Job Discussion Forums

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Actually, near 100% if Montana, by graduate degrees, means BAs. I think MA and Phds are normally called post-grad degrees - right?

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

lookingforworkinasia · Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 23 Location: Canada

My degree will be a Master of Social Science. Sorry if that was unclear.

My goal after I graduate will be to simply have an income while I prepare to do a Phd. I may actually have enough savings to cover my expenses while I study, therefore paying off loans or even the amount of my salary isn't something I'm focused on right now. Although, that may change over the course of the next couple of years.

I don't see my degree(s) as being in a field related to TEFL, but like others have said, I am confident that I can sell them to a potential employer as having value.

I can accept that I would still only qualify for entry-level type positions in the EFL field after finishing grad school. But in your opinion, would I be a competitive candidate for an entry-level position? Most of my knowledge of the industry is centered around Korea, where I've actually been informed that I wouldn't be considered for most hakwon/public school jobs. However, people say my Grad degree and previous experience would earn me a spot at a uni here. It sounds like this wouldn't be the case in other places, so I'm glad I'm learning something from this thread.

I appreciate all the feedback so far. It really is helpful, so thanks everyone!

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2010 6:52 am Post subject:

My thoughts- you'd definitely be marketable for entry level work in a lot of places. (And, I'd have thought, Korea would be one of them.)

Some places expect a TESOL qualification, usually a certificate, for entry level so avoid those, and you should be fine...

Best,
Justin

lookingforworkinasia · Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 23 Location: Canada

^^Thanks. I think the reason people feel that way about Korea is because they want younger people, and 30 is a rough cutoff for when employers will become concerned about an applicants age. Honestly though, I probably wouldn't want a job where my boss would feel threatened by me because of my age.

That's what I hear anyway.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2010 11:22 am Post subject:

Interesting. I'm in Korea at the moment, and am 36. Hasn't been an issue, and a lot of colleagues are older. I'm not really at the entry level end of the spectrum, though.

Seems like a lot of places in asia are flexible about quallificatiosn, so I'd just start looking if I were you. And 30 is NOT old compared to teachers I know all over Asia.

Best,
Justin

lookingforworkinasia · Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 23 Location: Canada

^Fair enough Justin. I didn't mean to imply that being over 30 is somehow old. It just seems that a lot of my research indicates that Koreans are reluctant to hire people past 30, but that's in respect to the positions I've been researching, which presumably wouldn't attract those with teaching credentials. Since you live here, I assume you've heard remarks about people being "too old to marry" and other such nonsense. I regard this to be a similar sort of stereotype.

Once again, thanks for your input.

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

WHere are you going to go in Europe? If you're looking to teach in Asia, why not attend a uni there?

With a master, you could get good paying jobs in the Middle East and Korea. I make double what an EPIK teacher does and heaps of vacation. If you get into a good school, 30 is nothing. I'm 27 and the youngest by far. Average age is probably mid-30s and we've got two teachers over 50. With age comes experience and qualifications.

lookingforworkinasia · Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 23 Location: Canada

Funny you brought that up Naturegirl. I was actually accepted to do an MA in a few uni's in Asia. It was a tough decision, but I decided to go to Europe because the school seems to have a much better reputation and the program is more comprehensive and offers more opportunities for internships and exchanges around the globe.

Even though I'd prefer to live and work in Asia, I figured that a good degree from Europe would be more useful than a degree from an Asian university. What do you think? It was a tough call, so I'd welcome your opinion on the matter.

johnslat · Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 3:26 pm Post subject:

Dear lookingforworkinasia,

In my experience, a degree from a reputable European university is looked upon more (and in some place, such as the Middle East, much more) favorably than one from an equally reputable Asian university.
Silly, perhaps - but that's how it often is.
Regards,
John

lookingforworkinasia · Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 23 Location: Canada

Hi John,

^^Thanks. I have the same impression, although most people I have spoken with about it believe this will change in the future.