Degree in Education - In Search For Your Opinion

[badprimers]

Hello there

I'm new here on Thaivisa though been in Thailand for quite a while.

I am teaching English at a gov't school for the 2nd year now - I have a BA - and I'm on my 1st waiver. I'm considering to teach here long-term and will need to get some kind of 'degree in education' which is accepted by Khurusapha. I have ever since I started teaching wanted to educate myself further, but I see now that there are not many options, when it comes to the TCT mandatory requirements, other than cough up with a min. of 100k฿.

I have my eyes on this post-graduate diploma, an online study course, offered by UniTEFL in Chiang Mai.

From reading their presentation - //www.unitefl.com/big-news-new-era-u-teaching-diploma-now-offered/

- what do you think about it?

Any input is much appreciated.

Edited August 17, 2014 by Scott
Link removed.

[thequietman]

I think it is quite clear that you represent this institution and are looking for free advertising.

I know this course and with anything here in Thailand, it is presently approved by TCT but for how long?

They have changed the goal posts so many times that now, when my waver is finished ( I am on my first but teaching here 5 years) I will take a year off and let them make up their damn minds before I move forward.

Everyone should do like wise or they will end up pissing their money away while TCT makes up its damned mind.

[lostinisaan]

I agree with the quietman.It seems that they a sort of restructure almost everything right now. How long will it be approved by the TCT? is the most important question.

I'm glad that I'd just received my third waiver and it gives me some time to wait if maybe some local universities are doing weekend courses. ( Or online)

Rajabhat Ubon Ratchathani offer a Master's in English, which is not even accredited by Khurusapha, while such an online course by a university from the Philippines is?

I've tried Rajabhat Sisaket, but they do not have a PHD holder to do such a course. The last that dies is hope. -

[casualbiker]

That one on the OP is expensive .. here is another : //www.strobertstransnational.edu.ph/bangkok/

Edited August 17, 2014 by Scott
Direct link removed

[casualbiker]

I agree with the quietman.It seems that they a sort of restructure almost everything right now. How long will it be approved by the TCT? is the most important question.

I'm glad that I'd just received my third waiver and it gives me some time to wait if maybe some local universities are doing weekend courses. ( Or online)

Rajabhat Ubon Ratchathani offer a Master's in English, which is not even accredited by Khurusapha, while such an online course by a university from the Philippines is?

I've tried Rajabhat Sisaket, but they do not have a PHD holder to do such a course. The last that dies is hope. -

Umm any Rajabhat degree will be acceptable to Khurusapha. As long as it's received the degree accreditation from the MOE.

Also the Filipino university's can be bothered to organise things. Many Thai university's can't!

Edited August 17, 2014 by casualbiker

[badprimers]

"I think it is quite clear that you represent this institution.."

No. I'm just another ESL teacher awaiting the situation. Thanks for your input though, we're of the same opinion.

I'm on a NON-O visa and my 1st year was without any waiver (All the immigration ever wanted was my tax code rather than any papers from TCT?!).

Anyway, I could have done the 2nd without as well but needed the letter so I can do the Culture Course and get it over with but realized a few days ago they wont have any other courses until they have done their overhaul.

As I stand right now, I wont do any certificate in anything until things get more clear and my 2 FT-colleagues think the same.

[lostinisaan]

"I think it is quite clear that you represent this institution.."

No. I'm just another ESL teacher awaiting the situation. Thanks for your input though, we're of the same opinion.

I'm on a NON-O visa and my 1st year was without any waiver (All the immigration ever wanted was my tax code rather than any papers from TCT?!).

Anyway, I could have done the 2nd without as well but needed the letter so I can do the Culture Course and get it over with but realized a few days ago they wont have any other courses until they have done their overhaul.

As I stand right now, I wont do any certificate in anything until things get more clear and my 2 FT-colleagues think the same.

Sorry, had my third teeth out for a minute....

Edited August 17, 2014 by lostinisaan

[smileplur]

I agree with the quietman.It seems that they a sort of restructure almost everything right now. How long will it be approved by the TCT? is the most important question.

I'm glad that I'd just received my third waiver and it gives me some time to wait if maybe some local universities are doing weekend courses. ( Or online)

Rajabhat Ubon Ratchathani offer a Master's in English, which is not even accredited by Khurusapha, while such an online course by a university from the Philippines is?

I've tried Rajabhat Sisaket, but they do not have a PHD holder to do such a course. The last that dies is hope. -

Hey! Do you mind if I ask where you got the third waiver? Who did you deal with? I'm being told I need to be enrolled in Masters of Education to get my third. I've read many reports of others getting their third waiver without a problem. There are even a few reports of people getting their fourth. They want me to enroll, but not study, with some university in the Ph. It's all a bit dodgy if you ask me!

[smileplur]

I agree with the quietman.It seems that they a sort of restructure almost everything right now. How long will it be approved by the TCT? is the most important question.

I'm glad that I'd just received my third waiver and it gives me some time to wait if maybe some local universities are doing weekend courses. ( Or online)

Rajabhat Ubon Ratchathani offer a Master's in English, which is not even accredited by Khurusapha, while such an online course by a university from the Philippines is?

I've tried Rajabhat Sisaket, but they do not have a PHD holder to do such a course. The last that dies is hope. -

Hey! Do you mind if I ask where you got the third waiver? Who did you deal with? I'm being told I need to be enrolled in Masters of Education to get my third. I've read many reports of others getting their third waiver without a problem. There are even a few reports of people getting their fourth. They want me to enroll, but not study, with some university in the Ph. It's all a bit dodgy if you ask me!

[casualbiker]

I agree with the quietman.It seems that they a sort of restructure almost everything right now. How long will it be approved by the TCT? is the most important question.

I'm glad that I'd just received my third waiver and it gives me some time to wait if maybe some local universities are doing weekend courses. ( Or online)

Rajabhat Ubon Ratchathani offer a Master's in English, which is not even accredited by Khurusapha, while such an online course by a university from the Philippines is?

I've tried Rajabhat Sisaket, but they do not have a PHD holder to do such a course. The last that dies is hope. -

Hey! Do you mind if I ask where you got the third waiver? Who did you deal with? I'm being told I need to be enrolled in Masters of Education to get my third. I've read many reports of others getting their third waiver without a problem. There are even a few reports of people getting their fourth. They want me to enroll, but not study, with some university in the Ph. It's all a bit dodgy if you ask me!

Who wants you to?

[smileplur]

I agree with the quietman.It seems that they a sort of restructure almost everything right now. How long will it be approved by the TCT? is the most important question.

I'm glad that I'd just received my third waiver and it gives me some time to wait if maybe some local universities are doing weekend courses. ( Or online)

Rajabhat Ubon Ratchathani offer a Master's in English, which is not even accredited by Khurusapha, while such an online course by a university from the Philippines is?

I've tried Rajabhat Sisaket, but they do not have a PHD holder to do such a course. The last that dies is hope. -

Hey! Do you mind if I ask where you got the third waiver? Who did you deal with? I'm being told I need to be enrolled in Masters of Education to get my third. I've read many reports of others getting their third waiver without a problem. There are even a few reports of people getting their fourth. They want me to enroll, but not study, with some university in the Ph. It's all a bit dodgy if you ask me!

Who wants you to?

The school I work for in bangkok says it will be required next year to get another waiver (my third). I will visit Krusapa myself with my wife, as I ink something isnt quite right. I'm reading a lot of conflicting reports. I've seen the statement in Thai on Krusapa's website that states I should get a third waiver. I printed it and showed it to my HR department. They claim to have emailed Krusapa who responded by saying nothing has changed and anyone who wants a third waiver must be enrolled in a Ma-ED type of program. A post-grad diploma isn't enough.

[casualbiker]

A good idea to go down .. maybe by yourself with the correct paperwork .. it seems on reading over forums that they haven't got time to communicate so as long as paperwork is adequate they just do it. But I have no personal experience!

Edited August 17, 2014 by casualbiker

[BruceMangosteen]

Third waivers no problem as long as you have the letter and application from the school along with a degree.(Government School) The waiver is given to the school, not the teacher.

Any university in the Philippines is okay for the "degree in Education". No verification or checking is done. It can be online but don't tell anyone. Restricted to Philippine citizens of course.

Conclusion is obvious......save money and hire Filipinos and continue the myth that English is the native language of the Philippines.

[Yooyung]

This situation has been peeing me off for quite a while. Luckily, even though I have lived here for quite a while I am still only on my first waiver. I am quitting my day job that falls under the TCT requirements, and going to work at a place which doesnt for a while. I am going to tighten my belt buckle and study for a Masters in Ed in SOMETHING???? I am NOT...I repeat I am NOT going to study that level of qualification to stay teaching at a government school with 40 kids per class and a totally incompetent school management team. I AM however going to be studying that level of qualification to look at other options, here or elsewhere. I want to study more anyway, I just CANNOT justify doing it to stay teaching in the environment I am working in Monday to Friday......thats just pushing it too far.

[aarontendo]

This situation has been peeing me off for quite a while. Luckily, even though I have lived here for quite a while I am still only on my first waiver. I am quitting my day job that falls under the TCT requirements, and going to work at a place which doesnt for a while. I am going to tighten my belt buckle and study for a Masters in Ed in SOMETHING???? I am NOT...I repeat I am NOT going to study that level of qualification to stay teaching at a government school with 40 kids per class and a totally incompetent school management team. I AM however going to be studying that level of qualification to look at other options, here or elsewhere. I want to study more anyway, I just CANNOT justify doing it to stay teaching in the environment I am working in Monday to Friday......thats just pushing it too far.

You've got hte right idea, I mean I'm sorta new to Thailand still (only worked about two years here in total) but once ya got masters get on in a good paying private school, international school, or a decent uni gig if they exist here!

On the OP other point, I don't think a diploma course will count. Last I heard they're looking for B.Ed, M.Ed, or PGCE (or equivalant). A diploma last I heard doesn't qualify to teach back home so it wouldn't count as a PGCE equivalant.

For those looking for an M.Ed, I believe there's at least one cohort running currently and one that is starting soon for the Framingham M.Ed International Teaching. It's an American degree in which the professors fly out here, so it's not a traditional program but you do get all your seat time. If you have a non American degree you have to pay the extra money to get your degree assessed (about $200 fee), but that's an option too!

[lostinisaan]

I agree with the quietman.It seems that they a sort of restructure almost everything right now. How long will it be approved by the TCT? is the most important question.

I'm glad that I'd just received my third waiver and it gives me some time to wait if maybe some local universities are doing weekend courses. ( Or online)

Rajabhat Ubon Ratchathani offer a Master's in English, which is not even accredited by Khurusapha, while such an online course by a university from the Philippines is?

I've tried Rajabhat Sisaket, but they do not have a PHD holder to do such a course. The last that dies is hope. -

Umm any Rajabhat degree will be acceptable to Khurusapha. As long as it's received the degree accreditation from the MOE.

Also the Filipino university's can be bothered to organise things. Many Thai university's can't!

You might have misunderstood me. The TCT don't accept a Master's in English from a Rajabhat here.

A BA in education would be okay for foreign teachers.

That Master's on weekends would have taken three years, but it's not accepted, while such an online Hokus Pokus degree does the trick.

Of course did they NOT get in touch with the right people at the MoE/TCT to get their institution legal. Why do I smell fish?

Not long and we might be able to graduate online at the university of Bueau in Cameroon. Seems to be accepted by Khurusapha, when I look around me.\\

Edited August 18, 2014 by lostinisaan

[casualbiker]

Are you sure it's not accepted. Who told you? I find it hard to believe that the Thailand's teachers council rejects degrees from Thailand's teacher training university's. But then again this is Thailand so anything is possible!

[lostinisaan]

I agree with the quietman.It seems that they a sort of restructure almost everything right now. How long will it be approved by the TCT? is the most important question.

I'm glad that I'd just received my third waiver and it gives me some time to wait if maybe some local universities are doing weekend courses. ( Or online)

Rajabhat Ubon Ratchathani offer a Master's in English, which is not even accredited by Khurusapha, while such an online course by a university from the Philippines is?

I've tried Rajabhat Sisaket, but they do not have a PHD holder to do such a course. The last that dies is hope. -

Hey! Do you mind if I ask where you got the third waiver? Who did you deal with? I'm being told I need to be enrolled in Masters of Education to get my third. I've read many reports of others getting their third waiver without a problem. There are even a few reports of people getting their fourth. They want me to enroll, but not study, with some university in the Ph. It's all a bit dodgy if you ask me!

I received my third waiver from Khurusapha, two weeks ago, but my second one was still valid for another year. But I'd started to work for another school.

You do not need a Master;s in education, a BA will be okay. Yes, there're people who get a fourth waiver, but only when working at a school for some years.

[simon43]

Any university in the Philippines is okay for the "degree in Education". No verification or checking is done. It can be online but don't tell anyone. Restricted to Philippine citizens of course

I'm not sure of the 'validity' of your last sentence. I have registered with a university in The Philippines to study for a BSc.Ed (majoring in Maths), which is 100% online degree - I'm British.

Edited August 18, 2014 by simon43

[simon43]

Double post!

Edited August 18, 2014 by simon43

[BruceMangosteen]

Any university in the Philippines is okay for the "degree in Education". No verification or checking is done. It can be online but don't tell anyone. Restricted to Philippine citizens of course

I'm not sure of the 'validity' of your last sentence. I have registered with a university in The Philippines to study for a BSc.Ed (majoring in Maths), which is 100% online degree - I'm British.

I was referring to the TCT accepting said degree when someone is applying for a waiver or TL itself. That said, please check for yourself. I only know what I was told when there. It changes as others have outlined, by the day and person you talk to. I assume most online Universities in the Philippines or elsewhere would gladly accept a British applicant.

[BruceMangosteen]

Are you sure it's not accepted. Who told you? I find it hard to believe that the Thailand's teachers council rejects degrees from Thailand's teacher training university's. But then again this is Thailand so anything is possible!

Those universities would be teaching in Thai one would assume.

[casualbiker]

Are you sure it's not accepted. Who told you? I find it hard to believe that the Thailand's teachers council rejects degrees from Thailand's teacher training university's. But then again this is Thailand so anything is possible!

Those universities would be teaching in Thai one would assume.

As long as it's accredited by the M.O.E. shouldn't make any difference! We are talking about a Rajabhat university.

[lostinisaan]

Are you sure it's not accepted. Who told you? I find it hard to believe that the Thailand's teachers council rejects degrees from Thailand's teacher training university's. But then again this is Thailand so anything is possible!

Those universities would be teaching in Thai one would assume.

As long as it's accredited by the M.O.E. shouldn't make any difference! We are talking about a Rajabhat university.

How can that not make a difference? Thought it was about foreigners, and not Thais.

[BruceMangosteen]

Are you sure it's not accepted. Who told you? I find it hard to believe that the Thailand's teachers council rejects degrees from Thailand's teacher training university's. But then again this is Thailand so anything is possible!

Those universities would be teaching in Thai one would assume.

As long as it's accredited by the M.O.E. shouldn't make any difference! We are talking about a Rajabhat university.

You seem to be missing the plot. The Thai's don't want foreigners taking up the spaces in the Thai Universities, learning to be teachers in Thai. They can do that themselves. Our subject matter is foreigners teaching in Thailand, in English, both English and various subjects, but in English. What good is a degree from a Thai University or being fluent in Thai for that matter? Thai isn't supposed to be spoken in these programs, in fact it is frowned upon. You are taking a job away from a Thai and in addition to that being ridiculous the Director has to affirm he/she can't find a Thai qualified to teach said classes.

[casualbiker]

Are you sure it's not accepted. Who told you? I find it hard to believe that the Thailand's teachers council rejects degrees from Thailand's teacher training university's. But then again this is Thailand so anything is possible!

Those universities would be teaching in Thai one would assume.

As long as it's accredited by the M.O.E. shouldn't make any difference! We are talking about a Rajabhat university.

You seem to be missing the plot. The Thai's don't want foreigners taking up the spaces in the Thai Universities, learning to be teachers in Thai. They can do that themselves. Our subject matter is foreigners teaching in Thailand, in English, both English and various subjects, but in English. What good is a degree from a Thai University or being fluent in Thai for that matter? Thai isn't supposed to be spoken in these programs, in fact it is frowned upon. You are taking a job away from a Thai and in addition to that being ridiculous the Director has to affirm he/she can't find a Thai qualified to teach said classes.

What an earth are you on about

We are talking about an MA in education!

Taught in English! Some university's are doing it as a required top up to your standard BA.

Edited August 18, 2014 by casualbiker

[BruceMangosteen]

What an earth are you on about

We are talking about an MA in education!

Taught in English! Some university's are doing it as a required top up to your standard BA.

While we won't dispute your "English", we do find it difficult to understand? "Top up" to your standard BA"? Anyhow, the plot referred is obvious to those of us who have been around and we are merely advising people new to the Kingdom. The Thai's don't intend in our opinions, to be in the mood or position to offer real legit University courses which will qualify an otherwise unqualified "teacher" to teach in their country. Teachers qualified outside of Thailand in western countries aren't going to come here and teach full time for 30,000-40,000.baht a month. They can and do find real legit International schools around the globe paying over 100,000.baht a month. So in summary, what I'm "on about" is that it is all a joke on you and you are paying for said joke which makes it a scam I guess. Think a "Masters in Education" which was a "top up" of your degree, from a "University" in Thailand is going to get you in a real school in the western world or even China or Vietnam? Think again my friend. You are stuck with your education, be proud of it if you have it. Don't let a bunch of Thais belittle it and your Native English tongue equating it to Filipino's and Indian's and Thai's who have gone on the get said "Masters of Education". Your skill is English period, and that's what's needed here. Not a bunch of color copied degrees from Thai Universities. Sorry to ramble but this situation has gotten out of hand it is the students who are going to suffer long run. Students come to me daily, daily...wanting to just say and listen to a few words in English. They aren't even my students, they come from sidewalks and surround me and I'm not even a lovable guy. They just want to learn English.

Edited August 19, 2014 by BruceMangosteen

[aarontendo]

Actually I would chime in here, unless the degree is accredited somehow back home I wouldn't bother with any Thai degree of any kind. Unless you're pretty much certain that you'll stay here.

[BruceMangosteen]

Actually I would chime in here, unless the degree is accredited somehow back home I wouldn't bother with any Thai degree of any kind. Unless you're pretty much certain that you'll stay here.

There are very few High Schools here who are accredited outside of Thailand. These are also very expensive to attend. I mean of course, High Schools which would allow a student to apply for acceptance into a really good and prestigious University.

I think a perspective flash is in order.

[aarontendo]

Yes, because this whole conversation has been about high school education. Oh wait, no it wasn't...