Job Discussion Forums

[FrogHunter]

Hi - wondering if anyone can help... I’ve probably read (roughly) a hundred threads across a few different locations (mainly M.E, but also Malaysia/Indonesia) and have learnt a tonne of information - thanks for all the info... Though my question is a tad specific.

I’m 31 years old. Bloke. GSOH... whoops wrong forum...

Completed a CELTA in 2004. Have worked for UK government since late 2004 – still employed. Graduated in 2007, BA Hons Business Management.

I have a bit of spare time from work and was considering completing a Masters. I have no experience in ESOL teaching (I already know that this will be an issue, if I were to apply abroad). Getting accepted onto an actual Masters course depends on the university, some say no experience (as they have language schools I can utilise for the duration of the MA), some stipulate two years minimum - fair enough.

Say I was targeting Saudi/M.E (assume I have two years experience under my belt); what MA would be more favourable (both are from very reputable Universities in London, neither are distance learning)?

MA English Language Teaching (inc alumni discount, £3,700)
MA Applied Linguistics for Language Teaching (£4,700)

Is it worth paying the extra £1k for the ‘Applied Linguistics’ course?

Thanks in advance.

[wailing_imam]

No.

[nomad soul]

Both degree programs are sufficient for this region. Whether the Applied Ling is worth spending the extra money depends on your personal interest in linguistics.

[FrogHunter]

Thanks for your responses...

Out of curiosity, if I were to get an interview in the M.E would institutions/universities go as far as asking me what modules I studied for my Masters?

[rollingk]

Most will already have access to your transcripts before the interview, so there' will be no need to ask.

I've had a few interviewers ask questions about the most challenging coursework, the most helpful for actually teaching, etc..

[nomad soul]

[FrogHunter]

Thanks to all who have replied. I think I will probably opt for the cheaper Masters course (MA ELT) if and when I apply.

[lcanupp1964]

Hi there Frog...

Please keep in mind that in KSA (and I think in most of the GCC counties) you would need between 2-3 years of direct teaching experience AFTER you have 100% completed your LAST degree - paper in hand.

Between the two programs? I would take the one that I can complete the quickest regardless of the cost. I can tell you from my five years at KAU, that the people here seem to respect the MA in Applied Linguistics a little more. I don't know the reason though. Maybe some of the other posters may know why this might be the case. All my degrees are in English.

BTW, thanks for being specific in regards to your question(s). I wish all the people that posts their first question on Daves could follow your example. The ones that complain that "some of us" attack them, or at the very least, are snarky with them are always the ones that ask questions like, "How do I get a job in the Middle East".

Cheers,

[FrogHunter]

lcanupp1964 - Thanks I feel humbled . hehe.

"...I can tell you from my five years at KAU, that the people here seem to respect the MA in Applied Linguistics a little more. "

That was my assumption. A friend who has taught in Saudi for around ten years said the same thing to me - i.e. 'they prefer Linguistics over ELT/ESOL (he thinks)' though he advised I post on the cafe for better advice.

Both courses will start and finish Sept 14-Sept 15.

I'm a bit confused. Any one got any experience in this?

[nomad soul]

[SENTINEL33]

[lcanupp1964]

I’m sure most of us display a jaundiced outlook, or negative thinking regarding life/work at some point – we’re only human. Being the winded, smart-ass, narcissistic, non-conformist kind-of-guy that I am has greatly contributed to my “country of choice” (LOL). Yea, don’t trust me – I don’t deserve it. We are all complete strangers hiding behind the computer screen never expecting to meet the person we are posting/responding to. It can turn shy people into lions and people with mediocre intellect thinking that they are much keener than they really are. I’m writing generally and not about one single poster.

Sorry about my off-topic comment.

Jaundiced - (second most popular usage) “Feeling or showing dislike, distrust, or anger because of past experiences: likely to think that most people, organizations, etc., are bad”.

[FrogHunter]

nomad soul / SENTINEL33 - Again, thanks (valid points).

'...that he may know the difference between an MA in Linguistics vs an MA in Language teaching would be stretching credulity to almost risible limits' - LOL. They're that bad are they?

Both, much appreciated. I think I'm looking into it too much. At the end of the day I think an MA in ELT may in the eyes of some be 5% or 10% inferior but to others it may be superior... and to other equal. I suppose it's the ability to teach and the experience that really counts.

I think my issue was more monetary. I will go with the MA ELT; £3700 is a bit of a bargain.

[cmp45]

Frog hunter, you made the right choice money or lack of it can play a role in one's choice...but when the 'differences' are insignificant between the two choices...then it is only logical to choose the cheaper route.

[nomad soul]