Job Discussion Forums

jpteach · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 3

Hello,

I'm wondering if anyone here knows or has completed the MA Tesol program at either the School of International Training or the Monterey Institute of Language. I'd like to start a master's program in 2008. My ultimate goal is to teach abroad (haven't decided where yet) Both programs sound really wonderful. The SIT program takes one year to complete and part of the time, I would be completing a teaching internship in a different country. I don't as much about the MA program at the Monterey Institute. If anyone has completed either of these programs, can you tell me the pros and cons of each? I'm trying to narrow it down to one choice.

Also, if anyone can recommend any other one year MA TESOL programs, that'd be great!

Thank you! Smile

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I've heard that these are the two best MA programmes in the States, though don't know the specifics about them.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I got my MA in Monterey. I assume you mean the Monterey Institute of International Studies, as there isn't a Monterey Institute of Language. It really is a wonderful program with excellent professors. It is largely theoretical, but there is a practicum, plus classes on curriculum design, assessment (apparently a rarity--not only do students analyze current tests--TOEFL, IELTS, etc.--but they also design, pilot, and run statistics on their own tests), and electives including teacher training and CALL courses. The MA students generally have a couple of years of teaching experience when they enter the program, but there are some who are changing careers and some who come straight out of undergraduate programs. About half of the students come from other countries. It makes for a good mix.

Monterey itself is beautiful, just in case location is a factor in your decision.

The main problem is it is expensive!!!! EFL jobs tend not to pay very much, even in the high salary countries. I came out with close to $50,000 in debt. (I don't know the exact figure because, well, it doesn't really matter! All I know is I am in debt up to my eyeballs.) I've never regretted my decision to choose MIIS, though. The debt is just something I have learned to live with.

d

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 3:05 pm Post subject:

Doesn't the debt just stink, though!

I haven't yet done an MA, and the cost is obviously a big factor in this.

But I plan to do it next year, and SIT (The School for International Training) is my first choice.

I've been impressed by the people I know at SIT (I am a trainer on the SIT TESOL certificate, so I've dealt with them a lot) and by the general level of seriousness applied to international issues.

Like Monterrey, where a good friend of mine graduated a few years ago, it's kind of a "purpose built" school. All international- The curriculum for their degrees in language teaching is very complete, and includes some, imo, often overlooked elements like the role of culture in language learning.

It seems, though I don't know Monterrey as well, that both the programs you're considering are excellent.

The SIT course, by reputation at least, may be more practical and less theoretical- I like it's emphasis on experiential learning, and reflective teaching practice. (Learn by doing!)

But in terms of quality of program, and reputation, you're not going to go wrong with either of these. In the (admittedly small) world of international language teaching academia, both are extremely well-known, well-respected, and just plain good.

Denise is right on the downside, though. Either one is likely to increase your debt load considerably.

Best,
Justin

natsume · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 409 Location: Chongqing, China

OP, that could have been written by me, I'm also weighing these.

One thing I've considered is that while both of these schools are so expensive, if I were to pursue an MA at, for example, SFSU, it might come out a little cheaper in the end, but with SIT or Monterey I would be finished and in the workforce a full year earlier, and that trade could really make a difference.

Does this make sense?

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 3:07 pm Post subject:

the SIT MAT is shorter, in a way-

You're either:

a) and academic year on campus, then a thesis/practicum; total three semesters, but you can be back at work in the third one... at least this is how I understand it.

b) for working "regular" teachers (meaning ones who, unlike me, frequently have summers off) there is also a summer option, where the degree is done in two intensive summer sessions, with a practicum year in your current place of employment. Which means, if you have the kind of job where you have summers off, you can do this one without interupting your work at all.

So, in a way, the short, intensive nature of the course compensates somewhat for the fact that it's a bit pricey. You can be back at work sooner after.

It's still the price that has me worried about this degree- because I haven't got the money, frankly. Nonetheless, I know a lot of people who did the SIT MAT, and were debt free within 1-3 years. Depends a lot on the job you get...

Best,
Justin

natsume · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 409 Location: Chongqing, China

tedkarma · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 2:18 am Post subject:

fancynan · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 3:59 am Post subject:

I have not done an MA at MIIS but I did receive my BA, when they were still offered there. My BA was in International Policies and then I went to Thunderbird for an International MBA. I am not able to comment on the specific program, but if you are looking for a unique and wonderful experience, MIIS is definitely it. It is a small school with a lot of personal interaction with the professors and other students. You will be surrounded by students from around the world, enabling you to learn about other cultures and customs.

If you can possibly visit both schools to get a feel for them, that would be best. Nevertheless, I can tell you that the two years I spent in Monterey are indelibly inked in my memory, and I am still in contact with my classmates (and I graduated in 1981)!

karinb · Joined: 05 Feb 2006 Posts: 33

This is a really useful thread, as I've looked into both these schools!

I was also wondering if anyone has gone to/knows the quality of the MA programs at Seattle University and American University (in DC)

MELEE · Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 3:23 pm Post subject:

I have not done the program at Seattle University, but have looked at it and believe it is also an excellent program, and most likely a fraction of the cost of MIIS or SIT

jpteach · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 3

Thank you for all the helpful advice! I think I'm starting to narrow down my choices. Tuition is a huge factor. However, it seems like most people were able to pay off their loans pretty quickly! Smile

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 8:45 pm Post subject:

It depends on where you're willing to go, I think.

Recent SIT grads I know have had really good luck finding very well paid work in Asia, which makes the loans disappear in short order.

The reason I haven't done my MA yet is that I'm committed to staying in Ecuador, and this means loans would likely last for a while...

but I'm getting things in order, and will find a way soon!

Best,
Justin

jpteach · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 3

Justin,

I'd ideally like to teach in South America, maybe Chile or Argentina. What type of school do you work at?

Also does anyone know what the average salary is for a teacher with an MA working at a school or university in the U.S?