Job Discussion Forums

creztor · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 476

Considering doing an MA in TESOL here in Taiwan, but not sure how it would look when trying to apply for jobs in the ME. I don't have any plans of heading to the ME, but I am just curious if anyone knows what the various countries are like when it comes to the origin of your MA? Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You will not be taken seriously by employers in the Middle East. Sorry if that is not the answer you wanted.

creztor · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 476

Thanks. I prefer honest answers.

johnslat · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 2:37 pm Post subject:

Dear creztor,

I'm afraid scot47 gave you one (an honest answer, that is if your MA is going to be a "distance" one or one offered by a university in Taiwan.)

Regards,
John

Arabian Hawk · Joined: 12 Jul 2009 Posts: 79 Location: Mystical Kingdom

An MA in TESOL from Taiwan would only help you if you worked in Asia. Laughing

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 1:41 pm Post subject:

Really, about the only "Asian" degrees would be the one that I hold, probably only a handful of such, and was earned entirely in Japan and accepted by all major employers in the Gulf. I proudly hold an M. Ed. in TESOL earned and awarded by Temple University Japan. This program is a mirror program of the one held in Philadelphia.

NCTBA

johnslat · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 2:08 pm Post subject:

Dear Arabian Hawk,

"An MA in TESOL from Taiwan would only help you if you worked in Asia."

You are, I'm sure, aware that almost all of what is usually considered to be covered by the designation "The Middle East" is in Asia. And an MA in TSOL from a university in Taiwan won't impress many, if any, of the decent employers in the Gulf.

Personally, I think that's silly - just as their not accepting almost all (perhaps all) "online degrees" is - but, to use one of the most overworked recent sayings: it is what it is.

Regards,
John

kazazt · Joined: 15 Feb 2010 Posts: 164

It may be a combination of the sheer amount of scammers trying to get jobs in the Middle East, non Gulf Arabs and those from the Indian subcontinent outnumbering TEFLers of course. How many Robaco Institute `degree` holders have you worked with? In association with the University of Warwich ha ha

mozzar · Joined: 16 May 2009 Posts: 339 Location: France

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Recognition and acceptance of distance learning MA's in TEFLology varies from country to country and from employer to employer. I understand that the UAE are particualrly suspicious.

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

Not really Scot... from what I have read, it is Saudi that is the most suspicious of distance/internet MAs. (and I think Kuwait)

In the UAE, the Ministry of Education will not accept them, but few of their teachers have or need MAs anyway. The MAs are mostly teaching in the Ministry of Higher Education, where they are accepted with no problem as long as it is an accredited institution.

VS