Korean Job Discussion Forums

[timhorton]

Is it possible to complete a MA TESOL or better yet a PhD TESOL (or related field) "in" South Korea ( not by distance )?

tks

[the_beaver]

[tzechuk]

The best MA TESOL in Korea is from Sookmyung Women's University.

[cubanlord]

I'll cast my vote for my school, Shenandoah University (http://www.su.edu/sas/tesol).

It's a private, American university in Winchester VA. It is accredited and can be done both onsite and via Internet. Several of us here in Korea have completed or are completing the MA TESOL program.

Check it out and don't (IMO) limit yourself to just "something in Korea". You really would short-change yourself.

[Young FRANKenstein]

[Bibbitybop]

[HapKi]

The University of Birmingham, UK, is the best, in my opinion.

http://www.cels.bham.ac.uk/prospectus/ODL/odlteflinfo.htm

[tzechuk]

[Snowkr]

I also wouldn't suggest doing an MA in Korea unless you plan to live here for the rest of your life.

It may be more expensive, but it's probably best to return to your home country to do graduate studies.

As for doing a TESOL M.A. online, I think there are certain courses that really must be done in the classroom. I can't imagine studying phonology online.
Other parts of the degree are fine online ie: research methods and design, cross cultural competencies etc.. but a true TESOL degree should be more hands on and that's a bit hard if you're not in a classroom with a qualified professor to observe you. The teaching practice that you get in a CELTA or DELTA course should also be in an M.A. TESOL program.

[aarontendo]

The MA TESOL at Sookmyung allows men.

Framingham has two more weeks to get your application in. There is still time if anyone is interested. We have about 23 people in the cohort group right now, room for 7 more. If you are interested, then contact Jason at [email protected].

[cubanlord]

I don�t know why I didn�t mention this before; perhaps what follows this statement will help answer many peoples� questions. I have noticed that the same two universities keep popping up every time we discuss MA programs:

Shenandoah University � http://www.su.edu/sas/tesol - an accredited private university

And

Framingham State College - http://www.framingham.edu/dgce/me_tesl.htm (the link does not work, therefore we cannot see any information on this program . It has not been working for some time now. Try using this: http://www.framingham.edu/acad_programs.htm#grad � an accredited public college

From what I gather, there is one clearly delineating difference between these two institutions (from what I gathered speaking to a Framingham tutor at the KOTESOL conference and from my personal experiences in the SU TESOL program):

Shenandoah University (SU) takes more of a practical approach to EFL pedagogy. They require you to not only understand what you have learned, but to also apply theory to particular classroom experiences. In other words, theories and concepts are operationalized. Grand theory and practical applications of approaches are meant to go hand-in-hand.

Framingham State College (FSC) takes more of a theoretical approach to EFL pedagogy. They require you to show your understanding of the material through (if I remember correctly) 6 different assignments spread throughout the program. Theories and concepts are not necessarily operationalized. Rather, they require you to expound the theories. Practical experience is obviously given less weight (I can�t remember, but, I think they don�t require any type of practical applications such as observations, classroom recordings of your ability to correctly and effectively implement theory, etc.)

Now, it really depends on what you are doing. Either higher-learning institution will enable you to carry on to a doctoral program. However, those wishing to go on to a Ph.D. program may find FSC to be more helpful as they require a full thesis. However, if you want something more practical and more classroom-centered, then SU may be your choice. SU does require you to undergo a capstone project which includes a thesis and other work (the thesis isn�t as large as that found in FSC because there are other components of the capstone project which must be completed). Again, it all depends on you.

In sum, if you want to go the �theory� course, FSC may be useful. If you want to go the �practical� course, SU may be more useful. There are other differences (e.g. SU has several professors that teach in their area of expertise while FSC has a few professors that teach everything); however, those are the two major ones. I hope this helps.

Me.

[ddeubel]

cubanlord,

Please reread your post. There are several important errors. Don't have the time to outline them but they include the differing theoretical / practical categorization you suggest and also the need for the thesis. And more....

You also might have noted cost and the length/authority of the program (who teaches).

DD

[cubanlord]

[Handsome Boy]

Okay! I'll settle this very quickly for you, but before I do, some background about myself, in brief!

5 years South korea, I did the lot!, University, College, Hogwan etc.

Now working for the Ministry of defence in the Middle East, 3 1/2 years.


Point 1, South Korean University MA's are a complete waste of time and money, not recognized unless in Korea, as a previous poster said! Look at how many well heeled koreans go abroad to get their education.

Point 2, Don't do an American degree, such as the one mentioned, Shenandoah! is that some sort of a horse? they are simply laughed at in the ME. I do know this is an accrediated degree, but really don't waste your time.

Point 3, Think about the title before you start an MA in this field, an MA in Applied Lingusitics holds much more weight than an MA in TESOL.

Point 4, Take a look at the Australian degrees. No! I'm not Aussie! They have done a fantastic job at marketing themselves, and offer very good quality MA's. Example Macquaire and USQ are excellent.

So there you go, I hope this has answered your question! PM me if you want to know more, or failing that, I'll answer any questions to my points on this forum, if the response is big enough!

Cheers

[Corky]

What about Bimingham, Manchester, and Nottingham distance Ph.D's that come with minimal residency obligations? Would these be helpful at all back home?