Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Curious_george]

Hello!

I'd like to take a few minutes of your time to ask a few questions on graduate education while abroad. I am wondering what your opinions are about obtaining an online, distance education, graduate diploma versus, actually attending a particular graduate school in Education (i.e., lecture, traditional-style classrooms). What would you recommend?

I am contemplating whether I'd like to stay abroad longer and work on a graduate degree online, or return to the states and attend a graduate school there. If you (or anyone else you know) can give me some insight regarding my questions, that would be great and very much appreciated!

~Happy Holidays

[jaganath69]

Currently doing my MA in International Relations through Deakin University, Melbourne. Check them out, www.deakin.edu.au

[ahopfe]

I have done Online learning while being aboard and I think its the best thing that I have done in a long time,

I think learning online is harder than at a campus but its makes you a better person as you have to manage ur time alot more

I would suggest only taking one course per semester if you want to have any type of social life outside the computer cause it can be a hell of alot of work.

I did mine through Uni South Australia www.unisa.edu.au

I am doing a Grad Dip in Education next year through CSU www.csu.edu.au

[Roch]

[kingplaya4]

How are these regarded both in Korea and in the west? Also, is the cost substantially less?

Thanks for any info on this.

[kotakji]

I dont want to be the wet blanket here, but while distance learning may in some cases be more rewarding to the individual, they simply arent respected by others in the same way as a regular degree. In most of my grad classes, discussion (IE arguing points with the prof. and students) made up 50-75% of the grade, something you probably wont get in a distance learning class by definition. As someone mentioned, you can acquire time management skills from a distance program, but lets be honest, if you didn't have them before, you probably aren't cut out for a quality grad program.
All other things aside, I wont put down distance learning programs, if you want to learn skills to help you, then go for it. But if you want resume padding, its a waste of time and money.

[susmin]

I taught in Korea for 5 years and now teach in the public school system in NC as an ESL teacher. I got my M.S. in TESOL for Nova Southeastern University online while in Korea. They offer both online programs and have a campus in Miami for students as well. No one cared that I had an online degree and I am paid at a master's level. It is becoming more and more common, especially in education and does not have the stigma attached to it that it once did.

[Ryst Helmut]

Some past threads....the search function is a great tool!

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=20641

Shoosh,

Ryst

PS: My opinion on getting an MA in TESOL has changed...

[Ryst Helmut]

[Curious_george]

Thanks all for your wonderful insights. I was told to make sure the potential university to be "accreditted" before making a final, firm, decision.

I'll def. take it into consideration, which is still up in the air but at least I got my feet wet.

Thanks again..and for the link too!..my eyes hurt..

[vox]