Job Discussion Forums

anticks · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Auckland, NZ

Im just wondering on peoples views on whether a degree from a polytech / technical institute will suffice when foreign organizations are asking for "a degree" / "a university degree" from potential teachers.

I mean its a degree, takes the same amount of time as various uni degrees, is recognized as a legit degree in my own country.. sooo

Anyone had any problems with this? Or are they strictly looking for BA's and BComms etc or do they just want to see you're educated?.. My friend from Thailand said it should be ok aslong as you explain yourself. He said polytechs dont offer degrees in various asian countries and theyre for people wanted to become mechanics etc.. the most youll get is a diploma from a polytech usually.

Anyone think this might pose a problem for me? My degree is in Information Systems, from a polytech. Took 3.5 years.

saint57 · Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 3:12 am Post subject:

Do the words "Bachelor of" appear before Information Systems? Even they don't, you'll find plenty of work in Asia.

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

For Japan, it must be a Bachelor's degree. You can't explain yourself to immigration. Thailand must be different.

anticks · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Auckland, NZ

saint57 · Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 5:23 am Post subject:

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

tedkarma · Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 7:13 am Post subject:

You may want to focus your job hunt on schools and colleges that specialize in tech studies. You WILL be in demand there - as you will know all the vocabulary AND have an interest in the area.

IT and IS people often do quite well in EFL as they are already have a good head for a methodical step-by-step approach to what they do.

As a teacher trainer - I find that my IT/IS-based trainees usually outrun the rest of the class - and rather quickly!

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

An IT bachelors will work just fine for finding TEFL-work overseas.

kuberkat · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 358 Location: Oman

Tedkarma is thinking in the right direction. IT is a hot field and will be for a long time. Don't consider your "technical" background a drawback. Make it a selling point.