Job Discussion Forums

[rockenrobin]

Hi, my name is Robin and I just finished a year of TEFL in Japan. I loved it, and want to further my knowledge and career in this field. My questions are: Is a distance MA in TEFL as reputable as a MA taken in the traditional manner, by attending an University? Also, is there anyone who can tell me how a MA in TESL has improved their careers? Finally, what are the names of some good distance learning universities? Thanks.

[Cleopatra]

You will need an MA if you want to work in the Gulf region, or in universities in many other countries.

Otherwise, many employers prefer the DELTA because it's considered more practical.

If you look in the United Arab Emirates (or one of the Middle East branches, not sure which) you will find a long thread discussing the value of distance MAs, and other threads on the subject too.

[chula]

HI. I�ve got my MA/TESOL from a university in the states (Gonzaga University) and I�ve found that it�s been extremely helpful in getting me jobs. But, be sure that it�s what you want to do before you sign up for 2 years and mountains of debt. For me, I�ve found that it is a whole lot easier here in Mexico to get hired for any position regarding teaching. That being said, a lot of my co-workers have MA degrees that they did distance with schools in England. They�re good schools, but the problem with distance is that you don�t get the interaction, you don�t get the library, and you don�t get the variety--based on my observations. I don�t like the distance idea because I learned almost as much from my classmates as I did from my instructors. I also don�t like it because the distance programs usually have modules and everyone does the same thing, so it doesn�t seem like it really broadens horizons or allows for as much discovery room about ideas and about yourself. To give my humble advice, I�d go for a program where you have the opportunity to become a part of a teaching community because I�ve found it to be very beneficial.

[Kitegirl]