| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
mrjohndub
Joined: 19 Sep 2005
Posts: 198
Location: Saitama, Japan
|
 Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:13 pm Post subject: Graduate Education |
 |
|
I'm curious to know if anyone has strong opinions about whether a graduate degree in TESOL (or related disciplines) is a worthwhile goal.
I understand that this endeavor could be accomplished here in Japan concurrently while working, but know relatively little about the possibilities aside from advertising by institutions. I also see that coursework can be done by correspondence, though I'm not sure how that is regarded by employers and others. I'm also aware of several 'teach and study' programs at well-regarded universities worldwide that seem interesting.
I am not interested in living in Japan for a long time (probably three years at the most), nor do I intend to work strictly for businesses wherever I might be. What I do know is that I want to expand my opportunities worldwide and get a specific education in this field. I've only been involved in it for a short time, but I'm enjoying it and am more stimulated than I expected to be. So I'd like to get a better idea of how to grow from here. Graduate school seems like an intriguing option.
Thoughts?
Are there downsides aside from the expense of time and money?
Do you know anyone who has gone this route and thinks that they benefitted from it?
Do you have any recommendations that can be substantiated?
Thanks |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| I am not interested in living in Japan for a long time (probably three years at the most), nor do I intend to work strictly for businesses wherever I might be. |
May I ask just where you intend to work, if not for businesses wherever you might be during those 3 years? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mrjohndub
Joined: 19 Sep 2005
Posts: 198
Location: Saitama, Japan
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 9:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Schools would be the alternative. Or a related support field.
I guess what I'm interested in figuring out is if having a masters open up all kinds of doors for me...more or less worldwide. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 11:33 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Schools.
Elementary to high school does not usually require a master's degree, but the odd school will. Foreigners do not get FT teaching jobs at public schools, by the way. They are ALTs there (and even though the hours may be FT, you are either hired by the board of education or a dispatch agency). Don't know what age group you are interested in.
Junior colleges and technical/vocational schools are fading out of existence, but you might want to look into them. Whether you need a BA or a master's is up to the schooo, but I think you'll find most require a master's. Some even want the degree plus publications.
Universities require a master's as a minimum degree, plus publications, plus some experience teaching in Japan, and some level of Japanese language ability. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 3:55 am Post subject: Re: Graduate Education |
|
|
| mrjohndub wrote: |
I'm curious to know if anyone has strong opinions about whether a graduate degree in TESOL (or related disciplines) is a worthwhile goal.
I understand that this endeavor could be accomplished here in Japan concurrently while working, but know relatively little about the possibilities aside from advertising by institutions. I also see that coursework can be done by correspondence, though I'm not sure how that is regarded by employers and others. I'm also aware of several 'teach and study' programs at well-regarded universities worldwide that seem interesting.
|
JohnDub,
I am currently doing one of the 'correspondence courses' you mention: I am a distance PhD student with the University of Birmingham in the UK. My course is in Applied Linguistics.
Distance degrees, or those offered through accreditted universities but you work at your own pace from home, are recognised in Japan. I know several people who have completed such degrees and Im now in my 5th year. This is not to be confused with 'diploma mills' where you pay money and get a certificate in the mail. Distance is not really correspondence. there are are no lectures but you still have to vist the library and write papers and/or a thesis. I am in contact with my supervisor who is the in the UK and she gives me feedback and advice. Some things can not really be done by email or phone so a trip to UK is necessary. Most distance work requires a great degree of self-motivatiion and self-discipline as there is no lecturer standing over you. Though you do have deadlines.
Distance degrees through accredited overseas universities are recognised all over the world. There is also Temple University japan and Columbia University in Tokyo but you have to be able to attend classes as they are 'chalk and talk' classes with professors etc.
Whether its worth it depends on your personal goals and what you want to get out of it. My degree currently costs me about half a million yen a year in fees over 6 years part time. Temple costs 200,000 yen for a 12 week 3 credit course.
What do you want to do with the degree when you finish?
Do you want to do a Masters? You will need a Masters degree for any university jobs so whether its 'worth it' is irelevant IMO If you dont want to stay where you are you will need to spend the money anyway. No one will guarantee you a job at the end of it, but as i told a friend in Vermont doors will open with a Masters that are closed without a degree. Its up to you to decide how badly you want it.
The degree I am doing im not doing for the money, (I wont get much extra money for having a graduate degree than what im getting now, in Japan) but personal satisfaction and the jobs that people with a doctorate would be happy with.
Be clear in your own mind what you want to do the degree for and what you want to get out of it. If its just for more money and higher salary it may be for the wrong reasons.
PROS of doing a Masters degree
Increased job opportunities
Better pay and conditions
can get jobs back home or in other countries as a HOD or DOS (Director of Studies)
Increased job status and prestige (a teaching professional with qualifications)
Can do a distance degree without quitting your current job or leave Japan. Great for people with families (you will need it if you plan to marry and have kids here)
recognised worldwide (distance degrees are not recognised in Taiwan and Saudi Arabia)
Can level up from conversation school type jobs to regular high school and college jobs.
Will be ahead of the competition in many conversation school type jobs, Masters do get hired but some schools dont like people who are 'too qualified' and independent in their thinking and approach. Conversation schools here like team players, not know-it-all prima donnas.
CONS
Expensive. Temple costs 2 million for the Masters. Columbia in Tokyo is 2.5 million over 3 years
Add in airfare and accomodation if you travel overseas as part of your degree.
Time consuming and often monotonous. TUJ takes 2-3 years on top of a full time job. Lectures, study, homework commuting doesnt leave much time for socialising and travel etc. You have to bite the bullet with your budget and plan your time.
For PhD degrees some universities require you travel to the home campus for residency. With masters you can do the residency in japan.
Fairly limited teaching opportunities outside TESOL or ESL jobs. Can get teaching jobs in ESL or UK etc but pay is not that great in English speaking countries, maybe tutoring at a Western university. Best money is in Asia for qualified and experience people.
Shrinking job market in Japan. Overqualified for conversation schools, but in ten years the number of 18 year olds will halve. By 2014 probably 50-60 universities in japan will go out of business. University teaching though cushy is a contracting industry as student numbers plummet and more teachers compete for less jobs. Be prepared to look for work in other countries or expand your skill base e.g CALL or IT skills. Chinese also I think will be the next growing foreign language to learn. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mrjohndub
Joined: 19 Sep 2005
Posts: 198
Location: Saitama, Japan
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 5:20 am Post subject: |
|
|
My hat's off to you for that comprehensive and well-reasoned response, PAULH.
I'm thinking that concurrent enrollment in a degree program while working full-time AND in a foreign country is a steep price. When I was in undergrad I did it, and quite successfully, but I was completely in my element working and going to school in the United States. Here, things are just more logistically complicated for me. One of the things that would help me out is a strong command of Japanese, but I've decided that I am not going to make Japanese a priority to learn to an advanced level. I happen to have studied six other foreign languages (three of which I would characterize myself has having advanced fluency in), and I devote a great deal of my free time to maintaining my studies with those as is...no easy task when you haven't many people to practice with. I suppose that I just don't have the time to do it while here in Japan. Perhaps I will devote more time to looking for a sort of 'teach and study' style program at a reputable university outside of Japan with a decent fellowship or that would be eligible for financial aid of some type.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, and good luck as you near the completion of your studies in the doctoral program. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 6:06 am Post subject: |
|
|
JohnDub
Japanese ability is not needed on any of these courses as they are either branch campuses of foreign universities (TUJ is now fulled accreditted as a university by Monbusho in Japan) or are through overseas institutions
You only need Japanese if you plan to study at a Japanese university. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mrjohndub
Joined: 19 Sep 2005
Posts: 198
Location: Saitama, Japan
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 7:52 am Post subject: |
|
|
Point taken.
What I was getting at with Japanese comment is that compared to living in a country where I have a command of the prevailing language, I don't accomplish things in general as quickly or move from one obligation to another (time-wise) as seamlessly. Basically, doing everyday things takes up more time. Not that I'm saying it isn't pleasantly challenging. I wouldn't be here if I were afraid of that. This is sort of a 'duh' comment, I know. But that coupled with the time that I now must make to maintain my 'priority' languages take up a lot of my free time that I could devote to the pursuit of another degree.
Not a complaint, though. It's all a very rewarding experience. I hear what you're saying. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
