Job Discussion Forums

forest1979 · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 507 Location: SE Asia

You'll be lucky to score a university job with a MA in Taiwan as they much prefer PhD holders. That's not to stay MAs wont get jobs but the demands upon applicants now are far greater than they have ever been.

OP - to me the recruiter asking about the TEFL certificate is indicative of someone who has never been near a classroom. It's merely a simple device to know whether you can teach or not. Common sense would say that after 15 years experience you can but recruiters are often known to lack common sense and to do whatever is the easiest to make money (for themselves).

creztor · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 476

This is so true that it is almost sad. I've spent quite a bit of time looking over the advertised positions and 90% want a PhD holder. There are MA positions but they come with usually low pay or the hours just aren't enough to be able to live on. I think an MA in Taiwan would be of much better use for "private" purposes and not so much as in finding a decent job.

zipper · Joined: 14 Dec 2009 Posts: 237

forest1979 · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 507 Location: SE Asia

I would check with anyone looking to take a university job with only a MA in hand to ask what contract type it is. Many people now are being employed on staff, not faculty contracts. Whilst they might sound the same a staff member works more hours, does more teaching, does the worst classes, and has no access to grants, conference funding, etc., like instructors and profs have.

Whereas one staff contracts were solely for Taiwanese persons they are now being offered to foreigners. Ask lots of questions to anyone being interviewed for a MA post. Be wary.