Job Discussion Forums

[Sudz]

Hey guys.

A little back story: I came to Asia in order to try something new. I was studying in college for a year, and learned that the field I was studying for (computers) wasn't for me. I was young and quite ignorant (more so than now), and rushed into the field without much thought. Having worked several manual labor jobs in the past in my mid-late teens, the last thing I wanted to do was to occupy another year pondering what to do while packing boxes and listening to Russell complain about 'how his wife can't cook worth a s#*t' and other interesting observations. So I got my TESOL certificate and came to Vietnam.

Many of my family members are/were teachers, but I myself essentially just planned on using teaching - like many others - to finance my time here. A part of me did want to try my hand at the profession (language center or not, which was my first gig), though this interest was greatly outweighed by my desire to live and experience a different country.

Well now that I've been here for sometime (far past my original plan of one year), and I've learned that - for the most part - I enjoy what I do. While I wouldn't say that I LOVE teaching, I do find it to be fairly enriching at times, and of course stressful at other times - at least something that can be challenging and which can keep you on your toes. I think that the real deal breaker though for me has been the experience of living in another country. While I do enjoy it here in Ho Chi Minh City, I could have moved on some time ago I think; however I have stayed this long for financial reasons (was funding distance education), and to continue traveling around Asia on my holidays/semester gaps (also thanks to saving potential).

I've now come to the point where I could see myself doing this for a long time (though I would like to change countries), and I've had the idea of taking a 'shortcut' (I lack a BA) into an MA TESOL through Nottingham University in Malaysia (a fairly reputable program). While I'm fairly confident that I want to do this, I do have some hesitations.

Before blathering on too much. I'd like to hear from people who have taken this route - either those who have an MA TESOL, or those who have decided to make this their career. What have been the pros/cons for you? Keep in mind that I really like experiencing new cultures (despite my piss-poor Vietnamese), and perhaps only 'like' teaching. Regardless, I am committed to what I do.

I do wonder if I've spoiled somewhat by Vietnam. The cost of living/wage ratio is quite good, and travel opportunities are always there.

This is just a post to get people's opinions, I realize that we're all different, and that what works for one doesn't always work for another.

Cheers

[tttompatz]

Do be aware that there will be visa issues if you go that route.

MANY countries (immigration not the employer) want to see the Bachelors degree (mandated by policy or law) for issuance of a visa/work permits and do NOT CARE about post grad level certifications for work as a teacher.

If your plan is to work yourself into post secondary education then this may be the route to take

BUT

if your intent is NOT looking at continuing beyond the MA then you may end up stonewalling yourself into a corner.

.

[Sudz]

Thanks again tttompatz - I think you helped me on this before.

This is certainly a factor. I've thought of perhaps taking the MA route, and then slowly work at a distance undergraduate while I'm teaching.

However, I would like to know exactly what countries WOULDN'T accept my stand-alone MA (well....potential future MA) along with my experience. An MA TESOL is certainly sufficient for a work permit (and subsequent visa) here in Vietnam (I've asked).

You mentioned that this would be a problem in many countries. Could you - or anyone else - give me some examples? The only country that comes to mind is Korea, and I'm not even sure about that.

[tttompatz]

[Sudz]

Thanks for the reply.

By the way, the MA is actually from Nottingham University (Malaysia campus), and I'd actually be studying on campus.

For Taiwan, I've heard that they accept 2 year AA degrees as long as there's a TESOL certificate to back it up. I'd be surprised if they didn't accept an MA Tesol with a TESOL certificate, but perhaps I'm wrong.

Really Thailand? I was envisioning being somewhat sought after for having what I'd consider to be superior qualifications to most You say that they 'want to see the undergrad degree', but are you sure that the MA degree wouldn't be considered? In Vietnam they SAY that you need the undergrad for immigration, but upon further inspection I've learned that a MA TESOL is sufficient.

I understand where you're coming from, and I'd originally blown off the idea of doing it for this reason (visa difficulties). However, after hearing success stories from people working in Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Russia, Canada, and a few European countries as well, I gave it a second thought.

I can't say that I'd have the drive or desire to persue a PHD :/ A little too much investment for myself. Time is a bit of a factor, which is one reason why I'm seriously considering the MA, which can be completed in 2 years or less.

Assuming I found some reasonably paid work after completing the MA, I'd definitely consider pursuing an undergraduate in something that I enjoy, like English or Psychology - distance of course.

Thanks again

[tttompatz]

[WhatTimeFinish?]

Hey Sudz,

I say do the MA while you're fully motivated in doing a teaching qualification. You can use the course to improve your teaching (part-time if you're on a campus) and figure out what you'd like to do a BA in, if the need arises. While you're on campus you'll have plenty of time to research which BA you want to do.

You don't need your BA to be in Education (I think I speak for most on this forum when I say this) to be a TEFL teacher, so why not get your MA in TESOL first - you won't be able to use it to get a job until you've finished it - and then look at a BA after; preferably one which will keep you engaged? Personally I'd probably choose a BA in Photography or Environmental, International or Peace Studies but that's just me.

Think of it not as a step back (when is education that?), just an unorthodox route. You never know, by the time you've completed your MA rules may have changed and the BA is not so necessary if you already have the MA in Teaching. Of course today a BA is pretty necessary in most places but you're going to be in Malaysia for the next few years.

Just my 2 cents.

[Cousin Vinnie]

I'm curious about what this "shortcut" into an MA TESOL program is, but, considering the fact that Nottingham is a British school, I wouldn't be surprised!

[Sudz]

Thanks guys.

I appreciate what you're saying tttompatz, though I think I'd be willing to face a rejection here and there in order to become more qualified - and most likely be in a position to take a crack at some of the better jobs. The fact that I can obtain a work permit here in Vietnam is a plus in case I happened to be rejected elsewhere (though I do think that more Asian countries would accept the MA than reject).

I'm thinking along the same likes as WTF (interesting acronym!) I'm quite confident that I would decide to pursue an undergraduate degree in the future - more for out of interest than for 'practical purpose', though who knows maybe I could find the best of both worlds.

I HAVE been looking a little more into good B.ED programs here in Asia, though haven't had much luck as of yet. Again the time factor is a bit of an issue, not to mention savings potential while studying (the MA is mostly research based, therefor allowing more time to work).

[robertokun]

If you're cool with working with students for the rest of your life, and don't mind that you'll never have much money, go for it. If not, you might want to choose a different career path.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

robertokun is speaking strictly from a Northeast Asian point of view when it comes to income. I make in excess of USD 5000 monthly tax-free and that's outside of provided housing, health, round-trip tickets children's education and so forth and so on.

The kids can get to be a bit much, but when you can save USD 3000/mo. and have a pretty good lifestyle, you quickly find that Japan/Korea has been a has been when it comes to making "good" money for the past two decades...

NCTBA

[Sudz]

I understand that I wont become rich by western standards doing esl, though it is very possible to live very well by local standards - I do!

I must say NCTBA, that's a spicy amount of savings potential there!
Might I ask where you work? I'm thinking perhaps Saudi Arabia?

[Zero]

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]