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bluetortilla · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 815 Location: Henan

i realize that if you want a Master's degree in TESOL while living in Japan from a Western university, you will most likely be doing it by correspondence. I believe there only two American universities that have campuses here, and I don't live near either of them.
My questions are: what are your recommendations for the best courses (I went to a state college and graduated with a good GPA), how well are these degrees received by universities in foreign countries, and finally is there a web site that lists and reviews most of these courses?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Philip

Chris21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 366 Location: Japan

If you're in Fukuoka, as your avatar suggests, Temple has a campus there.

bluetortilla · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 815 Location: Henan

Thanks. I saw an article about Temple but it didn't mention a Fukuoka campus. Sounds like a good way to go, and not as expensive as the American campuses.

Temple is a well known school, but do you think the Japanese campuses have just as good a reputation?

Chris21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 366 Location: Japan

A Temple degree is valued (in Japan) as highly as any other TESOL MA. IMO, it's probably even more valuable than others because the network of Temple degree-holders in Japan is extensive, and it will open doors for you.

bluetortilla · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 815 Location: Henan

Ah, it was so enticing. Until I read that a undergrad degree in English or Linguistics (subjects I'm very fond of) is required. Alas. I'm just a poli sci major with good grades. However, I did start out as an English major and have quite a few credits in that field. Do you think they may let me 'slip by?'

Guess I'll know soon enough.

Philip

Chris21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 366 Location: Japan

I'm not sure where it says that, but it's incorrect. Plenty of people who majored in a non-English undergrad field are at TUJ. Basically, you need to send them your undergrad transcripts and complete a graduate school test (the MAT or GRE).

Chris21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 366 Location: Japan

I just saw the website, and it says that an English-related undergrad degree is for those matriculating BEFORE taking classes at TUJ. I don't know anyone that has done that. Most people take a few courses, and officially matriculate midway through their MA. Matriculation doesn't really affect anything, it's just a technicality.

bluetortilla · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 815 Location: Henan

Thanks for the info.