country to work for them, I think.

If you can prove publications and some work experience (preferably in Japan), you will be eligible for university work, which commands a fairly high salary. Fresh college grads usually don't have these qualifications, though.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

hamel · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 95

i guess i'll weigh in since i've taught in korea in various settings.

what is often said about teaching in korea is not always true. not everyone will be hired for a good public school job and certainly not for a university position. you will get more pay in the national public school program but will not get more in a university--and without a lot of experience and connections don't count on that. university jobs that pay more usually do not offer good housing also.

but usually westerners with a teacher's certificate are favored for university and public school jobs.

i understand what you say about a masters in ed. it is often a two year post bachelors professional teaching degree like the masters in teaching. very popular with universities in the states these days as many school districts (wash state and oregon for example) do or will require a masters of public school teachers.

you could do quite well at a language institute in korea as well, but choose carefully.
good luck.