Job Discussion Forums

whimzee42 · Joined: 24 Apr 2005 Posts: 10

Hey folks. I am 2/3 of the way through an English Masters program. My original plan was to get a PhD, but I'm just too darn restless to spend the next 5+ years in moldy old libraries. Besides, I'm realizing that I am way more interested in the applied linguistics stuff than I am in literary theory. So, for a variety of reasons. . .ESL, here I come.

Here's the thing. I'm going to get my CELTA next summer in Spain. (any good school recommendations would be greatly appreciated). Do you think that having a Masters in English will help my job prospects (pay level) at all?

Thanks

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Are you kidding? Heck, with an MA and a CELTA you probably wouldn't get hired by a lot of the McLanguage schools because you'd be dangerously overqualified!

whimzee42 · Joined: 24 Apr 2005 Posts: 10

Really? Overqualification wasn't something I considered. Yikes. Another roadblock. It's a good thing I'm really bullheaded.

Thanks! Very Happy

tedkarma · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 11:29 pm Post subject:

Is650 is a bit tongue-in-cheek.

Luckily, yes, the really cr*p schools won't want you - but you don't want to work for those places anyway.

With your masters degree you will be qualified to work in universities in most Asian countries - for a better wage and much much much more vacation time.

Most of Asia, with the exception of Thailand, won't be too interested in your TEFL Cert - particularly if you already have a masters degree. The advanced degree is what will get you the job.

That said, the TEFL Cert will help you learn to teach English. Not a bad idea at all - and will sharpen your resume.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Getting a job in a uni in Japan would still be tough since most unis here want some publications and a decent grasp of the Japanese language. Korea is another option. No need to speak Korean there and a masters would certainly qualify you to work there. I also agree with getting a CELTA, it will help you teach, no question especially if you don't have any teaching experience.

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 11:25 pm Post subject:

I would agree that Japan would be difficult. However, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, China, and more - are quite doable.

whimzee42 · Joined: 24 Apr 2005 Posts: 10

Thanks for all the advice, folks.

I think I want to spend some time in Spain first before heading to Asia. I was in Spain 14 years ago & always promised myself I would return. I have friends there too, so that will help adjustment.

Then, after I have some teaching (probably illegal -- I'm American) experience, I want to go to Asia. I'm sure I'll get up with the illegal thing & want to go somewhere that offers me some job security!