Job Discussion Forums

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Hi there.

I've been accepted (almost) into an MA TESOL program (in 2011) through Nottingham university. Not 100 percent committed to it yet, but I currently have my heart set on it. If you're wondering HOW I was accepted, it was through my teaching experience (around 6 years) and my TESOL certificate.

Just wondering if I'd be able to obtain work (preferably university) without a BA? My experience is mostly K-9 (Kindergarten through Grade 9), though I've taught some IELTS classes as well (I have an IELTS training certificate through the British Council).

Would there be a problem with the Z-Visa?

Thanks

xi.gua · Joined: 15 Jul 2010 Posts: 170

Won't be a problem with the Visa, finding work at a worthwhile University without a degree will be very difficult. It can be done, but more than likely you're gonna be at a subpar school. Getting the FEC will be hard as well.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

are you asking "Can I get an esl job in China with an MA TESOL but no BA to back that up?"

If so, then the answer is yes. if you've got an MA no school is going to be asking for a copy of your bachelor's degree.

If you're asking "I'm planning on doing an MA but might prefer teaching esl in China instead, can I still get a job (and a Z visa) with NO degree?"

Then the answer is yes but your options will be much more limited. In either case, if I were you I'd do the MA while you still have the desire because many more doors will be open to you inside and outside of esl with that degree.

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

A subpar school even with a Masters? Sorry could you tell me what an FEC is?

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Hey 7969.

The first one Smile

The Revealer · Joined: 19 Aug 2010 Posts: 50

I don't agree with the above, if you complete the Master's degree.

As far as I know, when the school applies for the visa and FEC they will need to submit a copy of your degree. If it is a Masters that is better than a BA. The PSB won't ask to see your BA if you have an MA/MS.

I know because I have a JD degree and in the past schools have asked for my BA/BS. I have told them that I lost my actual BS degree, which I did, and more importantly that in the USA a JD is better. In order to get a JD you need a Bachelors first.

I haven't had any problems getting visas or FEC's.

The Revealer · Joined: 19 Aug 2010 Posts: 50

FEC = Foreign Experts Certificate.

Basically, the school tells the government they need an expert that can't be found amongsts China's citizens. In this case - a native English speaker.

It is just another bureaucratic waste of paper and red ink. Fortunately, the teacher doesn't have to pay for it, except for the passport sized photo in it.

xi.gua · Joined: 15 Jul 2010 Posts: 170

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

No problem. Reading over my original post, I can see where there would be confusion.