Wanna go back to school. Help pls!!

[aijan 0]

Hello,

I don't know if it's the right place to ask this question. I'm in real dilemma, so I decided to get suggestions/advice from VJ members. (as i did many times in the past)

Well, It's been 2 years that i'm here in the US. I'm a mom for a year now. And now i decide to go back to school. the problem is that "i don't know what field is best for me"? "what degree (bachelor or Master) is best for me?" and since all my studies are from overseas, what can I add from US studies, to get a diploma, so hopefully, i'll find a good job in the next couple of years. (when my daughter start school).

Here is a brief summary of what i did in the past (overseas):

- A Bachelor degree in Applied Foreign Languages (Arabic, French, English)

- 5 years professional experience in administrative field (and 1 year in USA)

- Some Translation and language tutoring (some in USA)

Did/do you go to school here? please share your experience and tell me any suggestions/advice.

Many thanks in advance

PS: I want to start as a"part-time student.

[canadian_wife 1,822]

I went to school in the US. Most schools have counselling services to help you find your particular field. If you want to do your master's, depending on the program and the school, you'll likely have to take the GRE and that score will be judged with your application. You will also likely have to get your overseas transcripts evaluated here in the US - some schools require a particular provider.

I'd start by researching schools in your area, then make an appointment with their counselling service to discuss program options.

Good luck.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I can't tell you what you should study but your first step should be to get your existing credentials evaluated by an agency like the ECE.

[milimelo 4,479]

Najia, I'd suggest looking into CIA careers for translators - I think they send you to language institute in the target language(s). Not sure how far away you are from your citizenship, but this is something I'd look into.

[rheanick 42]

It would be hard for us to tell you what you should take...

But to share my experience.... I enrolled in one of the community colleges here for a 3 units credit course for this fall 2009. I just went to the community college and registered. I dont plan to get a diploma or certificate. I just need the subject to get some basic information for my plans.

I asked the register if i am required to attend the new student orientation. She said no since i dont plan to get diploma or certificate. She did not even asked for my credentials.

[Aubrey 10]

It would be hard for us to tell you what you should take...

But to share my experience.... I enrolled in one of the community colleges here for a 3 units credit course for this fall 2009. I just went to the community college and registered. I dont plan to get a diploma or certificate. I just need the subject to get some basic information for my plans.

I asked the register if i am required to attend the new student orientation. She said no since i dont plan to get diploma or certificate. She did not even asked for my credentials.

I went through a career change myself, and deciding on what to study is the hardest part. I wouldn't recommend starting without an end-goal in mind, considering the cost of education here in the states. I spent a lot of time on CareerBuilder, reading job descriptions of things that sounded remotely interesting, and the degrees and such they wanted for those jobs. Spend your time researching what sort of job you want to end up with; the rest will fall into place after that with what to study and whether or not to pursue a second bachelor's or a master's.

[rheanick 42]

It would be hard for us to tell you what you should take...

But to share my experience.... I enrolled in one of the community colleges here for a 3 units credit course for this fall 2009. I just went to the community college and registered. I dont plan to get a diploma or certificate. I just need the subject to get some basic information for my plans.

I asked the register if i am required to attend the new student orientation. She said no since i dont plan to get diploma or certificate. She did not even asked for my credentials.

I went through a career change myself, and deciding on what to study is the hardest part. I wouldn't recommend starting without an end-goal in mind, considering the cost of education here in the states. I spent a lot of time on CareerBuilder, reading job descriptions of things that sounded remotely interesting, and the degrees and such they wanted for those jobs. Spend your time researching what sort of job you want to end up with; the rest will fall into place after that with what to study and whether or not to pursue a second bachelor's or a master's.

To aubrey... I totally agree on your post.

To the OP... i forgot to mention that i needed the class only for my new hobby. Just sharing my experience regarding the enrollment process.

[aijan 0]

Thanks everyone for your answers. I do agree with you, Aubrey. I've been doing lot of career search in the internet lately... Some of the fields I like are: Teaching a foreign language, translation, international business.

As you said, since education is very expensive in the US, one should really think and plan ahead !! I'm open for both bachelor or Master's degree. My husband suggests that i should take one class at the community college (like preparation for ACT, or GRE, or English class) so as i can understand the American education system, revise my English and have an other semester to think about what i really wish and best for me to do.

Is there any one, here, who went for a teaching certificate? what is your advice, suggestion for best path.

what about financial aid? is there a chance to get it?

thanks again

[canadian_wife 1,822]

I have my teaching certificate. It is difficult to help you with that since the certification requirements depend on the state you are in. For me, I had to graduate from an accredited US school with a degree in education and write the state certification exams. Although this is pretty standard based on Federal teacher certification standards, it will still vary by state as to the type of degree you must hold and the exams you will take.

Yes you can get financial aid plus your school will probably have lots of scholarships available.

Good luck

[aijan 0]

I have my teaching certificate. It is difficult to help you with that since the certification requirements depend on the state you are in. For me, I had to graduate from an accredited US school with a degree in education and write the state certification exams. Although this is pretty standard based on Federal teacher certification standards, it will still vary by state as to the type of degree you must hold and the exams you will take.

Yes you can get financial aid plus your school will probably have lots of scholarships available.

Good luck

Thanks Canadian Wife,

Well, I live in Louisiana. I read that I need a bachelor degree in Education (or even in an other field) and take the Praxis Exams.

In your case, how long did it take you to get the teaching certificate? are you teaching now?

[canadian_wife 1,822]

It took me 2 years of university, I wrote the certification exam while I was attending university.

Due to budget cuts in my state, Educaiton is suffering so no I am not teaching because the budget did not allow for new hires.

Good luck.

[aijan 0]

It took me 2 years of university, I wrote the certification exam while I was attending university.

Due to budget cuts in my state, Educaiton is suffering so no I am not teaching because the budget did not allow for new hires.

Good luck.

Thanks for your answer. Good luck to you too