Job Discussion Forums

marblez · Joined: 24 Oct 2004 Posts: 248 Location: Canada

Personally, I would stick with Religious Studies. It is such a fascinating discipline and opens your mind to other cultures. I think it also breeds tolerance. If you are willing to learn about other's beliefs, then perhaps you are firm enough in your own.

A BA in Religion with a TESL certificate is perfectly fine for teaching ESL. If you want to teach in North America later, then you are most likely looking at getting an MA, just because this is the way the job market is. Still, your BA in Religion is adequate for that, as long as your GPA is good.

travelingirl68 · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2005 5:39 pm Post subject:

Hi jennjenn,

It sounds to me like you have some serious thinking to do about your life -as do all 22 year olds, and 36 year olds for that matter! You have said that you are interested in other cultures and that you want to travel. You have said that you want to have your own business (I am not sure what type of business you want to establish, or where you want to do that either!)...

I am a social sciences graduate, and have not had a problem finding satisfying work in a variety of fields - non-profit, corporate, ESL teaching. I loved my undergraduate studies in languages, political science and African studies.

There are many ways of thinking about your situation, here are two examples: you can study what you love and join the Peace Corps to teach English - it is NOT that hard to get in. From there, you can see if you really like living abroad and teaching while in a supportive environment. If you decide that you really enjoy it, you can pursue a Master's degree in one of the many educational options.

Or, you can take a plunge and get a degree in something that you are not sure of - and no matter how many people respond in the positive or negative about EFL on here, only YOU can decide for yourself if YOU like it!

Do you see what I am trying to say? You have some thinking to do, and I understand your dilemma - I wish you luck in your journey!

joshuazarwel · Joined: 05 Mar 2005 Posts: 6

Hi!

I just wanted to add that to teach English in the Peace Corp. you need a BA in ANY discipline. On the brochure you will notice it says, "Must have Bachelors in English, or in Literature, or any other discipline."

I'm not sure why they word it so funny. Maybe in order of preference.

taa taa!

jennjenn · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 32 Location: San Diego, CA, USA

Thanks you guys. Your responses are very encouraging. I'm gonna stick to my religious studies major.

Jolly · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 202

marblez · Joined: 24 Oct 2004 Posts: 248 Location: Canada

People may have degrees that are not exactly in their field of specialization, but anything that is related is an advantage.

For example, to become a forensic scientist, one requires a PhD in a science such as chemistry, biology, or microbiology. Your degree doesn't really open doors because it is in a totally different field. Please forgive me if the situation is different in the USA, but becoming a forensic scientist is not exactly what someone in first year just "decides" to pursue.

I'm doing a BA in Criminology right now (I was pursuing English but switched) and it leads to tons of openings. Social worker, police officer, prison guard, bailiff, immigration officer, customs officer, parole officer, the list is endless.

Religious studies may not be so broad, but the possibilities are there.

Celeste · Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:19 pm Post subject:

Your field of study does not matter if you want to teach English abroad. After you graduate from university, you will have that degree, and that is all you need for a work visa to teach in most countries. If you want to take a few courses on EFL along the way (maybe get a CELTA or other certification after you graduate) then that may make you feel more comfortable in the classroom, but not necessarily more marketable. (This depends on where you are, of course.) Study what you love. Good luck. (Hey, I have a BFA in Theatre design- of all the unrelated degrees Shocked

)

zaneth · Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 1:09 pm Post subject:

A guy I used to work with had a degree in Religious studies. He had a great answer for why.

He said most people don't realize it but a degree in Religious studies is actually the most cost effective way to get into Heaven.

jennjenn · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 32 Location: San Diego, CA, USA

Haha! I'll keep that in mind for when yet another person asks me what I'm "going to do" with my major.

Rice Paddy Daddy · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 425 Location: Japan

Don't do it - stay true!

jennjenn · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 32 Location: San Diego, CA, USA

To answer Jolly's question...my ultimate goal is to be a small business owner, either in the e-commerce or hospitality field. Neither of those require any kind of degree, just solid smarts, common sense and creativity. I look at my mother and grandmother as evidence of that. As for the religious studies degree...it's purely for the love of learning and the achievement of being a college graduate. But an ESL career, even if short-term, would be a great way to make a small but significant impact on the world, and not only to educate others but to educate myself further.

I hope that other esl teachers can attest to that.

Rice Paddy Daddy · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 425 Location: Japan

No - don't!

Rice Paddy Daddy · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 425 Location: Japan

jennjenn · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 32 Location: San Diego, CA, USA

Don't WHAT?

Rice Paddy Daddy · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 425 Location: Japan

don't quit - stay true!