Life Experience Degrees

[sgunn65]

With the minimum requirement of having a degree as well as a TEFL in order to teach (despite numerous qualifications and 5 years as a trainer) I have become rather despondant about the chances of teaching in Thailand. The worst of it is I don't really need to do it for the money, I actually want to teach. I know I could go back to college or do an open university course but I really don't want to.

I came across life experience degrees which assess your qualifications and experience and award degrees based on that. I also came across straight forward fake degrees.

What is the difference?? Would a life experience degree mean anything or would I run the risk of being prosecuted?

Excuse the typo in the sub heading, I cannot seem to edit it

Edited May 30, 2007 by sgunn65

[tayto]

I'm afraid that a life experience degree is just as useless as a fake degree.

Any kind of degree that you get without, at least a few years study wouldn't be any good.

If you have a TEFL and a few years experience then you should have a reasonable chance of getting a job.

Government schools are easier because they have the clout with the local labour office to get a work permit.

Also there are plenty of private language schools who employ anybody, without qualification if your face and accent fit.

Good luck in your job search

[eek]

Forget the life experience degree, I think most people view this kind of degree as a joke to be perfectly honest. Get a tefl or better yet a CELTA. Teamed with your experience a tefl/CELTA will help you get a foot in the door.

Best of luck!

[geronimo]

With the minimum requirement of having a degree as well as a TEFL in order to teach (despite numerous qualifications and 5 years as a trainer) I have become rather despondant about the chances of teaching in Thailand. The worst of it is I don't really need to do it for the money, I actually want to teach. I know I could go back to college or do an open university course but I really don't want to.

I came across life experience degrees which assess your qualifications and experience and award degrees based on that. I also came across straight forward fake degrees.

What is the difference?? Would a life experience degree mean anything or would I run the risk of being prosecuted?

Excuse the typo in the sub heading, I cannot seem to edit it

To amswer your question, No you would not be prosecuted for submitting a life experience degree, however the Thai MoE would not accept it either. OK?

[Petch01]

What is the difference?? Would a life experience degree mean anything or would I run the risk of being prosecuted?

Your degree is a real degree from a university but the universtiy doesn't exist as an educational institute. It's not a fake degree though. Nobdy can bring you to jail. Having a lot of experience in working is a part of your resume but doesn't justify a university degree. Having and telling that you have a degree triggers expectations by schools, parents and students. Not saying that a degree implies that you are a good teacher.

In your case I would go for a good TEFL certificate.

Upcountry you can still work at government schools without a degree but you need a TEFL Certificate.

Petch01

[Loaded]

In Chiang Mai the MoE has stated it's the school's responsibility to check the authenticity of qualifications and The MoE will only check submitted documents if they are given specific information regarding a teacher or their certificates. The situation seems to be different in Bangkok where the MoE seem to take a more proactive position.

In CM you'd probably get away with it.

I know 1 teacher at a large private school here who's been happily working for a couple of years now with a FAKE degree without any problems. However, don't touch fakes as you may go to prison.

Edited May 31, 2007 by Loaded

[mopenyang]

What is the difference?? Would a life experience degree mean anything or would I run the risk of being prosecuted?

Your degree is a real degree from a university but the universtiy doesn't exist as an educational institute. It's not a fake degree though. Nobdy can bring you to jail. Having a lot of experience in working is a part of your resume but doesn't justify a university degree. Having and telling that you have a degree triggers expectations by schools, parents and students. Not saying that a degree implies that you are a good teacher.

In your case I would go for a good TEFL certificate.

Upcountry you can still work at government schools without a degree but you need a TEFL Certificate.

Petch01

If "the 'university' doesn't exist as an educational institute," how can it then award a degree?

Makes no sense and it comes down to the fact that a non-existent university is awarding a non-existent degree.

BOGUS comes to mind.

[Chingatchgook]

I have alot of experience in sex and have kids does that mean I can teach Psych? Human Sexuality or Biology? Physiology of Reproduction? I'm a good teacher but I don't have a degree.