Job Discussion Forums

gungediana · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 82

I'll be starting a Masters degree is TESOL this year and finishing in september with little money and large debts. Masters degrees are expensive you know,

To be honest I'm worried about getting a job quickly after completing my Masters.

For people who have done on-campus Masters TESOL degrees. Do you get help from the uni in finding a job for after you graduate? How did you get around that problem? What about lengthy visa processes? And what advice do you have for me?

Do you suggest I defer the Masters, then build up a nest egg to cushion me while I look for a job?

Nozka · Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 50 Location: "The City of Joy"

I think you are worrying too much.

Yes, you might want a little money to tie you over for the summer or something, but that's just common sense.

As far as getting a job goes, it's a question of what your goals are. I don't recall having this fear whilst doing my masters as I intended to go back overseas. However I ended up getting married at the time and consequently stuck around in California while my wife went to school.
ESL opportunities in my area are very limited, but I ensured myself a job (two actually) by getting my foot in the door while I studied. I interned as a tutor at the local community college, and I also made myself known to the DOS of the IEP at my university. So if you plan to stay where you study, then start working the opportunities early, but if you just plan to go back overseas, I think there are plenty of jobs around. They might not be your first choice right away, but they're there.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

gungediana · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 82

ok thanks Glenski

I never said I expected to change government burocracies, I don't expect that.

The lenghy visa process is an occupational hazard of being an ESL teacher, I know that.

But, I guess what you're saying is that it's best to plan well in advance.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 3:23 pm Post subject:

I'm not sure that "plan well in advance" is the only advice.

Tell us- what are you into, what's your background pre-MA?

Where are you from? Where have you been? Where would you like to go? Where are you doing your MA? All of these will have an impact.

In some places, lengthy visa processes are the norm. In others, it goes very quickly.

I understand where the nerves are coming from- trust me, it will seem a lot less intimidating when you get some specifics. You can't generalize about the world, but there are authorities here about each little bit of it!

Best,
Justin

gungediana · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 82

thanks Justin

Well I have 2 years experience in Korea teaching kids, and about 8 months experience in Peru teaching both kids and adults.

I'm from the UK and I'm starting an MA in TESOL and Applied Linguistics at Sheffield this year.

I want to work in the Middle East, partly because I'm fascinated to see what it's like, but mainly to save good money so that I can retire early and have the time and money to travel properly. Travel is my life's passion you see.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

paddyroyal · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 24 Location: Mexico

I don�t know what the options are where you are, but I just finished my master�s in TESOL in the States and was a graduate assistant. I added to my experience by teaching in the intensive English program, was paid, and got free tuition.

gungediana · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 82

cheers, that's a good idea I hadn't thought of..........I'll look into it, but I don't have any TEFL qualifications atm so I don't know if I could get anything

paddyroyal · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 24 Location: Mexico

I would say that I was one of the few people who entered the program with experience. Feel free to e-mail me if you want to talk more.