Job Discussion Forums

Sheika Taylfetha · Joined: 12 Apr 2009 Posts: 13

I have seen a few posts about the credibility of the institutions where people have studied their MA TESOL. Does anyone know if the MEd TESOL from UTAS (University of Tasmania) is seen as a credible qualification in the ME?

traveller57 · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 12:48 am Post subject: UTAS

I believe all courses in Australian universities cannot be delivered without accreditation by independent bodies. In many western countries I believe this is the case also. That is why western qualifications are generally highly regarded in the Middle East. I think you can be confident that this qualification will be recognised. You can always ask the university if the MTESOL course is accredited if you are unsure.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I would not expect that you would encounter many people who would be familiar with this university. Many will not have even heard of Tasmania. Laughing

The key is accreditation by the proper Australian authorities. Normally this is placed on their website and if not, they should be able to tell you.

VS

traveller57 · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 1:27 am Post subject: UTAS

Hi VS,

I'm an avid reader of Dave's ESL cafe as well as your posts. I know about UTAS as I live on that big island just north of Tasmania. I'm sure many Tasmanians would be offended that people don't know about their humble university! However to be honest, I don't know much about the most reputable university in Saskatchewan either!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

As someone who came from a part of the US where the first thing anyone ever said to you was "gee, I never met anyone from X before" I can relate to their chagrin. But, do they really expect many people outside of Australasia to know that Tasmania is an island south of Oz that has a university.? Laughing

I did actually work with someone from Tasmania in the UAE. Prior to that I had only heard of a creature called the Tasmanian Devil. The world is a big place... with lots of interesting corners.

VS

traveller57 · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 2:23 am Post subject:

VS,

I wouldn't expect it, but then again wider reading and curiosity does make one more aware, at least in geographical terms. Its probably a product of my worldview, but I would expect that ESL teachers who want to travel the world, and pursue postgraduate studies develop some knowledge about other places, and the tertiary institutions they are interested in. Then again local people can provide that information, which is where we all come in to help Laughing

nomel · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 4:51 am Post subject:

Tasmania, a beautiful place! I grew up there and plan to go back. As far as I know, all Aussie uni degrees are worthy here in the UAE and everywhere else.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I'm sure most of us gypsy EFL teachers have heard of Tasmania, but that might not be true of those in HR who are looking at applications. Of course with all the universities all over the world, this is why they are depending on that shaky "document certification" process that they use in many Gulf countries. Laughing

VS

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

Saskatchewan...I am impressed.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

If I go outside and stand on a hill, I can probably see Saskatchewan, but I have to admit that I know nothing of their universities. Laughing

Good people up there though...

VS

traveller57 · Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 2:31 am Post subject:

Yes VS you raise a good point about HR possibly not knowing much about the diversity and currency of different educational institutions.