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firejugglingboy

Hello. I have taught English at a school in Thailand for 8 months and would like to continue teaching but it seems like so many more doors (and countries) would be available to me if I got a degree. I have been considering going to school in Thailand as it would be much cheaper but am unsure if this would be recognized internationally. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Micah

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

That's kind of a tough one to answer, as it really depends on what school or job you're trying to get into. I think that most non-university jobs will just look and think 'Thailand? That's unusual.' and let it go.

But if you're trying to land a teaching position in an accredited university, it will likely put your degree under some scrutiny. Is the Thai school recognized by any international organizations? Are those organizations reputable?

If you find a school you like, do a lot of research to make sure you'll end up with a piece of paper that's recognized.

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

I agree with ls650 on this one. This will be especially true if you subsequently look to seek jobs in Asia since most of these countries are still after the prestige name-brand graduates.

I anticipate that this will change in the future, however. I think more and more American and British universities will set up campuses in Thailand to attract students from the area.

Perhaps it is one of these schools you are thinking of? Unfortunately, I don't think that now is the time for degrees from these degrees to be considered seriously but my bet (hope) is that in 15 years time they will get their much-needed recognition as it is my full intention to encourage my children to study there.

And who knows, maybe I'll also be teaching in one of them by that time.

Take your time and read into what the schools have to offer in terms of accreditation and also have a look at what will be written on your final documents.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I was told a story by a Mexican friend about her troubles in Montreal, Canada, in getting her two Master's degrees recognized for employment there. The issue was not recognition of her degrees, but that she comes from a country where it is easier for degrees to be forged or purchased through bribes. I'm not 100% sure, but I think Canadian immigration told her this and not an employer.

After waitressing in Montreal for a few months, she gave up and came back to Mexico City where she now teaches at a top university, writes a column for a national business paper, and works towards her doctorate.

Bayden · Joined: 29 Mar 2006 Posts: 988

firejugglingboy · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 11:25 am Post subject:

Thank you for your replies.

I've been to Khao San road and don't think I'll be buying a "degree from anywhere in the world" or a "press pass." I value the experience and don't want to cheat myself or my future students/employers of my professionalism.

I've looked at some of the "top" universities in Thailand and they say "internationally accredited" on their websites but it looks like I'll have to do more research. Thanks again for your replies. Micah

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

I think many schools would frown upon a Thai degree, regardless of whether it is a good school or not. They prefer one from an English speaking country. Not fair, but I think is reality. Do you want to defend your degree's merit at every job interview you get?

mlomker · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 378

tedkarma · Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:39 am Post subject:

As more countries and employers become tuned into the degree validation issue - probably anything "non-standard" will face extra scrutiny.

And, we can quess that when a long list of qualified applicants are applying for a highly desirable job - which ones might and might not make the "short list".

If circumstances make it the only way to pick up a four-degree, then I'd say go for it - but expect that it will often be questioned and sometimes will be disqualified (whether justified or not).

saint57 · Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 3:18 am Post subject:

Forgive my drunken post, but a co-worker of mine got a B.Ed/M.Ed studying exclusively in Thailand/online. The program was linked with some university in New Jersey and it was fully accredited. She had a B.A. and M.B.A. before entering the program so I don't know if this is helpful for getting your first B.A.

kerrilee · Joined: 22 Jan 2006 Posts: 59 Location: Dalian, China

I am finding a different take on this - I am studying for an MA in Photography in China (but accredited by a university in the UK, where the certificate will be from). The Chinese students are actually the ones finding difficulties with the overseas accredditation, as there are so many fake degrees sold here which say they are from the UK or America! So people over here do not necessarily take it seriously if it is from the Uk or States because of this! I actually think studying overseas is very valuable, and I have gained a lot from it. (I also studied in New Zealand, and the UK where I am from). I guess where you want to go in the future will make a difference. I know employers often look favourably. In Thailand the fake degrees are not often from Thai universities! I also know plenty of teachers who have bought their degrees online, and these are mainly from UK, US and Australian Universities. If you can prove you were in Thailand for the time you were studying and have transcripts then you should be ok. I think it would be a great place to study, thats where I wanted to go but my course was only in China!