Job Discussion Forums

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

Just out of curiosity what is the value of a PhD in this field?

Steiner · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 573 Location: Hunan China

Well, you could teach Masters-level courses to other teachers.

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

You'd have those jobs where you write all the books that the MA students study. You'd be doing all the research and stuff.

Yes, and teaching the MA classes.

Or take a shot at the really nice, tenured jobs offered in Japan (and possilby Taiwan.)

I get the feeling that the jobs that ask for PhDs either have their head in the clouds as to the importance of their school, or are offering jobs that have significant duties other than classroom EFL teaching.

But I don't speak from experience.

Is there a doctor in the house?

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

Although I am appreciative of the responses of wolf and steiner, I'd really like to hear some ideas from the lifers like johnslat and scot 47 and the like.

johnslat · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2003 1:56 pm Post subject: Less for more

Dear guest of Japan,
Lifer, huh? Kind of an odd designation for someone who spent 19 years in a place (the Kingdom) where, to HAVE a life, you have to exit the country.
But I suspect, again, the answer(s) to this question may well differ according to what part of the EFL/ESL world is being discussed. In the Middle East, my experience would suggest a good news / bad news reply:
The good news: with a PhD you can do the same job, with fewer classroom hours for a higher salary and more benefits.
The bad news: PhD hiring definitely seems to be on the downswing in the Kingdom, since, now that money is "tighter" there, employers who used to hire PhDs (mainly, I think, for the "prestige value") are asking themselves: Why should I pay more for a guy to do less of the same job that someone with an MA or a BA can do equally well (or, perhaps, better)?
I believe that's pretty much the situation with ESL in the States, as well.
So, by getting a PhD, you might well be pricing yourself out of a job, at least in some places.
Regards,
John

shenyanggerry · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 619 Location: Canada

When I did my TESL Certificate, most of the profs had PhD's. If you want a good paying position at a First World university, a PhD is almost a necessity.

johnslat · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2003 10:38 pm Post subject: Can I Super-size that?

Dear shenyanggerry,
It may well be different in Canada (assuming that's where you did your TESOL certificate), but here in the USA, PhDs - especially in the "Arts" are a glut on the market. There are some mighty well-qualified people working at places such as McDonalds.
Regards,
John

shenyanggerry · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 619 Location: Canada

I won't disagree with you John but those that DO get university positions normally have Phd's.

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

in the US, to get a tenure track position, you have to have a Phd. Many Phd.'s have no business teaching and no qualification to teach. A lot of unis will have Phd students teach classes, or Masters teach ESL classes, but it is only adjunct work

In china, having a Phd. Will get you about 500 kuai more a month...$60 US. Now, if you were a Processor oh, Professor in UK US you could get bigger bucks as a visiting professor at one of the more prestigious school. And if you are a professor in the states, you can sometimes spend a year overseas, and get paid your home salary.

Personally, I can not personally imagine how having a Phd. would enhance one's ability to teach English in a foreign country. Don't know any Phd field in America that would place any emphasis on this. Rather, you would have a lot to unlearn. If I ever return to finish my Phd it will because I want to work in the states or write a book or both