Job Discussion Forums

woof · Joined: 09 Feb 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Indiana

Does anyone have experience with TEFL International, Burapha University (Masters in Education) and Manipal University (Masters in Science in Teaching Technology)? Are these courses recognized worldwide?

tedkarma · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 9:42 am Post subject:

I'm not sure that they have updated their information - or if it even still exists. A friend looked into the Manipal program and could never get any questions answered - or even find out if it still existed.

mlomker · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 378

tedkarma · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 9:51 am Post subject:

Send them a note and ask about it. They are relatively famous for not being responsive. That should tell you enough about the program.

Sekhmet · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 329 Location: Alexandria, Egypt

Word of advice - the program looks good, but a friend of mine looked into it for me, and we discovered that it really wasn't worth the money. Which is why I'm now doing mine with University of Leicester! I guess it depends what you want the degree for, but after a really really bad experience with a DipTESOL from LTTC, I wasn't going to do my Masters anywhere that wasn't completely 100% accredited!!

kimcordle · Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 30

I have been checking into this program for some time now. This is what I can tell you. The BAETT program is a 3-year (96 credits) bachelor's degree via distance education. Every 6 months the student is required to go to a TEFL International location for exams. I am in the process of working with the AACRAO to inquire about the validity of the degree and how many of those credits will transfer to an American university. I will post here to let you know the results.
You're right, they don't tend to be very informative or helpful, but I think that may be because they are not native English speakers themselves. I know the main office for TEFL International is in Thailand.
I am looking to change careers to become an English teacher. Since I don't have my BA, this program would be ideal for me if it is legitimate. My plan is to get the degree, then transfer the credits to an American Uni and with my previous college course-work complete my degree that way, then eventually work towards a MA. For those of you with experience, does this sound like a good plan to you?

Cdaniels · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 1:00 am Post subject: Nope. Not a good plan.

I have very little experience, and it has been bad so far, but...
There's a good chance you may not be able to transfer credit to a US university.
I would go to an established university first, and ask them about their own distance programs. I know Phoenix University has a good distance program, but its very expensive, more expensive than many "on-site" programs.
I would concentrate on getting an MA first and foremost if you want to teach anything.
Not being native speakers is no excuse for not being informative or helpful. Its supposed to be a school! If they can't hire competant English writers (they don't even have to be good speakers to answer emails or letters) Then what kind of education can they offer you, or more specifically, are willing to offer you?
A lesson in the school of hard knocks, I suppose. That's what I got.
Evil or Very Mad

tedkarma · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 1:03 am Post subject: Re: Nope. Not a good plan.

kimcordle · Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 30

Not to defend them, as I stated I'm checking them out through the proper agencies, but they don't need to teach me English. What they need to do is teach me how to be an effective teacher in the representative market. To teach someone to teach American students effectively wouldn't necessarily be as beneficial when teaching Chinese students for example. As I stated before, I am going to continue checking it out with the proper accrediting agencies and I will let you all know what I find out. If you're bored, www.aacrao.org is a good place to start.

Cdaniels · Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 12:25 am Post subject: Yeah, well..

kimcordle · Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 30

Well, I am going to teach abroad, but thanks for the advice. As far as warning me not to, why do so many people in the TEFL industry advise people not to do it? If you dislike it...quit. I like how many people who already have degrees have this superiority complex. So you got a degree, big deal. I'll have one too soon. I can only see 2 reasons for your negativity. 1. You're afraid of a saturated market or 2. By being negative to others it makes you feel superior. You're an English teacher, not a doctor. Get over your complex and try to be happy. Change your life if you need to. Just do something other than spread negativity. The world has enough.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Cdaniels · Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 2:46 am Post subject: Down, not across

kimcordle · Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 30

How about a real answer instead of a sarcastic comment? I'm not going to argue with anyone on here. It's not worth the effort. I came here with a question and got jaded opinion rather than any statement of fact. I take my question back. I never asked it. I can research it on my own. Have a wonderful life.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Well, you can't say you weren't warned... Very Happy