Job Discussion Forums

[wilberforce]

I've been thinking on doing my MA as I see having a BA is basically a dead end nowadays. Which would be better for job prospects (I am in my 40's) - to do my MA in Linguistics (which I've developed an interest in thanks to some of the non-native speaker teachers who work with me at the Gulag) or in TEFL? Advice? Which universities in the US do you recommend? I am saving up to go back to do this. I need a sea change, maybe it's a midlife crisis.

[veiledsentiments]

Here's an option... check out the American University in Cairo. They have a teaching Fellowship in TEFL. It takes two years with free tuition and you teach to earn that and your tiny stipend. They like to get experienced teachers - which in effect gives them a nearly free teacher. When I was in the program, we had the option of taking practical courses or more academic linguistics courses (which is what I did) plus you can do comprehensive exams or a thesis. I did the thesis. I was in my late 30s and I was not the oldest student in the program.

Here's the website:

http://www.aucegypt.edu/admissions/gradadmissions/finsupport/Pages/TEFL.aspx

VS

[15yearsinQ8]

i have a masters in linguistics from a university whose name is recognizable worldwide. my 112 page thesis was on teaching tefl in kuwait and my thesis director wrote over 10 books on teaching tefl and languages. i had to have read and critiqued all of her books and many of her publications before she accepted me.
however so many people say 'but the degree isn't in applied linguistcs...' many teachers i worked with who had applied linguistics degrees had never read any of my thesis diretor's books or never finished them.
go easy, go applied linguistics

[wilberforce]

[wilberforce]

[veiledsentiments]

[wilberforce]

[Green Acres]

Applied Linguistics will get you further and perhaps be more fulfilling.

TEFL and TESOL masters are generally the direction of non-native speakers of English, though that isn't always the case.

It's more work, sure, but it's worth it in the end. No doubt about that.

[Splitting Hairs]

If you want to teach do TEFL if you want to research do linguistics. If you like both then applied.

[veiledsentiments]

In the US, the only difference between an MA in Applied Linguistics or an MA in TESOL/TESL is the name that a university chose to give it. It certainly doesn't have anything to do with native or non-native speakers taking the courses.

VS

[jdl]

Ever thought of getting a teacher certification/degree? An M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a major in ESL?
Having a recognized teaching degree opens another set of doors for you.

[copacbl]

How likely is it to get accepted for a graduate assistantship/fellowship without professional teaching experience? Do most institutions in the US or abroad require tons of prior teaching experience? I am currently volunteer teaching and working towards a TEFL certificate.

I'm just entering the field of TESL from a related, but administrative career in international education, and I will only have volunteer and practicum experience from a TEFL certificate by the time I apply for Fall 2011.

I'm not able to take on any debt or pay out of pocket for a degree. Any tips?

Thanks!

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

VS?

NCTBA

[veiledsentiments]

Did I hear someone call my name?

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]