Job Discussion Forums

[williamwallace]

Dear all,

Just a quick question as I know there is a mixed response with regards to this.

Do employers in Saudi (or even around the world) generally accept an MA in Tesol via distance learning? I ask this as I have just been accepted onto a programme at a university on London and wuld like to know whether it will be worth my while doing the MA or not.

Much appreciated

[It's Scary!]

Most posters who did the "hard thing" and got their MAs face-to-face detest those who took the "easy route" and did the distance thing. Many employers (of ANY repute) concur...

It's Scary!

[veiledsentiments]

There is variation as to whether they are accepted. It has been reported here that the Ministry in KSA will not accept online degrees.

Another example reported here is that in the UAE, the MoHE accepts them, but the MoE does not. So you can use them at university level, but not K-12.

VS

[Jacob82]

For the past 7 years I have never heard of any institution in KSA accept distance learning degree? they are not accepted all over KSA...

[williamwallace]

Thanks for that.

So I presume that I am correct in saying that most employers will disregard such a degree.

[veiledsentiments]

Yes, because the Ministry will not approve your work visa. The employers may not care, but the choice is not theirs.

That said, a number of employers bring their teachers in on illegal business visas and require them to do visa runs to Bahrain... I expect that they only care if you are breathing.

VS

[desertdawg]

Hope I'm on the KSA site.

To get in you need to be a graduate. A small minority of jobs require MA's. The Ministry granting your work permit are interested in the fact that you have graduated from a higher education place. Not in a load of fancy qualifications.

It's upto the employer whether or not to recognise your post graduate stuff.

I have PG distance qualifications which have been recognised throughout the Arabian Gulf. Got me better jobs or a salary increment.

However they won't always be recognised and it may depend on the individual person you're dealing with as well as the individual employer.

In my opinion there is no hard and fast rule. Distance (which I would put apart from online) qualifications are very often favourably looked upon if you have some relevant experience too.

This isn't much help. But in the present climate with the prohibitive costs of PG study, I'm sure distance learning will become much more acceptable. I would say that for Brits it is less of a problem than for our cousins over the pond. I have been lucky enough to work for Britiish companies in KSA where distance learning was encouraged with study time given and costs subsidised.

[davt]

don't tell them. Make sure the program you enroll in will grant a degree that doesn't say online.
In the end it's about working smarter not harder. Online programs can be harder than traditional programs. So, it's all ego when others look down on someone with an online degree. I've taken online classes and they demanded a lot of work and time. more than the traditional classroom setting. So, in the end just make sure the degree doesn't mention online

[williamwallace]

I really appreciate all the replies/advice.

From the way it seems, and due to the fact I have a place at a university, I have decided to take my MA on campus rather than take it through the DL route. I just dont want to spend so much money on a masters which will be done via DL to be told that it is not accepted.

William

[veiledsentiments]

I think that this is a good decision if you can afford to go this route. That way, you never have to worry about it.

VS