Job Discussion Forums

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Hi guys,

I've just completed my MA TESOL, and am considering Thailand - among many other places.

Currently in Japan, and am enjoying the location/job, though I'm essentially doing an entry level job - not exactly exploiting the degree/several years experience.

Might there be any decent uni gigs - or other possibilities?

Thanks!

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

wailing_imam · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 580 Location: Malaya

Try Singapore or China. Your MA TESOL should be able to earn £2500 a month plus.

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

His issue is the simple fact that while he has completed an MATESOL (online?) he does not have a bachelor degree to go with it and runs into problems with immigration at visa time since the BA is the requirement for a visa and the MA is not relevant for visa issuance in most countries.

.

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

I don`t know how much truth there is to that last statement. The MA only route - from my research - is only a (possible) issue in Korea.

Granted, my research only includes Vietnam, China, Japan, Indonesia, and Korea (oh, and a few Middle East countries).

Are you sure that this is an issue in `most` countries? This hasn`t been the case - as mentioned - during my research.

From personal experience: I`ve just had to change the status of my visa here in Japan - which required a degree - and was able to do this with my MA.

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

The degree is blended - mix of online and in-class lectures. Someone from my program was offered a job in Saudi - where they don't allow online degrees - so I don't think it's an issue.

Anyways, I appreciate the feedback, but I just don't know where "most countries" comes from.

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

While I'm here: would anyone know where I stand regarding visas in Thailand and Singapore - wailing_imam : )

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

Under the current regime, in Thailand, whether you can get a visa or not will depend on who is sitting at the desk at the education office on the day your paperwork lands on it.

Again, the requirement is a valid undergrad degree (with transcripts) that will need to be authenticated and presented to the TCT at the time of your teacher's license waiver application.

Can you get a non-b for the first 90 days = maybe yes provided the local education office accepts the MA and doesn't look for the BA when they issue the letter for visa issuance.
Can you get a work permit = anybody's guess. The TCT will probably balk at the missing undergrad (a licensure requirement encoded in law).
Without the work permit you won't be able to extend your visa (beyond the first 90 days) and stay legally working.

Can you get work = certainly yes but you will probably be using double entry tourist visas and doing regular border runs to stay in the country.

.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

hdeth · Joined: 20 Jan 2015 Posts: 583

I could see it causing some sort of issue in China, but maybe just a bunch of paperwork and running around rather than a deal-killer. I think they just wouldn't understand how you get an MA without a BA because they probably never saw it before (hell, first time I've heard of it) and make your school do a bunch of explaining and extra paperwork.

EDIT:
Though I haven't heard of any jobs paying 2500 pounds that are looking for an MA in TESOL/TEFL/whatever. Maybe if you had something else to go along with it like a teaching license.

MDSloth · Joined: 14 Mar 2017 Posts: 9

Hey guys,

I'm in a similar situation as I have an MA but no BA. How did it go for you Sudz? did you get the visa or not?