Masters Or Pgce?

[jgbc]

I am currently trying to decide on my best course of action, I'm in my 40's and currently just completed my second year of a three year BA in International Relations at a UK university. My Thai wife and I are keen to move to Thailand, and my thoughts are possibly on teaching there.

So my questions are:

Should I continue with a masters in the UK and then aim for a university job in Thailand. Or would it be reasonable to assume I could do my masters in Thailand and find the route to a job easier? This does make me wonder if it is common to find mature students in higher education. And I'm also assuming that I would be able to find an income whilst studying. So possibly taking a TEFL course once in Thailand if required, with Nakhon Ratchasima being a preferred location but not imperative.

Other than that, would it put me in a better position to forget the masters in IR and take a one year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in the UK.

The future prospects may not differ greatly in income but I think it is the different opportunities that each route may create that are important. Obviously, I realise that there could still be at least another couple of years of studying for me to go, but the last two years have gone by so quick already.

My apologies if this is in the wrong section as I wasn't sure if it should go in Questions About Qualifications or Continuing Study In Thailand.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this

[Scott]

I am of the opinion that if you want to be a teacher in Thailand, then get your educational qualification first. If you want to teach, your future will be more secure.

You can pursue a Master's degree in Thailand while teaching.

Hopefully a few other posters will be along to give you their experiences and advice.

Chose what fits best for you.

[Scottish Thailander]

I am of the opinion that if you want to be a teacher in Thailand, then get your educational qualification first. If you want to teach, your future will be more secure.

You can pursue a Master's degree in Thailand while teaching.

Hopefully a few other posters will be along to give you their experiences and advice.

Chose what fits best for you.

I agree. PGCE in the UK definately. Masters there too if you have the time (arguably better quality although more expensive), if not, as Scott says, do the masters here in Thailand at the weekends.

Please do your research first. Pay for uni teachers and even university teachers/lecturers can be pretty basic, especially at Govt. ones. If you specifically want Korat then schools will be low paid, Ramkhamhaeng Uni has a branch there but again low pay, and language schools (AUA is in Korat as well as a couple of other big, and many other small local ones) but again low pay. The advantage is that costs there will be lower and you will be on a higher salary than most locals, but it is unlikely you would live in luxury on pay there (or even in BKK, unless you are lucky and careful enough to secure one of the few, and very competed for, well paid jobs - private schools/unis) unless you want to put in a LOT of (extra) hours.

Working whilst on an Educational Visa is not allowed (unless on an internship, which is unlikely). Working on a Tourist visa is similarly not allowed. Working on a Marriage/Business/other visa will require a work permit which basically means no part time employment for jobs "on the side" and the official employer (and you) submitting paperwork to obtain. It also has restrictions on the minimum salary (depending on your nationality) that you must be on (and that does not mean wages are upped to meet that limit) and I believe a minimum number of working hours.

Try an international company with a base in Thailand for a job using your International Relations BA as that will almost certainly pay better.

Don't want to sound too down on you and your hopes, and I wish you the best and luck. Just do the research and secure a good job (might take a short trip over) before buying a one-way ticket (and try not to go burning bridges - you might want to go back sometime).

Good luck.

ST.

.

[aussiebebe]

I think teaching is really a vocational career. Completing a Primary or Secondary PGCE in the UK will set you up for working with children and teenagers anywhere in the world, but you'd have to have your heart set on it, not be dithering over PGCE vs Masters; your choices are opposing and depend upon the future employment you want. The PGCE interviewers would want to know about your experiences and philosophies about wanting to become a teacher, not your IR BA per se. The PGCE could help secure well-paid employment in a good international school in Thailand, but again, the schools would want a fantastic teacher, preferably with a few years UK experience and a clear talent and passion.

[jgbc]

Thanks for the replies,

Some interesting and reasonable suggestions.

Of course, I need to consider my prospects seriously and I still have a reasonable amount of time. I originally started my degree because it was an interest to me. At the same time though, it was my intention that it would eventually be my route to teaching.

But hey, what a surprise. My course is so interesting I can't escape the fact that there are some interesting career possibilities out there. I guess it's 'a time will tell' situation.

I'll keep researching my options and I'm sure to be back again to ask more question later.

Thanks again everyone

jgbc :-)

[paully]

Should I continue with a masters in the UK and then aim for a university job in Thailand. Or would it be reasonable to assume I could do my masters in Thailand and find the route to a job easier?[/Quote]

What would you expect to teach at the university in Thailand? International Relations - in English? It's not much in demand, in Thailand, I'm afraid. Business-related subjects, taught in English, are far more popular. Teaching English at Thai universities doesn't bring in that much of a salary. What masters would you propose to do in Thailand? How would it help you to teach there?

The future prospects may not differ greatly in income

Oh yes they would - as others have said, with a PGCE plus a couple of years of teaching experience in the UK you would be in with a shout of a top international school job which would comfortably bring in more than university teaching in Thailand (except if you had a PhD in a Business-related subject).

But, do you want to teach as a professional career?

Edited June 22, 2010 by paully

[toasted]

If you do a PGCE you must also complete one year of teaching in England to become fully qualified. Otherwise you are an NQT and after 5 years (I think) your PGCE qualification will lapse and you'll need to retrain (in order to work in the UK, and/or to earn the wage you should).

If you do the PGCE in England you'd be mad not to obtain qualified teacher status by getting a year's work experience in the UK afterwards.

factor this into your options.

[guru]

Once you are awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) after getting your PGCE and passing the 3 QTS computer skills tests you are a fully qualified teacher for life. Neither your QTS or PGCE will ever lapse even if you do not start your NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher/induction) year.

You must only complete your NQT year if you wish to work in UK state schools. If you only wanted to work in UK private schools or abroad then the NQT year never has to be completed.

However, I would say it is advisable to do your NQT year and some post NQT experience in the UK to give you the best chances.

[is there a deadline by which newly qualified teachers must start and finish induction?

No. Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) are encouraged to start their induction as soon as possible after gaining qualified teacher status (QTS) but there is no set time limit for starting or completing induction.

http://www.tda.gov.uk/teachers/induction/faqs/popularquestions.aspx?question=2]

Edited June 25, 2010 by guru