Job Discussion Forums

prof · Joined: 25 Jun 2004 Posts: 741 Location: Boston/China

Sadly, it seems that some schools are becoming 'known' as distance learning schools.

So no matter that you worked your butt off, sweated tears to finish assignments, etc. Schools such as Southern Queensland and Macquarie are becoming known as "pay and you get it" diploma schools internationally.

The_Prodiigy · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 252

Saudi Arabia DO accept distance degrees.
Whether there is a list of certain distance degrees that they don't accept is another matter.
From personal experience in 2002 I submitted an MA Open Distance in TEFL/TESL and it was never an issue. Having said that, it is a two-and-a-half-year program from University of Birmingham, England. The University, English department and specifically the Open Distance program are well-recognised in the field.

Miyazaki · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 635 Location: My Father's Yacht

I agree with Ted. There is still a real negative perception out there towards distance and coursework graduate degrees.

Many of the people doing the hiring will not accept your distance, coursework degree - even if the country you have chosen to work in doesn't have any laws against them.

Miyazaki · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 635 Location: My Father's Yacht

Chancellor · Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 12:23 pm Post subject:

There are traditional accredited universities that are offering distance learning programs. It seems that would be the way to go if you're not able to quit your job to go sit in classrooms five or six days a week.

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 2:20 pm Post subject:

Just in case anyone is still reading and still interested.

A Saudi acquaintance of mine recently phoned the Saudi Ministry of Education to ask specifically if they accept Distance MAs. The answer he received was unequivocal: they do not. That is not to say that if you have a distance MA you will not get a job in a uni. in KSA. However, it does mean that if your post requires a Master's degree (most teaching jobs in KSA, even in third level colleges, do not), a distance degree will not be accepted by the Ministry.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

If you have a degree from Birmingham, England, how would KSA know whether you did it on campus or distance. The only clue would be if you stated on your resume that you work working in foreign country X at the same time.

James

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Furthermore some schools offer M.A. TEFL abraod such as Temple in Japan. So unless someone is fimilar with every M.A. program I am not sure how the government would know.

tedkarma · Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:57 pm Post subject:

People who scrutinize degrees and diplomas regularly and often in great quantity - tend to get a feel for these things. They don't have to know - they need only ask.

When I was asked about my distance PGCE - they didn't know - they just asked. I told the truth.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 8:48 am Post subject:

If your CV says that you were working in, say, a school in China the year(s) you were studying for your MA, and if said MA is from, say, a British university, it doesn't take a Sherlock Holmes to work out that they are dealing with a distance degree.

Pollux · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 224 Location: PL

So, if you are shooting for one of those high-paying jobs in KSA, in which you discuss family, shopping and traffic, you should omit your time teaching while you were doing your distance MA.

What would you recommend?

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Just out of curiosity. Has anyone actually pulled this off, working in Asia and taking on campus intensive courses 2 or 3 times a year?

Pollux · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 224 Location: PL