Job Discussion Forums

Susie · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 390 Location: PRC

Hi!

I plan to work in UAE full-time and study at Exeter University Dubai part-time. Has anyone tried this? I am trying to find work in UAE. All assistance gratefully received! Is Abu Dhabi far from Dubai?

Thanks
S

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

Traffic between Dubai and AD is pretty bad - downright dangerous. Depending on time of day it is probably 1.5-2 hours. Not something I would like to do on a regular basis. Find a job in the city that you will be studying in... Cool

VS

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

Hello Susie,

Have you actually applied for the EdD course? For the part-time course, the fees are an outrageous 6,600 GB pounds per year for 4 years.(ie. 26,400 pounds)even if you are a UK citizen. This must be the most expensive UK-based course. The course is a minimum of 4 years, up to 6 years (but you pay more if over the 4 years).

In the first 2 years, you have to complete 5 modules, then the remaining two years are the thesis. You will get up to 7 intensive weekend periods of study in Dubai in the first two years, when somebody flies out to teach from Exeter (or from within the UAE, from HCT !!). You have to pay hotel costs. That's it. After that, you have to buy your own books as the "library" in Dubai is shockingly poor.

PM me for further details, but I would stay well away.

Shimokitazawa · Joined: 16 Aug 2009 Posts: 458 Location: Saigon, Vietnam

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

Shimokitazawa,

If you go to Exeter, the fees for EdD (TESOL) are :

UK/EU student (part-time): 2,300 GB pounds a year
International Student: 6,100 GB pounds a year

UK/EU student (full-time) : 4,600 GB pounds a year
International Student : 12,200 GB pounds a year

In the UK, there are no scholarships or TA jobs. You have to do a minimum of 4 years study.....a massive investment.

Shimokitazawa · Joined: 16 Aug 2009 Posts: 458 Location: Saigon, Vietnam

teechar · Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Posts: 30 Location: USA

I have thought about doing the same thing. The fees are expensive, but I, for one, cannot afford to live on a TA salary at this point in my life. TA's in the English department of my university earned about $1,200 per month for 9 months with some of the lucky ones getting a summer gig. And, not everyone gets a TAship, especially in this financial climate.

I paid my tuition while teaching full time, and I ended up a lot better financially and professionally than my friends who were TA's and had to cover all their expenses (family, housing, transport, food, etc.) on $1,200 per month. Most of them ended up working extra jobs or getting student loans.

If you find a job in Dubai or its environs that affords you a decent salary and perks (housing, transportation allowance) even even if you were to pay $10,500 in tuition per year, you could probably end up well into the black when you finish. You also might be able to find a student to share a hotel room and transport costs if you weren't actually in Dubai for the residencies.

I just wanted to post this as an alternative opinion. A "free" degree is attractive, but it isn't always the best option if you want to avoid debt and continue on with your professional life. It really depends on your goals and financial security.

I am interested to hear from someone who is actually in this program though. Anyone?

dutchman · Joined: 10 Mar 2010 Posts: 84

Susie · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 390 Location: PRC

Hello TESOL experts,

I want to write a proposal. I'm interested in learning theories, TESOL methodologies to effect learning, and managers assessment of the effectiveness to the learners of the TESOL methodologies.

Can you offer some links for some readings to assist me in writing my proposal?

Middle East Beast · Joined: 05 Mar 2008 Posts: 836 Location: Up a tree

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

OP - where do you "plan" to work while pursuing the PhD? I assume the PhD would also need some research component as well - Most UAE (government sponsored) tertiary institutions are not receptive to research on their students/procedures/etc.

I know of 2 PhD students who were refused permission to use HCT data (where they were employed at the time and HCT "prefers" PhD holders as faculty) in conjunction with their research/theses.

Shimokitazawa · Joined: 16 Aug 2009 Posts: 458 Location: Saigon, Vietnam

Shimokitazawa · Joined: 16 Aug 2009 Posts: 458 Location: Saigon, Vietnam

Susie · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 390 Location: PRC

Thanks for those comments!

Would you mind asking the two PhD candidates whether they could share some reading weblinks?

Catch 22: You need a proposal to get your application approved, and you can only access the online reading weblinks after you've paid your fees!

Where is a good place to work in order to gather research data for an EdD TESOL?

Shimokitazawa · Joined: 16 Aug 2009 Posts: 458 Location: Saigon, Vietnam