TESOL program decisions

[cmpark]

Hello~

I just wanted to see if anyone knew anything or could give me advice on any of these schools.

I'm trying to choose between three schools: Teachers College (MATESOL NY K-12 initial certification), Penn GSE (MSEd TESOL), and MIIS (MATESOL).

So far, Penn GSE and MIIS has offered me money and I'm still waiting on Teachers College.

TC is a prestigious school and the program looks really extensive with a good combo of theoretical/practical. I'm hoping to go back for my PhD eventually so this would be a pretty good choice.

On the other hand, the Penn GSE program is not limited to K-12 but adult/college education as well, which I really like.

MIIS also seems to have solid program that is not just teaching K-12 but up to adult education. It also seems to have good career resources, and I like that it's fairly small. However, I'm not so sure about being in Monterey. I've lived in California my whole life and went to UC Berkeley so I would like to get out for a bit (but I guess it's not a deal breaker). Also, MIIS seems to be a bit of an unknown...

Any thoughts? advice? similar situations?

Thanks!

Edited March 8, 2012 by cmpark

[CG secret]

Hello!

 

I'd love to get your opinion on how you went about choosing your program. I got into the M.S.Ed. TESOL at UPenn, and am waiting for TC. But don't know which one to choose if I do get offered TC. 

I'm an international student, so I don't mind the move either way. 

Thanks!

[palabracrush]

Hi! I'm about to graduate with an MA in TESOL. Congrats on your admission. My advice is choose whatever program is cheapest once you calculate cost of living and tuition together. Then look to see if there is some sort of practicum training,  and coursework in grammar and pronunciation teaching.  TESOL is a rewarding career, but finding a full-time job can be challenging.  Please don't go into a lot of debt for a TESOL degree. I'm finishing up at UIllinois and thankfully have been able to finish debt free. 

[Vulpix]

9 minutes ago, palabracrush said:

Hi! I'm about to graduate with an MA in TESOL. Congrats on your admission. My advice is choose whatever program is cheapest once you calculate cost of living and tuition together. Then look to see if there is some sort of practicum training,  and coursework in grammar and pronunciation teaching.  TESOL is a rewarding career, but finding a full-time job can be challenging.  Please don't go into a lot of debt for a TESOL degree. I'm finishing up at UIllinois and thankfully have been able to finish debt free. 

I would echo this sentiment.  My best friend studies TESOL at CUNY Hunter, very affordable.  She turned down Columbia.  If your goal is teaching, do not go into inordinate amounts of debt!

Edited March 20, 2016 by Heather1011

[palabracrush]

It can take 6 months + to find a job in the US and thanks to visa stuff just as long to find a job abroad. 

Try to find a school that lets you get teaching experience while you study, as well.