Job Discussion Forums

[Sudz]

I've made threads in the past mentioning my potential plans of entering the Nottingham MA TESOL program (in Malaysia) without a first degree (was accepted mainly based on my teaching experience). Well I've now been accepted into the program for the June start date - whether I chose to go through with it remains to be seen.

I've found it tough to find people in this situation. I've heard a couple testimonies of success, and a few people mentioning potential visa problems in certain countries (I've heard Thailand, the Philippines, and Taiwan mentioned). Some have also mentioned that some employers might not overlook a 'missing' BA. Overall though, I haven't heard much from people who have done this route themselves - most information has been second-hand (which is still appreciated).

What appeals to me about this route are - besides the actual content of the program: the length of time it takes to finish, the fact that I'll be able to work PT while doing it (even being able to stay in Vietnam if I choose), and the fact that I'll be able to support myself without government loans.

I figured I'd post a thread in here where it might reach more people. I'd like to hear peoples experiences, whether first-hand or second-hand. Opinions are appreciated as well.

Thanks.

[artemisia]

Not exactly what you're looking for but I may as well throw in an idea here. You're planning on pursuing this MA part-time and working part-time to support yourself. It sounds like a great idea as I guess you'll have lower living expenses in Malaysia or Vietnam. I can understand why you'd want to take a short cut to a degree which will be the most useful to you with TEFL.

Have you investigated through this university or any other MA course you've considered whether you'd be able to do a 'reduced' BA in tandem with the MA - possibly cross-crediting some papers which I think you can do at stage 3 of a BA? Or something post MA?
It might not be possible to do this at any uni or even feasible to take on two things, especially not part-time.

Just wondering as study seems to be so much more flexible these days with cross-crediting and work experience counting towards entry prerequisites and course requirements but .... maybe not that flexible as lots would want to take a short cut! There'd have to be certain requirements met though.

[Sudz]

Hey artemisia. Actually I hadn't thought of that, but I wouldn't mind investigating that, as I would definitely consider pursuing an undergraduate after the MA.

Thanks for the idea.

[spiral78]

Sudz, I don't know what you're aiming to do once you have the MA (and possibly the BA). What are your goals?

I know a couple of people who've made it with an MA, but without a BA, but the MAs were from extremely reputable British universities. I am not so sure how an MA from Malaysia will play out internationally - I guess it's going to be well-received in some regions, but less so in others.

[Sudz]

spiral - to put it simply, to have more teaching opportunities than I current have. This would include: being able to teach at the university level, allow easier access to legal work status (compared to not having any sort of degree), and simply to improve my teaching skills.

This degree is from Nottingham University (not an Asian school), which has a fairly good reputation (was recently told that it's a top 10 UK university).

[spiral78]

Yes, Nottingham will be recognised. Sorry to doubt the reputability of your programme - it wasn't clear from your OP. In that case, I'd expect that it will open quite a few doors, though I think the idea of adding a BA to it will be important in some places.


Oops. It was clear - my bad


In that case, I know a couple of people who have landed very good uni jobs in the Middle East (without a BA), and have continued their careers in European universities (though they have UK passports to back that up). I also know one MA-only holder with a uni job in Canada.

[Sudz]

No worries Spiral. Actually some people that I've talked to here in Ho Chi Minh can't seem to get it through their heads that it's an BRITISH school IN and Asian country (not saying that's you).

"But don't you want to return home one day? How can you do that with a Malaysian degree?"

"For the 4th time....it's not a Malaysian degree."

This conversation was on a Saturday night at the pub after a long day, so I'll cut them some slack

That's encouraging that you know someone working in Canada on just an MA, as that's my (potential) final goal, being Canadian and all. Would you have any details about where he might be working in Canada? If not, understandable.

[spiral78]

pm sent