Job Discussion Forums

[saral]

I've decided to get an MA but am quite clueless about which one would serve my purposes. I have a BA in English, a CELTA and eight years experience in a good language school in New Zealand. I'm 55, female, have been teaching Asians, South Americans, Pacific islanders, Europeans and Arabs (Saudi and Qatar), all levels, age 11 to 70 and TOEIC, TOEFL and IELTS. I"m applying to jobs in the ME and an MA is pretty standard there. I don't know which one will best serve....Applied Linguistics or TESOL or? Could someone please help me or point me ? Thanks in advance.

[Kootvela]

Well, for your own benefit, I sugegst you do something related with your work so that you get better insight and things can be easier to study if you have experience. I advice you visit the websites of universities (I think, close to your area) and download their MA programmes or ask for them in the departments responsible. You can compare what they offer and see what you want to do. I am personally biased against online degrees but that's my personal opinion.

Also, if you have a B.A. in one field, it is easier to enter M.A. in the same field. Otherwise, you'd have to do a number of additional (and paid) courses to make the credits even. At least,t hat's what it is like here in Lithuania.

[fluffyhamster]

[flutterbayou]

Please study something for which you have passion. Really. As any MA work is mostly research, the process of any discipline is going to enhance your critical thinking skills and, of course, your research methodology.

With your CELTA and if you like it, an MA in Applied Linguistics might boost your paycheck. My MA is in English Literature - which I love - but once I advanced in the field of ESL and EAP in particular, I found that I had a knack for curriculum development, and the Literature focus did not keep me from getting jobs I wanted. The MA in Lit has also kept me moving upward in terms of leadership roles at the workplace

I see notices for Hong Kong and Japan requesting advanced degrees in Linguistics and adult education (once in awhile).

I see that you are interested in working in the ME, so a Masters in Adult Education or Applied Linguistics might pad the pocketbook, but you never know. Not long ago, I saw an ad for a teaching position in Oman actually seeking someone who could teach British and American literature.

To make a long story even longer, I agree with the posters who gear you away from online degrees. Group interaction is a close second to research while working on an advanced degree. Best wishes to you.

[saral]

Hi Flutterbayou and thanks for that. I have no choice due to location, and financial restrictions, but to do a "distance" MA. Despite the assumptions that, in the ME, distance degrees were not accepted I have had suggestions from 2 universities, to which I applied in Saudi, to get a distance MA from a few good places. One was the MAT program offered by the School for International Training in Vermont. Another was the Univ. of Birmingham, the Univ. of New England. and the Univ. of Southern Queensland. One institution told me they would be happy to hire me when I had completed 1/2 of the program. So, not all is as it seems. I had thought Applied Linguistics to be best suited to my goals and my passion, as it happens. Years ago, when I got my BA in English, I thought A.L. would be fascinating. I also saw the job for teaching British and American Lit. Sounds lovely. Ok. so I'll take a long hard look at A.L. Thanks Flutterbayou and I hope all is going well with you over there. I've been following your progress.