Job Discussion Forums

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Hi guys. I did a search on this, though I figured I'd post a new thread, as my situation is somewhat more specific (you could say).

Well I've been accepted into Nottingham's MA TESOL program (through the 'non-standard route....long story), and am thinking of giving KL a miss and living in Penang. The program require very few in class lectures, so I can freely live where I chose in the country.

I figured I'd opt for Penang, as I've been living in chaotic Ho Chi Minh city for some time, and wouldn't mind a change from the crazy city life. Also, I think not having my own wheels in such a large city might prove an annoyance - though perhaps I could get my license there.

ANYWAYS...one issue is that I lack an degree. I do - however - have over 6 years of experience and a TESOL certificate (and an IELTS training certificate which I could perhaps highlight).

So to ask plainly....might there be any part time teaching opportunities for myself if I chose to live there? I'd ideally like to save as much as I can at my current job before coming, but I'd still need some sort of income in order to sustain a long term move.

wailing_imam · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 580 Location: Malaya

Is this MA really RM42k a year? Steep!

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

I hope not! I was told last year that the grand total for the whole degree was around 38k. Could the ridiculous tuition hikes in England affect the prices in Malaysia? I hope not - and wouldn't think so - though it is a UK school :/

wailing_imam · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 580 Location: Malaya

That's the fee on the website for international students. These UK and Aussie universities make an absolute killing in Asia. I looked into an MA in Singapore from an Australian university and the fees were similiar. The amazing thing is that you have formal classes three days every two months or so, and spend the rest of the time studying alone. I feel this is not much different to an online degree and yet they charge the earth. The Singapore provider was Kaplan. I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole.

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Yeah those fees are a little silly. If I weren't for the coin that I'm currently able to save, I wouldn't even consider it. I do think that an on-campus degree would pull more weight though than most online degrees - despite the fact that it's mostly self study.

I will say though, if that 42k isn't the total price, than I might have second thoughts..

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

You 'wouldn't touch' the Nottingham program? If so, why not (besides financial reasons).

wailing_imam · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 580 Location: Malaya

I meant the Kaplan one offered here in Singapore. As I said, I think for a masters degree, it is crucial to be meeting and discussing ideas on a regular basis rather than once every couple of months when the visiting lecturer shows up.

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Fair enough. Unfortunately for myself, lacking an undergraduate degree means that my MA options are limited.

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Well it looks as though I'm able to apply for a student visa which allows part time work. That should smoothen things a little..

KayuJati · Joined: 21 Feb 2010 Posts: 313

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

I see. Oh well I'm able to save more money here than I generally feel I deserve. Why should I have a more reasonably priced MA Wink

I'm also happy about being able to work part-time. Unfortunately, I'm still not exactly sure where I stand work-wise - despite my online research. The real pimple on my resume is my lack of undergrad. I've been told that I should be eligible to work at ELS, but the wages sound boarder line atrocious - doesn't even look like enough to money to live on with just part time hours.

I suppose I could stay in Vietnam and fly in for the classes, but I'm really salivating for a change.

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

Sudz, you�ve inspired me to think about an engineering MSc at Nottingham Uni KL. According to:

http://www.nottingham.edu.my/Students/Admissions/Pages/FeesForNonMalaysianNationals.aspx

The fees for the MSc and MA TESOL are:

RM38500 per year (Malaysians)
RM43500 per year (Non-Malaysians)

As of today, RM43500 is 9122 UK Pounds. The MSc at Nottingham in the UK is 4700 UK Pounds. Just as well I like KL.

I�m just curious, why did you choose KL and not a UK university?

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Hey there Hod.

Well I'd been inquiring online about possible teaching degrees for someone in my position, and stumbled upon someone who took this route. He was had been in a similar academic situation as I before he took the course. One plus with this route - that he mentioned - was that this particular class is cheaper than the course in the UK. This turned out to be the case, so I'm surprised that your program of interest is so much more expensive.

The MA TESOL also only has classes once every 2 or 3 months, which made me realize that I could continue to teach - perhaps in Malaysia (or even in the neighboring countries!) while doing this program. Also - and another benefit to doing it in Malaysia - is the lower cost of living.

The idea of living in KL appealed to me as well, though as I mentioned I'm now leaning more towards Penang. I'm heading to Malaysia for Chinese New Year for a couple of weeks, and might get a better sense of things during that time.

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

I'd love to work at the BC, but I'd have to think that I'm unqualified due to my lack of paper qualifications. I just emailed them about requirements, and hopefully will get a response before long!

Perhaps me being enrolled in an MA TESOL program would pull some sort of weight...