Job Discussion Forums

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Hi guys.

I've been teaching in Asia for the past 6 years. I've been doing this with just a TESOL certificate and no degree.

What I've learned from all of this is that I really enjoy teaching (especially overseas), and would like to pursue this as a career.

I've been chipping away at a few BA classes while here, but this has been slow going and COSTLY. Moreover, what I'm studying isn't really related to teaching ESL.

As it turns out, there are several programs in the UK and Australia that will allow entry into their MA TESOL programs WITH experience and WITHOUT a BA. Ding ding ding!

Or is it? Could this perhaps be a problem with regards to work permits. Could countries asking for a 4 year BA turn this down (as silly as that would be!) Any other potential conflicts?

I realize this is probably a tough question, but any feedback would be highly appreciated!

Thanks

tttompatz · Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2010 4:50 am Post subject:

Many countries will NOT accept a MATESOL in place of the Bachelors degree for a work visa.

They require (as a matter of policy or law) the undergrad degree and couldn't care less about post grad work when it comes to the work visa.

.

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Thanks for your reply tttompatz.

Seems quite silly to be honest, but I suppose that's the way the law is at times.

Could you give me a few examples of which countries would not accept this?

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

Geez, I wouldn't even think that anyone would ask about a BA if you have a MA. I know Russia, Ukraine and Mexico wouldn't be a problem for you.

scooby doo · Joined: 30 Oct 2009 Posts: 48

Would you mind telling us who is offering these MA programs? Thanks

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

Unfortunately plenty of employers would take a negative view if you don't have an undergraduate degree - it's seen by many as an essential part of the education chain. It depends who you want to work for, but I'd be surprised if you could get 'proper' state school or uni posts in most western countries without a first degree - places like UK, Oz, US etc.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I know the Open Uni in the UK lets those without HS dips start do a BA. I would think that they might allow those with no BA to do an MA. Life experience counts. Smile

tttompatz · Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2010 11:28 am Post subject:

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

scooby doo - Sorry that I can't get into more specifics (I was told there were many), but Leicester and (more realistically) Monash in Australia were two that were mentioned.

Generally, schools in the UK and Australia are more willing to allow non-BA holders into their MA programs - provided they have some type of 'equivalent'. Not saying they're all good programs though (I have to look more into it).

Monash came in highly recommended, and Leicester was just brought up briefly from a mate (they replied to an inquiry I sent, and told me that I'd need a minimum of 10 years to bypass the BA....wow!).

I was told from that I should have little trouble getting into Monash with my experience, and that their program is quite respectable....definitely not a degree mill.

tttompatz - thanks for that reply.

I'd be surprised if Taiwan wouldn't accept an MA TESOL, as I've heard they allow a 2 year Associates Degree and a TESL diploma (you might be right though!)

Vietnam has a lot of loopholes (I've worked here for a while), and I'm sure you could find a way to get a work permit with an MA.

I'm sure you're right about the others Smile

dave3br · Joined: 02 May 2010 Posts: 6

Even if you don't run into visa issues, you may get tired of explaining to potential employers why you don't have a BA. The whole "no BA" thing might just distract potential employers from what positive qualities you do bring. Probably best to get a BA in anything even if not ESL related. If you have been doing coursework for awhile it shouldn't be very difficult. Talk to whatever Uni you are interested in and see if they can help.

Good luck,

David

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I have a friend with an MA from UBirmingham, England, who does not have a first degree.

You also would not get work (as a teacher) in Canada, the USA or Western Europe with it

He has worked legally in both Canada and Western European universities.

Personally I would question the existence of a masters and the accreditation of the school if they accepted candidates based solely on "life experience". Sounds like a paper mill to me

I asked my friend before posting to this thread, and UBham did not count 'life experience'. My friend had already 8 years of teaching experience, and was required to write a fairly long paper on classroom approaches and methods before being considered to enter the program. His writing skills being strong, he passed this entry requirement. He was then 'on trial' through the first half of the programme, which he ended up passing with distinction.

FYI, he has also taught in the UAE with just the MA, plus his now many-years of experience.

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

Some posters are missing the point. It's one thing getting onto a masters prog without a first degree, but getting a job is something else. Of course there will be some employers who are happy to overlook the "missing" first degree, but there will be many who won't.

FrenchLieutenant'sWoman · Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Posts: 53 Location: France(ish)

He can work in universities but he can't teach in schools. Universities (in the UK) can technically employ anyone they like on equivalency.

Contrary to popular belief, A-levels are not a prerequisite for some traditional universities in the UK. The OU has fairly rigorous checking procedures for anyone wanting to enrol in their higher level courses, usually demonstrated by completion of an L1 or L2 course or previous study elsewhere.

I, too, think that it will be difficult to find work as a teacher with just an MA. It might be a bit of paper but if it's a required bit of paper and you don't have it you're going nowhere fast!

nickpellatt - could you enrol on an A.Dip? Those are 1 60 point undergrad and 1 60 point postgrad designed as a bridge to postgrad study for those without a degree/a relevant degree for their Masters. I have a feeling they're phasing them out though. What do you want to do an MA in?

FrenchLieutenant'sWoman · Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Posts: 53 Location: France(ish)

He can work in universities but he can't teach in schools. Universities (in the UK) can technically employ anyone they like on equivalency.

Contrary to popular belief, A-levels are not a prerequisite for some traditional universities in the UK. The OU has fairly rigorous checking procedures for anyone wanting to enrol in their higher level courses, usually demonstrated by completion of an L1 or L2 course or previous study elsewhere.

I, too, think that it will be difficult to find work as a teacher with just an MA. It might be a bit of paper but if it's a required bit of paper and you don't have it you're going nowhere fast!

nickpellatt - could you enrol on an A.Dip? Those are 1 60 point undergrad and 1 60 point postgrad designed as a bridge to postgrad study for those without a degree/a relevant degree for their Masters. I have a feeling they're phasing them out though. What do you want to do an MA in?