Job Discussion Forums

Yemlin · Joined: 11 Oct 2006 Posts: 21

I've taught English in Japanese public schools for five years. I really like my job, but I would like to move on up to university teaching in Japan, Hong Kong, Dubai, Latin America, or Europe.

I have a bachelor's degree in French and I recently got a CELTA. I plan to get an MA in Applied Linguistics by coursework. It will be an external (a/k/a distance or correspondence) degree. Would the fact that it was done off-campus disqualify me from many university jobs in Dubai?

Thanks!

stoth1972 · Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 2:02 am Post subject:

I think Veiled Sentiments knows best, but I believe that Ministry of Higher Education acknowledges online degrees, but the Ministry of Education (K-12) does not. Does that sound right to everyone else?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

That was true last year at least - no word on any changed to that as yet.

BUT... one detail is that your MA would have to be completed and in hand before application to get credit for it. And, they normally look for related experience... ie teaching Academic English - especially Reading and Writing - at tertiary level. I suspect that the better employers in the Emirates would not consider your experience relevant.

VS

NadiaK · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 206

You might find it a problem that your MA does not involve TP/a practicum. However, this might be offset by the fact that you have a CELTA which does (albeit only 6 hours. presumably).

So...a couple of "mights" there and nothing concrete...but something to be aware of.

stoth1972 · Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 6:10 pm Post subject:

As recently as 2 years ago, people I knew who had internet MA TESOLs (with no practicum) got jobs at HCT. They did have previous teaching experience, though.