Job Discussion Forums

[Charmer]

Hey guys, I could use some quick advice.

I'm currently doing my MA in English Language Teaching at the HK Polytechnic University in Hong Kong. I originally was planning to try to find work here after since they give you a 1 year work visa to stay and I could potentially make more money, but due a variety of factors (High pressure, hard time making good friends, high expenses) I think I will leave after I graduate, which will be in July next year.

I'm from Canada and I do have 3 years of public school teaching experience in Korea, so my backup plan was to always go back and apply for a university position there. I tried applying for positions before and did a get a few places interested in me, but the lack of an MA prevented anything from happening. Also my friends are there which I realized is a big plus for me.

I was wondering if anyone knew how a MA from Hong Kong would be viewed in Korea when applying for university jobs? My BA is from Canada if that makes a difference.

Even though I'm doing well academically and learning a lot, I was actually considering dropping out due to my loneliness and stress and applying to an MA TESOL program at the University of Nottingham next year. They have a campus in China, which is where I was originally planning to study, so the degree would be exactly the same as if I studied in the UK. But considering I'm almost halfway done my program and all the money and time I've invested, I think it would be dumb for me to drop it since I only have less than 8 months left. Any advice or feedback would be really appreciated. Thanks!

[oxi]

Hi, sorry you feel down in HK. The way I deal with it is to try and get away at the hols - we've got Xmas, Chinese New Year and Easter all coming thick and fast. If you can make the most of them, then you might find it doesn't look so bad getting to the summer. At least get to the islands like Lamma at the weekend or something.

Have you also been on the Korea forum to ask about your MA? - need to register separately. Might get clearer answers there

[Perilla]

[Charmer]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I contacted a bunch of Korean universities and a majority of them said a MA from Hong Kong would be fine and would qualify me for their teaching positions so that's good news. The main thing they cared about was if the school was accredited and if I had teaching experience. I think I'm just going to tough it out till the summer, finish the program and then start applying for positions in full-force.