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From TEFL to Masters: Which M.A. Should You Pursue in Korea?




Are you an English teacher in Korea looking to advance your teaching career by pursuing a Master's degree? If so, you may be wondering which Master's program would be best for you. Two popular options for English teachers are Master's degrees in English Language and Literature and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of each and help you decide which one is the right choice for you.




MA in English Language and Literature


A Master's degree in English Language and Literature can help advance an English teacher's career in several ways. Firstly, it provides a deep understanding of the English language, including its literature, history, and culture. This knowledge can be useful when teaching advanced English classes, such as literature or writing courses.


Secondly, an MA in English Language and Literature can improve a teacher's critical thinking, analysis, and research skills. These skills can be useful for conducting academic research and presenting findings, as well as for creating lesson plans and assessing student work.




MA in TESOL


A Master's degree in TESOL focuses on teaching English to non-native speakers. This degree program is particularly suitable for English teachers who want to gain more knowledge about language acquisition, linguistics, and more importantly, teaching methodology.


With an MA in TESOL, English teachers can enhance their skills and knowledge in teaching English as a second language. This degree program offers a variety of courses in areas such as curriculum development, language assessment, and second language acquisition theories. These courses can provide English teachers with a deeper understanding of the needs of non-native speakers, as well as advanced and the latest teaching strategies to meet these needs.


Additionally, an MA in TESOL can also be helpful for those who wish to become language program coordinators or teacher trainers.




Comparing MA in English Language and Literature and MA in TESOL


Both an MA in English Language and Literature and an MA in TESOL have their unique benefits for English teachers. An MA in English Language and Literature provides a deep understanding of English language and literature while enhancing critical thinking skills. Meanwhile, an MA in TESOL provides a more focused approach to teaching English as a second language, with an emphasis on language acquisition and advanced teaching methodology.


Both an MA in English Language and Literature and in TESOL can open up opportunities for teaching in international schools and higher education institutions, such as colleges and universities. With this degree, you may be qualified to teach literature, creative writing, or composition courses, which can offer higher salaries and job security.




Conclusion


Ultimately, the right choice for you will depend on your career goals and interests. If you enjoy teaching literature or writing courses, an MA in English Language and Literature may be the right choice for you. However, if you are passionate about teaching English as a second language and want to gain more knowledge in this area, an MA in TESOL may be the best option.




How Intuition Can Help


No matter which Master's program you choose, applying to a university can be a daunting task. That's where Intuition comes in! Our admission assistance services can help you navigate the application process and increase your chances of getting accepted into your desired program. We offer one-on-one consultation, essay review, and guidance on preparing your documents in time so you don't miss the deadline. Let us do the hard work, relax, and we'll tell you what to do at every step!😉



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