Job Discussion Forums

[aspiringesl]

Hey guys, I have to make a decision within a month of what graduate school I want to attend!

As of now, I am deciding between New York University and City University of New York at Hunter College, a public school. For most people I would expect NYU to be much more well known, however, the cost of tuition between the schools would be dramatically different, 20-30k over two years for Hunter and 60-70k over two years for NYU. What I am wondering is how important name recognition is within the TESOL community outside of the United States. I am interesting in teaching EFL in Asia and I want to know whether it really is worth it to shell out so much more money to go to NYU for its name or just go to a much cheaper institution, coming out with the exact same degree in the end (MA in TESOL)

Cheers!

[johnslat]

Dear aspiringesl,

I suppose it might depend on where you want to go. But in my experience (22 years of teaching EFL in the Middle East and Indonesia,) I'd say save your money and go to CUNY. All most places I know about care about is the degree, not where it's from (well, as long as it's an accredited college /university, which CUNY certainly is.)

Regards,
John

[Glenski]

"in Asia".
That covers a huge area. Can you be more specific?

I'd say for Japan that the name of the uni doesn't matter as long as it is accredited.

[tttompatz]

In my personal experience it won't make any difference what the "brand name" of the school is on the degree with the proviso that it is a legitimate degree. It is the simple fact of having the masters degree that makes the difference.

Having the post graduate degree(s) gets you past the initial rejection stage of the application process and gets you an interview.

It is what you do in the interview that determines whether or not you get hired and it is what you do after the interview that determines whether or not you keep the post and/or move up.

All that said however it is a bit job/country specific. What MAY matter is the level of the degree and whether or not you are published. In ALL top tier universities in Asia will expect you to have an ABD/PhD. Top level international schools will require you to have home country certification as a teacher. So as you can see in the above 2 examples it will matter where you want to work more than the name of the school.

If you are looking at just about any other position a simple MATESOL is more than adequate to find a position in anything and the school name won't matter.

.

[aspiringesl]

To the above poster, I am looking into Hong Kong as my number 1 destination, the net scheme to be exact. Secondary options include Korea and Japan! Thanks so much for all the replies thus far!

[naturegirl321]

Unless it's HArvard, Yale, Oxford, or Cambridge, employers really don't care. Go tot eh cheaper one, espeically if you want to get into TEFL . Being well paid certainly isn't one of the things teachers are known for!

[Insubordination]

It makes no sense to get into massive debt that you might never pay off, just because you are able to go to NYU. It's all marketing anyway. The debt would hound you and prevent you from achieving your goals for many years to come. Go with the cheaper option. It's a smarter decision.

Here's a little vid you should look at

[aspiringesl]

I'm just wondering how much more appealing I would look with a degree from a more reputable university. What about something like Columbia University, an ivy league, then would it be worth it? If not I am honestly just going to decide to go to a cheaper school. I've also applied to a Master of Science of Education in TESOL at another CUNY college, which would be just as cheap as Hunter, so I might have another option out there if I get accepted. More feedback is much appreciated guys, especially from those that went to "better" schools, I'd like to know has it helped them with landing jobs in a significant way!

[naturegirl321]

[JZer]

[Sadebugo]

[Mrs McClusky]

It doesn't matter.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[wangdaning]

Where did you do undergrad? I agree knowledge of outside universities is lacking. NYU doesn't have a big name in many areas. I know for a fact I got my foot in the door at my current employer because of my university, UC Berkeley. Of course that didn't get me the job or allow me to keep it, now on my third year.

I am based in China, and many people know the big name (poison ivy) schools are for rich kids. Mostly spoilt, insane people (though there are talented people that come out of them). I think most Chinese would see Harvard/Yale as the rich kid, bribe through universities. I would go with the cheaper option. I would pick the same if I were to go back to school. The big name universities are over rated and over priced. Having a graduate degree already puts you in good position.

[rtm]