|
Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
AdamtheJohnson
Joined: 10 Nov 2008
Posts: 157
|
 Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 1:00 am Post subject: |
 |
|
| Quote: |
I'm sorry, Adam, but this is the answer I asked you not give. Please explain what it is about Asian culture you love and how you have come to learn it. If it's anime or just a bit of Internet surfing that has given you some exposure, that's one thing. If you've actually lived with an Asian family (homestay) or something else, the perspective is different.
I'm not being hard-nosed on this point just to be snooty. You're going to be asked to explain this during many/most interviews, so you might as well get it worked out here where the camp is friendly. |
It's hard to quantify, I think, how one person can be drawn to a certain place. It began with courses in Chinese and Japanese art, and evolved as I felt I was becoming a Buddhist and then a Taoist. From there I've soaked up all the Travel Channel and Discovery/Science channel programs I could. I fell in love with the photographer Don Hong Oai and his method of photo taking, which I hope to someday follow in.
If a person feels the need to connect with the organism known as the planet there is not a better, or older, place to attempt it than in China. If one is tired of the city life, China has country side and mountains where one can find a simpler life. From the rice fields to the silk road to the urban markets - I pretty much want to see it all. Maybe youre thinking touring IS a better idea for me, but one does have to think practically about visas and financial concerns - and teaching is a means to an end, but it's also something I want to do in and of itself.
It's about being on the front lines of technology in Japan and the novelty of buying a cell phone from a vending machine. I love asian cuisine and women. It's about mountains and oceans and men in bamboo boats, fishing with birds.
Of course, I am looking at the romantic side and not the practical side. But already I feel that becoming clearer too as I research more here and talk to real people.
Theres a number of reasons and it's not juts Dragonball Z. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
denise
Joined: 23 Apr 2003
Posts: 3419
Location: finally home-ish
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 2:05 am Post subject: |
|
|
Don't mention the women in job interviews! 
OK, so in some schools and some countries, age is a factor. Generally, though, if you're old enough to have a university degree and younger than 60ish, which has been listed as a cut-off age for some places, you can find a job somewhere.
If you just want to teach for a year or so before going to grad school and/or joining the Peace Corps, look into TEFL certificates. A four-week intensive program is the norm, and a certificate + a BA will help you get started in many countries.
I still don't have a good answer to the "Why do you want to teach in this country?" question, especially for the countries that I was drawn to because of the salaries. 
d |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 2:16 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| It's hard to quantify, I think, how one person can be drawn to a certain place. It began with courses in Chinese and Japanese art, and evolved as I felt I was becoming a Buddhist and then a Taoist. From there I've soaked up all the Travel Channel and Discovery/Science channel programs I could. I fell in love with the photographer Don Hong Oai and his method of photo taking, which I hope to someday follow in. |
AdamtheJohnson, while maybe some people like Glenski want a more in dept answer. Myself as well as some others might see an answer like this as a little fake. I guess it depends how you present it.
I have soaked up Taiwan. I have studied Chinese consistently for two years now, going on three. I might even take up a Master's in Taiwanese Studies. Yet, I still don't have an answer in regards to why I came or why I stay in Taiwan. I am interested in learning about other countries, places, and cultures.
Furthermore, is there any research or anything that would show that an employee needs to have a goal or reason to be a good employee. I believe some people just try to do their job well out of self pride. Even if there is no career advancement in the job. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dirimini
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 74
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 1:41 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| AdamtheJohnson wrote: |
3) As far as Grad degree, it would be the same as my Bachelor's: Photography. Outside chance, a different Art degree though.
The idea being I could get a Grad degree on the cheap overseas, and come back to the states to teach it at the University level, if I choose. |
If this is an integral reason to your going overseas, and not just something tangential, you should absolutely understand that the job market in the US, at the University level, is in the toilet, and that a degree from a school outside the US might not translate. But a degree isn't everything in a creative arts field; most people in university faculty positions have extensive practical/professional experience and a history of obtaining grants. If you are looking for a faculty position as a photographer, you would almost certainly need to have a CV with listings of your exhibitions, etc., not just come in with a portfolio of photographs you'd taken.
I would urge you to go the websites of colleges/universities offering photography programs, and look at the CVs of the current faculty. I can guarantee you that one doesn't just get an MFA in photography and then become a viable candidate for a university position (especially when you are probably competing with about 150 other people for every position). It is probably marginally less competitive if you are only looking to be an adjunct, but then understand that one cannot live on adjunct wages. Barely scrape by, maybe; live, probably not.
Finally, why do you think you can get a degree "on the cheap," "overseas"? Every graduate degree program I've ever seen has had one set of tuition/fees for natives, and another (much higher) for non-natives. Please (anyone) correct me if I'm wrong about this. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 2:26 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| Finally, why do you think you can get a degree "on the cheap," "overseas"? Every graduate degree program I've ever seen has had one set of tuition/fees for natives, and another (much higher) for non-natives. Please (anyone) correct me if I'm wrong about this. |
As far as I know that is not true in Germany. Germany sometimes charges more if it is a degree exclusively in English but the higher price would also be paid by any German who chooses to attend a program in English. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
AdamtheJohnson
Joined: 10 Nov 2008
Posts: 157
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 4:30 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| dirimini wrote: |
| AdamtheJohnson wrote: |
3) As far as Grad degree, it would be the same as my Bachelor's: Photography. Outside chance, a different Art degree though.
The idea being I could get a Grad degree on the cheap overseas, and come back to the states to teach it at the University level, if I choose. |
If this is an integral reason to your going overseas, and not just something tangential, you should absolutely understand that the job market in the US, at the University level, is in the toilet, and that a degree from a school outside the US might not translate. But a degree isn't everything in a creative arts field; most people in university faculty positions have extensive practical/professional experience and a history of obtaining grants. If you are looking for a faculty position as a photographer, you would almost certainly need to have a CV with listings of your exhibitions, etc., not just come in with a portfolio of photographs you'd taken.
I would urge you to go the websites of colleges/universities offering photography programs, and look at the CVs of the current faculty. I can guarantee you that one doesn't just get an MFA in photography and then become a viable candidate for a university position (especially when you are probably competing with about 150 other people for every position). It is probably marginally less competitive if you are only looking to be an adjunct, but then understand that one cannot live on adjunct wages. Barely scrape by, maybe; live, probably not.
Finally, why do you think you can get a degree "on the cheap," "overseas"? Every graduate degree program I've ever seen has had one set of tuition/fees for natives, and another (much higher) for non-natives. Please (anyone) correct me if I'm wrong about this. |
My CV is quite strong. My Professor told me, in regards to a show I did, that if he was trying for tenure and he had that show on his CV, he would surely get it. It was quite the compliment.
As far as the cost of overseas tuition the few in France that I have looked at are as high as 300 Euros a year, and as low as completely paid for. In the states, a year of Graduate studies would run you in the tens of thousands of dollars, no matter where you go.
The only real cost one needs to worry about in France is what it costs to live. Arguably, a part time job would be necessary. I have actually considered living and working in Hostels, as travelers sometimes do, to save as much money as I can. But it's something I've only done slight research on.
EDIT: Here's an article on overseas study.
http://matadorabroad.com/7-countries-where-graduate-school-is-a-fraction-of-us-costs/ |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dirimini
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 74
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
You're right, graduate study is a huge bargain as compared to costs in the US. I would imagine, however, that as an applicant from the US - which is considered a rich country - competition would be fierce. And, of course, you'd have to meet the language requirements.
But now back to the ESL questions... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
AdamtheJohnson
Joined: 10 Nov 2008
Posts: 157
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 9:15 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| dirimini wrote: |
You're right, graduate study is a huge bargain as compared to costs in the US. I would imagine, however, that as an applicant from the US - which is considered a rich country - competition would be fierce. And, of course, you'd have to meet the language requirements.
But now back to the ESL questions... |
For me this is a difficult decision, because I could literally take each one of those choices and map out about ten years of my life. Each decision leads to another logical decision and so on.
This, of course, is absolutely ridiculous. I have no idea what will happen in 10 minutes let alone 10 years.
Maybe I should seriously take the "dart board" approach and just let fate decide? This indecision isnt helping anything, and is actually restricting me from preparing properly for whatever decision i do make. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
khmerhit
Joined: 31 May 2003
Posts: 1874
Location: Reverse Culture Shock Unit
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 9:43 pm Post subject: |
|
|
i have an idea!
C A M B O D I A
try it and see  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 10:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
My CV is quite strong. My Professor told me, in regards to a show I did, that if he was trying for tenure and he had that show on his CV, he would surely get it. It was quite the compliment.
As far as the cost of overseas tuition the few in France that I have looked at are as high as 300 Euros a year, and as low as completely paid for. In the states, a year of Graduate studies would run you in the tens of thousands of dollars, no matter where you go. |
If your CV is as strong as you say then you should be able to land a teaching assistantship or a scholarship to attend graduate school in the US. Not to mention that outside of law school and MBA programs many students in American do not pay for graduate school. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 10:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
You're right, graduate study is a huge bargain as compared to costs in the US. I would imagine, however, that as an applicant from the US - which is considered a rich country - competition would be fierce. And, of course, you'd have to meet the language requirements.
But now back to the ESL questions... |
In some European countries I doubt the competition would be fierce because one is an American student. The amount of American students that can speak certain European languages is not that high. Thus I believe that not that many Americans would pass the language requirement to attend certain universities in Europe. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
AdamtheJohnson
Joined: 10 Nov 2008
Posts: 157
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 10:43 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| JZer wrote: |
| Quote: |
You're right, graduate study is a huge bargain as compared to costs in the US. I would imagine, however, that as an applicant from the US - which is considered a rich country - competition would be fierce. And, of course, you'd have to meet the language requirements.
But now back to the ESL questions... |
In some European countries I doubt the competition would be fierce because one is an American student. The amount of American students that can speak certain European languages is not that high. Thus I believe that not that many Americans would pass the language requirement to attend certain universities in Europe. |
By the time I graduate in the spring I will have 4 semesters (possibly even more if I continue) of college French. So hopefully I'll be fine. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
AdamtheJohnson
Joined: 10 Nov 2008
Posts: 157
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 10:44 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| JZer wrote: |
| Quote: |
My CV is quite strong. My Professor told me, in regards to a show I did, that if he was trying for tenure and he had that show on his CV, he would surely get it. It was quite the compliment.
As far as the cost of overseas tuition the few in France that I have looked at are as high as 300 Euros a year, and as low as completely paid for. In the states, a year of Graduate studies would run you in the tens of thousands of dollars, no matter where you go. |
If your CV is as strong as you say then you should be able to land a teaching assistantship or a scholarship to attend graduate school in the US. Not to mention that outside of law school and MBA programs many students in American do not pay for graduate school. |
I'd say it's strong, but definitely not strong enough. And while it may have a few good points, it's far too thin for such a thing. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 12:39 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| I'd say it's strong, but definitely not strong enough. And while it may have a few good points, it's far too thin for such a thing. |
I will first say that I am not an expert on Master's degrees in Fine Art. I have attended graduate school and know that most students outside of MBA programs and law school get teaching assitantships in the US. I am guessing that for certain disciplines that most universities would have a difficult time recruiting paid students due tot he lack of financial incentive to get certain Master's degrees. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
AdamtheJohnson
Joined: 10 Nov 2008
Posts: 157
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 12:54 am Post subject: |
|
|
| JZer wrote: |
| Quote: |
| I'd say it's strong, but definitely not strong enough. And while it may have a few good points, it's far too thin for such a thing. |
I will first say that I am not an expert on Master's degrees in Fine Art. I have attended graduate school and know that most students outside of MBA programs and law school get teaching assitantships in the US. I am guessing that for certain disciplines that most universities would have a difficult time recruiting paid students due tot he lack of financial incentive to get certain Master's degrees. |
If I got a full ride scholarship to an American University I would still prefer to go overseas. A university would be one of the very few ways a non-EU member, like myself, would be able to legally stay in Europe for longer than 90 days. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Contact Dave's ESL Cafe
Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
