Job Discussion Forums

[nellychess]

I have spoken with a few online schools, and have done some research. I am not sure I can trust what they say, so I wanted to ask all of you.

1. If I take 1 year of a Masters online, can I finish at a traditional school, and transfer those credits? If there are even some traditional schools out there that I can do this with, that would be great nfo.

2. Would an online Masters degree be valuable as far as getting a job, or greater earning potential?
(I am interested in China, S Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Mexico, and South America).

Thanks for any help.
I have a BA in Sociology from a major University in the States. I had a low GPA, but I have been in the working world teaching tennis for 20 years.

I am currently selling clothing on ebay, and trying to get my new career teaching English across the globe.

Thanks for any help getting me there.

[santi84]

Nellychess, long time no see!

A low GPA and no teaching experience will not get you into any MA program, will it? If so, I'd be very wary about taking it.

Sounds like you are putting the cart before the horse if you don't have TESL experience yet. You are approaching your 10th anniversary on this site and still haven't taught yet. I have no idea why you would pursue an MA at this point.

[nellychess]

Hi
I had a job lined up in China at a University, and the Province rejected my application at the last step. I was asked to send a fake Certificate. I backed out.

I'm trying to do it the right way. Would an online Masters degree help me?

Wouldn't I be better prepared to teach?

Wouldn't I be more hirable with an online MA?

I don't know, that's kind of what I am asking.

The online

[nellychess]

The place I talked to is called Ashford University.

I can't find anything on here about it, so maybe it isn't good

[santi84]

I don't know anything about Ashford but every reputable MA TESOL program I've explored expects experience, referrals, and high grades.

Have you not applied for other jobs? Do you not have a TESL/TEFL/TESOL yet?

An MA in TESOL makes zero sense if you havent taught ESL before.

[nomad soul]

[nellychess]

Thanks nomad. You bring up some good points. I am willing to put the work in, and aquire more student loan debt if there is value in getting the online masters. I can research to find the best one I suppose, but I'm wondering if it will get me better jobs, and or provide for better earning potential. If an online masters isn't more valuable to have than a CELTA then I won't do it. If it's worth a lot, I need to seriously consider it.

[nomad soul]

[rtm]

I'll echo what others have said, and recommend you not to pursue the MA until you have gained some classroom teaching experience. If you do the MA without any experience, when you graduate you'll be in a tricky position -- for jobs that require an MA (usually a few steps up the ranks from beginner-level), employers will be hesitant to hire you because you lack experience, and for entry-level jobs, you'll be overqualified. You also won't get nearly as much out of the MA if you do it with no experience.

If I were in your position, I'd get a CELTA or other reputable certificate (e.g., SIT), and get some experience before thinking about the MA. Or, you could head to someplace that doesn't require a certificate (e.g., many places in East Asia) to get a year or two of experience.

I think the only exception might be if you enroll in an on-campus MA program that includes a teaching assistantship in the university's ESL center. Such assistantships usually include a tuition waiver and a small stipend for living expenses, and would also give you some experience. However, some previous experience is often required for these.

[esl_prof]

[MuscatGary]

[nellychess]

I was taking the plunge. I packed my bags, sold my car, and was ready to go. It fell through because I didn't have the right credentials. I am trying to get them, and get more information. Why crush someone's dream?

[santi84]

Nobody is crushing anything. You've had about ten years to do a one month CELTA, so it makes no sense that you'd turn to an MA program because you still can't seem to get a one month credential. The thought process behind that is bizarre, and strikes as being well beyond simple procrastination.

If I didn't even know if I was actually any good at tennis, would you recommend I go spend $15,000 and a few years or so to find out? Or a $1500 four week course?

We all have dreams, but at what point can anyone take this seriously anymore?

[nellychess]

hahah. I guess you're right. I can see your view. If I remember, I will let you know when I finally get going. I'm looking for volunteer teaching in Houston now.

[esl_prof]