Job Discussion Forums

[Sudz]

Hello again

Sorry for all the recent threads, I'm just trying to keep my options open regarding where/what to study.

I'd mentioned in earlier posts that I was interested in pursuing an MA TESOL recently (lacking a BA in the process), mainly due to convenience factors such as time and the potential of working while studying. Of course, the content and outcome of the degree are the most important factors, but affordability and convenience are clearly factors as well.

Though I still have my sights on the MA (to be done in Malaysia), I don't want to dismiss taking the B.ED/QTS route as well, as I think in some ways it could be more forbeneficial me in the long run. Had heard from a previous poster that this could be achieved in 3 years (?)

I'm wondering if there are any good universities in Asia - preferably somewhere where the cost of living is lower, and where one could potentially work with my lack of formal qualifications (TESOL certificate and 6 years experience).

Thanks

[Sudz]

I'd love to study in Hong Kong, but I'd imagine this being a costly endeavor - even with some work on the side.

[fladude]

I am in no way absolutely certain, but I think you are going to be out of luck trying to become a certified teacher outside of your home country. The problem is the certification.... You might be able to get a B'ED in some other country, but would your country accept it? In the US, even if they do accept it, you are still going to have to go back to an individual state and pass a bunch of tests and pay some fees. Also a pure B'ED is going to limit you to working with little kids. You need a content area degree to teach high school (or at least most schools look for it). That said, I did become qualified to teach English in the US without having an English degree by testing into it. But I was hired to teach Social Studies and I do have a History and a Philosophy degree. I just ended up teaching a few Reading/Writing classes on top of it all (its a small school).

In the US most people who already have a college degree just become alternatively certified and don't go back to school to get some other degree. Then if they want to bulk that up they get a MA'ED, after they have been working for a few years.

[Sudz]

I'm Canadian actually. To be honest, I have little desire to teach in my home country at the moment, though I'm sure I'd be willing to get the extra paperwork when the time came.

I'd definitely consider studying in Canada, though I've hear that an all in B.Ed generally takes 5 years :O Far too much time that I'm willing to allocate at the moment.

Bouncing back between the B.Ed and MA TESOL idea....I am interested in English/Writing, and am also wondering how much of a benefit it would be to have an English degree in the ESL world? This I could also to online, which would be a huge plus.

Quite interested in getting into the HK NET scheme one day, though I think that's a seperate topic

[Perilla]

You could do your BEd in HK, but you're correct in surmising it would be expensive. I don't know exactly what it would cost, but I think undergraduate student fees are in the US$10K a year and upwards area. They are also about to start four-year degrees here (beginning the academic year 2012), which would presumably also apply to BEds - though you could still apply for the current three-year degree beginning Sept 2011. I think a HK BEd would be recognised in other countries - no problem on that score. I also think you'd be able to work p/t while on the course, but with a busy workload you'd be restricted I imagine.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[Sudz]

Fair enough NCTBA, though I wonder how much of those five years could be categorized as 'filler'.

Could anyone suggest any unis in HK? What kind of PT work might one expect with my lack of academic qualifications (TESOL/experience/IELTS certificate)?

[fladude]

I think getting the English degree is a great idea. It seems to me that education is moving away from the ED and towards content area knowledge, at least it appears that way in the USA. Someone with an actual English degree should have no problem getting a job teaching English in Secondary. Of course having a Bachelor of Education in English would be a plus.

[Perilla]

[Perilla]

[tttompatz]

[Sudz]

Thanks everyone

Just researched HK University and yes the do offer B.Eds, and YES they are expensive (around 15000US a year!). It's 4 years....can't afford it.

Studying back home IS an option, but I'd be dependent on the government for a loan, and perhaps even my parents - they have a nice basement While I'm not 'old' (2, I've been independent for too long to rely on them, at least I think :/

I'm leaning towards either the MA TESOL from Nottingham and/or a BA in English online, perhaps aiming for a PGDE after. Of course, if there's a practical way for me to obtain a B.Ed I'd be open to that. I can afford to study while working here in Vietnam, but unfortunately I can't guarantee to have my job indefinitely (long story, but my lack of degree could be a factor). Also, I'm looking for a bit of a change.

Anyways a lot of factors to consider

[naturegirl321]

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[Perilla]