Job Discussion Forums

[BigJim]

A friend has told me that MAs earned via distance study are not acceptable as qualifications to teach at university level in UAE. Is that correct?

I was going to study applied linguistics in Australia which would get me where I want to go, but I would much rather study online. In fact, I would much rather study an MA (Writing) online. I have read some job requirements that mention an MA in TESOL/TEFL or Applied Linguistics or a related field are needed. Would the MA (Writing) qualify as a "related field?"
I have teaching experience to go with it. Would be interested in opinions. Before anyone suggests it, I have emailed some employers but have been waiting a long time without reply.

[veiledsentiments]

The last word on the Emirates is that it depends on the Ministry. The Ministry of Education (primary/secondary) does NOT allow distance degrees. The Ministry of Higher Education (university) allows them. I'm sure someone will come on if they have heard anything new about this.

As to which degree... if you want to teach writing, there are jobs teaching writing. But, it is mostly first year composition and research writing. The students tend to be low and it is very much EFL based because they are all second language students. I think employers would want to see something like a CELTA too if it was a writing MA. Try to think about what you want to do in the future... outside the Middle East too.

If you can do the degree on-campus, it will certainly help you to avoid any possible problems with countries and employers who may prefer them.

VS
(and... employers tend to never bother to answer questions like this... )

[BigJim]

I had a feeling that a reply form an employer was unlikely.
I have a degree in TESOL, a Windsor TEFL Trinity Certificate and currently five years teaching experience at all levels and ages. The goal is to teach English at one of the better employers in the UAE for a number of years. I have a family that will be coming too so I need to get the MA thing right. I don't mind doing an MA in Applied Linguistics, but I write novels and my goal is to become a novelist, so I'm being pulled in two directions here, one of which may not be compatible.
You know, ultimately I'm a realist and the the possibility of ever making anything like a living out of writing is remote. My Conflicted Heart.

[Sheikh N Bake]

I also write. I'm currently a regular columnist for http://demockracy.com and contributor to two others, have written a travel memoir (book, unpublished), and did a BA in journalism before getting into higher ed and TEFL. I suppose if I were you I would choose a brick-and-mortar MA in TESOL because (a) the only writing degree worthwhile is the MFA, which is a terminal and sometimes three-year degree, at least in the US, and (b) graduate-level writing programs all have their own avant-garde biases and formulas and you're probably better off just to keep reading a lot and developing your own style if you have the talent. Meanwhile reap the financial rewards of the MATESOL assuming you have significant postsecondary teaching experience.

[veiledsentiments]

I agree with SnB... the linguistics MA gives a better chance at making a decnt living.

We all know plenty of unpublished writers and I don't think an MA in writing will be of any help getting over that hurdle.

VS

[carlen]

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[BigJim]

I'm planning to study through Open Universities Australia (the courses are from Monash) or the University of Southern Queensland (direct from them). I am aware of degree mills and want nothing to do with them.

[carlen]

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[veiledsentiments]

[carlen]

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