Job Discussion Forums

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Would this be a large hindrance? I also have a TESOL, and 6 years of experience (teaching mainly K-9).

BTW I don't have my MA TESOL yet, but am planning on enrolling into the MA TESOL program through Nottingham University.

mc · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Posts: 90 Location: Aichi, Japan

Can you even be accepted into an accredited MA program without having a BA?

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Yes. My TESL certificate and experience are considered sufficient to enroll into the program through the 'non-standard' route. A bit of a long explanation, but you wind up with the same MA.

chongalice49 · Joined: 29 Jun 2010 Posts: 17

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Anything?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

You might find a few questioning brows from people who don't know or understand your situation. Be fully prepared to explain it, especially to immigration!

Other than that, I don't think you'll have any more (or less) difficulties in finding work than most newbies. You do know what that means in Japan, though, don't you? Wink

If you've been teaching K-9, does that mean teaching ESL/EFL somehow? Again, you'll probably have to explain it to employers.

Other than that, hard to answer any questions without knowing more about you and your goals.

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Thanks Glenski.

To be a little more specific, might I be able to find work at a higher level (above language mills) than those with just a random BA and little to no experience? Perhaps something even at university level? Despite some potential confusion with immigration, do you think that I would basically be at the same standing as someone with both an undergraduate degree and an MA TESOL. Just asking, as a fair amount of employers (in certain countries) would not even bother to ask about an undergrad after seeing an MA TESOL in a resume.

Sorry the K-9 thing looks a little confusing after a second read - I'm not a dog trainer! I just mean that I have a fair amount of experience teaching from Kindergarten up to grade 9 (esl) - as well as a more modest amount of experience teaching IELTS at the upper secondary level as well (9-12).

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

My experience has come from working in Vietnam. Back when I started, they were more lenient on hiring those without an undergraduate degree. I got the job based on my TESOL certificate alone (starting at a language centre, transfering to a psedo international school). These days, the government has been 'cracking down' (well....threatening) those who don't have a work permit, which is basically granted on the undergraduate degree. It might sound strange (not having a work permit), but keep in mind that when I first started, almost NO ONE had a work permit (the red tape was/is maddening). The threats have come over the years (get a work permit or leave), but with very little execution.

Hopefully, the references I would receive from my job would be sufficient for immigration in Japan - should I chose to work there one day.

Thanks for the reply

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Or perhaps would I not need to explain the experience to immigration, and the MA alone would suffice? I guess you were asking about 'how I would explain it' to employers.