Job Discussion Forums

[*Amanda*]

Hey everyone!

I have a Masters in English and I was wondering what that can do for me in terms of expected salary. Where I go would really depend on the amount of money and attractiveness of the job. In other words, I have no preference. Am I qualified to teach at a University as well? I would really appreciate any help you could give me.

Amanda

[Glenski]

A master's degree alone will not get you a full-time university position in Japan. You will need some experience and at least 3 refereed publications. Take a look at what Paul Hackshaw has written at www.teachinginjapan.com (link is on the first page).

[Wolf]

I know you could teach in most universities in China, and at some at least in Korea.

Salry? In China if you have a grad degree in "English" (TEFL? Lit?), you should be able to negotiate a higher salry. That being said, univerities pay less than private companies, although they ask for lower hours and sometimes involve fewer headaches.

You could teach part time at univerities in Japan, but I don't know if they'd sponsor your visa, and there's a risk that they'll fail to renew your contract just when you're starting to have fun.

It has been posted on this forum that an MA might be enough to get you work in Taiwanese universities, but don't take my word for it.

An MA (if it's the right kind) and some other factors could get you a job in the Middle East. Money tends to be good (by EFL standards) but many of these countires have rather different laws/social customs from what most of "us" are used to.

[scot47]

If you have no teaching experince your Masters (in what subject ?) is unlikely to be of much use in the Middle East. In any case most jobs here are for males. Jobs teaching females are for females generally, but there are more than enough local candidates for that. Because of restrictions on what local women can do in Saudi and the Gulf States many Arab women choose to go into teaching.

So write off the Middle East. You may consider that to be god news !

Incidentally how did you find yourself in possession of an MA with no idea of what to do with it ? Did you just waken up one morning and find you had this degree ?

[*Amanda*]

Scot47:

First of all, thank you for your input; but I must say, the end of your note was a little rude and completely unnecessary! At no point did I say I had no idea what to do with my M.A. I believe what I was stating was that I had no idea what kind of benefit it could bring me IF I happen to decide I want to teach overseas. I simply came here for a little information from people who would know best, so there was no need for the personal attack.

Amanda

[october]

Amanda,
What do you have an MA in?
What could you do with it in the states? are you in the states?
I'm just curious what would make you work overseas.
I'm just starting my MA and was wondering the exact same thing -but in the states.
I hope you get good advice.
Good luck.

[*Amanda*]

Hey October,
Actually, I�m in Canada � Ontario to be exact. And to be truthful, I am currently working through my M.A as well, but in English literature. In Canada, an M.A allows you to teach at college (of course, in Canada, note the difference between a �college� and a �University�; a university requires a PhD where a college, only an M.A) as well as an increase in salary at whatever profession you decide. The more education, the more the money. What WOULD make me work overseas is if the means outweighs the cost. That is, I heard a rumour that an M.A in English can get you an obscene amount of money when it comes to teaching in somewhere like Korea. Of course, I�ve come here to confirm or deny the rumour. Plus, I don�t have to tell you about the exchange in our money! (You get paid in American) =) So if I find that I can start a good financial foundation for myself, then a move will be inevitable. Otherwise, I will stay here and start teaching some good old college English courses! Keep in touch, and let me know if you find out anything!

Amanda

[scot47]

You did not tell us about your MA. What is it ? Literature ? Lingusitics ? Cultural Studies ? Women's Studies ?

Nowhere will an MA get you an "obscene" amount of money. If your sole motivation into getting into TEFL is to make money then don't do it. You will not get rich in this field - even in Kore, Japan or the Middle East.

Maybe your hypersensitivy about my question is a sign that you now realise that you do not know why you spent all that money on getting an MA ?

Do yourself a favour and stay at home.

[Wolf]

[october]

Amanda, actually i don't get paid in American, I wish...
I get paid an embarassing amount compared to most of you.

I think scot47 is not being fair to you and he may want to think about some therapy, but he has one good point, if you are in this for the money, think twice, but if your heart is in it and you want the experience of traveling and of different cultures then go for it.

[scot47]

I do not fint into your touchy-feely, California style stereotypical world. Your response ? I need therapy !

"Sheech!" as my favourite cartoon character might say.

[october]

I think perhaps i need therapy as well since i don't know what a Californian style stereotypical world is. I'm sorry, i have never been there yet, so if you find a good therapist, let me know.
Didn't Froyd say something about people who quote cartoon characters??

[Albulbul]

It strikes me that therapy annd counselling might be more appropriate for someone who spent all that time in education and now does not know what to do. Why should scot47 get therapy. ?The world needs irascible old men who act like Elmer Fudd !

[october]

Ah! it's Elmer Fudd ! That's really all the info i needed.
I don't think that Amanda doesn't know what to do (Sorry, for talking about somebody that i don't know) she just was looking for some advice from smart people of the world. Is that a crime today? if so, i am also a criminal since i was looking for advice as well, about working in the states/ where to get my MA in TEFL / Should i spend money on therapy?
Take me away officer...

[denise]