Job Discussion Forums

[Sudz]

I've been teaching English in Asia for the past 6 years without a degree, and am looking for some practical qualifications (not just a non-related BA), which would help me with my esl career (not saying this NECESSARILY will be a life-long career, though I do plan on doing this for a while).

I've had the following ideas:

a) BA in Applied Linguistics

b) a Masters (yes that's right) in TESOL (through Monash university)

c) a 'dual' degree (combination BA/B.ED).


Like I mentioned, I already have 6 years of experience - along with a TESOL certificate.

I'm open to the idea of distance education, and in some ways feel this actually might be a better route, as I could continue to teach which completing my education.

I would also like to teach in other countries in the future (currently in Vietnam). Ideally, I would like to move to Hong Kong next.

Eventually I might want to return home to Canada, though this is lower on the list of considerations (I could always get more qualifications later).

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

A BA in APPLIED Linguistics? Usually, the undergrad level is in Linguistics. That means theoretical.

Another option: foreign languages or a single foreign language- not sure how feasible that is by distance, though. Particularly if you choose to stay in one country, then getting a degree in that language would be useful if you decide to return to your home country as a qualification that could be applied as proof for translation types of jobs. If you may be returning, then you should think about areas to work in AFTER teaching EFL. Some typical examples:

-Education (Adult [ESL], or k-12 [in which case ensure that you have a 'teachable' or two depending on what level you decide you want to teach at]. University is also an option. You would need at least an MA for ESL, or a PhD in a specific area for core courses).

-Business (Human Resources and Public Relations are two of the biggest in Business. Marketing would be up there, too {PR is actually a part of marketing, though}).

-Translation (languages)

If you're from Ontario, then you know that there are about a billion different one-year post-grad certificates available through the Provincial College System. You need a degree to get into those, and sometimes it needs to be a slightly related degree.

[Chancellor]