Job Discussion Forums

HerbDoc · Joined: 25 Oct 2011 Posts: 6

I'm interested in getting a degree in Asia while teaching English. I'm American. I don't have an accredited degree right now, but I'm willing to finish an Associate degree + TEFL before leaving. As far as I know, that would make my options China and Taiwan. The reason for the degree is so I can teach anywhere in Asia. However, I've read that in Korea the degree must be from one of seven major English speaking countries. If I studied in Asia at the campus of a school based in one of these English speaking countries, would that let me teach in Korea?

If so, are there any campuses like this in China or Taiwan? I saw that someone on this message board finished his degree while teaching in Taiwan, but the name of school was not mentioned. As for China, it seems going to school "full time" is "typically" not allowed on a work visa according to the U.S. State department. The quoted parts make me continue to wonder if it's possible. I don't want to be full time. As you can see, I haven't found clear answers to my questions. I'd appreciate any information you can pass along.

Asurai · Joined: 22 Oct 2011 Posts: 11

To quality for most teaching jobs you need a 4 years Bachelor depending where you are from; except Quebec in Canada where we have 3 years degree (but we have technically have a "grade 13").

Not having a bachelor is a very big drawback for teaching or any jobs overseas for that matter and while you may find jobs its at your risk and perils (often illegal).

as for Getting a degree in China, the poster most likely did it online from an accredited University in US,Canada or UK that have online degree.I personally do not recommend online degree as a lot of them are worthless, not accredited etc

A lot of people on these boards did get their Master's online and had no problem(though the program choices are quite limited to certain field), but Bachelor are a rare breed.

As for getting a degree from a Chinese university or the like that is a terrible idea.Chinese degree for most case(although an argument could also be used to say all degree everywhere) is not worth the paper its written on isn't given any value at all.

in conclusion, finish your 4 years degree then the ball will be in your court.

tttompatz · Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 5:30 am Post subject: Re: Work and Study in Asia?

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

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I think that if you studied in Asia under a US teaching scheme agreement, then it MIGHT be ok if the degree actually came from a US university. If it mentioned Asia, you might have problems.

I'm not sure.

I'm sure it would depend on each country's immigration laws as well as the mood of the immigration officer.

Neutrino Girl · Joined: 01 Apr 2010 Posts: 128

You can indeed get legal work in Taiwan with an Associate's Degree and TEFL cert (I'm not sure about China, though). I would suggest doing that and then continuing your education via distance learning from Taiwan (but through an accredited university from home, for example).

Stay away from Taiwanese and Chinese universities...their degrees are not worth the paper they are written on and will not be respected or taken seriously anywhere. They may be cheap, but they will also be a huge waste of your time.

HerbDoc · Joined: 25 Oct 2011 Posts: 6

Thanks for the responses. Each province in China decides whether or not to enforce the Bachelor degree law. Which isn't much of a law. From what I'm told, it is intentionally worded that English teachers "should" have a Bachelor's degree, not must. I know people teaching in China without any degree, and they have legitimate working visas. They say the demand is too high in China to enforce those requirements.

BTW, not all degrees in China are worthless. Traditional Chinese medicine degrees earned in China make one eligible for all the licensing exams(acupuncture, etc) here in California(and in many states). In America, you have to go to a 4 year TCM school in order to take these exams. But just to be clear, I'm not asking about Chinese degrees. I'm asking about degrees with a G7 label that could be earned while in China. If I decide I don't care about teaching in Korea or Japan, then maybe I'll just go for a TCM degree in China or Taiwan. But for now, I'd like to like keep all my options open.