Job Discussion Forums

[sisyphus]

Im hoping to do an MA Applied Linguistics, I have many years experience in different levels, Uni, Schools etc, also Management experience with my own school. What sort of position would I possibly get ? Tea Wallah?

The Sisyphus

[Setanta]

Have just completed MA in TESOL Methodology & Applied Linguistics. Thinking of moving to Asia in a year or two (after 7 years in Poland).

I'm interested in working in higher education. What's available? Is it better in the HE sector than in the pvt language/state school sector?

[sisyphus]

I know an MA is well valued in the Middle East, not sure in Vietnam..hopefully someone will fill us in with the details..ILA seems to be the main employer, I was hoping to get info on University level teaching, pay etc?

The Sisyphus

[mcsensei]

Probably your best bet would be to go after a senior position in one of the foreign-run schools. You may be able to land a position as a trainer, coordinator or manager.

But the MA alone won't do it. They'll want you to have solid experience at reputable schools and who provide similar styles of learning to the place you would be working for.

For example, work as an ALT, teaching experience at a Korean cram school or Japanese conversation English school may help you to land a teaching position, but it wouldn't be viewed as valuable in terms of training teachers in best practices.

There are also the unviversities which you could consider. With the exception of RMIT (some would say without the exception of RMIT), though, these aren't always as good to work at as they are in other countries. Pay and educational standards are sometimes low, while student numbers can be exceedingly high.

You could also consider international schools. Pay can be quite good at these. Working conditions vary, though.

This isn't the complete picture, of course, but I hope it gives you some ideas.

Good luck!

[mcsensei]

One more thought:

Some language schools, particularly the British-owned ones, may prefer the DELTA over the MA. While the DELTA is much more practical and its curriclum is more standardized, most MAs tend to be more theorectical and the content of each MA program varies. I think some schools prefer the DELTA, not because it's necessarily better, but because they know exactly what it is.

Universities, on the other hand, would probably prefer the MA as it elevates the status of its teaching staff.

Both have merits, of course. I think both are worthwhile if one is serious about improving as a languege educator and advancing in the field. The above is only to provide info on how each might be received by various organizations.

Hope this helps.