Finding a job with a diploma acquired in Europe

[Manchester 2]

Hi guys,

I'm in an immigration process as my wife is an American citizen. I'm going to get my EAD soon but I don't know how to start to work. My major was English and American studies (literature, linguistics) and I have a 3 year bachelor degree as well as a master degree that I haven't received yet because there's a goverment-based requirement to have 2 intermediate language exams passed for any MA students in my country in Europe. (Otherwise I passed the state exam, so practically I have an MA degree in theoritical linguistics) The required language exam is an external thing, does not even belong to the training programme or to the institute, you have to bring it in once it's fulfilled to get the MA degree. Is it possible that it will be accepted as a master degree here since there is no such requirements? A passed state exam practically equals with the degree itself.

I will be able to work soon and don't want to be supported by my wife but want to share the costs at least equally. How do you think I should start everything? Will I have to go to a college, take ESL exams (what a shame it would be with an English major) or can I have my degrees accepted and start to work? I live in NYC. My wife's income is quite low so it would be crucial for me to start to work as soon as possible and I would like to work in my field, related to education, as an ESL teacher or something like that.

Thanks for the answers.

[Dohan 133]

I've just seen this now, I do sincerely hope that you've found answers to your question and already have a job but, just in case. If you obtained education in an English speaking country you don't need any ESL exams such as TOEFL. I went to school in UK and it's accepted here.

If you are hoping to teach at a school or university you would need a teaching license, considering that you already have an MA I am not sure if you would need to get a teaching degree here, but you could inquire on that through the Board of Education.

[ONA 133]

Hi guys,

I'm in an immigration process as my wife is an American citizen. I'm going to get my EAD soon but I don't know how to start to work. My major was English and American studies (literature, linguistics) and I have a 3 year bachelor degree as well as a master degree that I haven't received yet because there's a goverment-based requirement to have 2 intermediate language exams passed for any MA students in my country in Europe. (Otherwise I passed the state exam, so practically I have an MA degree in theoritical linguistics) The required language exam is an external thing, does not even belong to the training programme or to the institute, you have to bring it in once it's fulfilled to get the MA degree. Is it possible that it will be accepted as a master degree here since there is no such requirements? A passed state exam practically equals with the degree itself.

I will be able to work soon and don't want to be supported by my wife but want to share the costs at least equally. How do you think I should start everything? Will I have to go to a college, take ESL exams (what a shame it would be with an English major) or can I have my degrees accepted and start to work? I live in NYC. My wife's income is quite low so it would be crucial for me to start to work as soon as possible and I would like to work in my field, related to education, as an ESL teacher or something like that.

Thanks for the answers.

Hey there!

It's been a while since you asked, but I figured, I could still answer the question.

I have an MA in English Linguistics from a university in Russia. When I moved to the States, I sent my diploma and transcripts to an evaluation agency (ECE). You can use a different agency, I chose this one because I had heard a lot about ECE prior to moving here It took me about 3-4 months to find a job as a part-time ESL instructor. In about 6 months I started working full-time at the same language school.

A few months ago I was promoted to the Academic Director position.

Soooo... Getting a job as an ESL teacher is possible, especially if you live in a big city (or close to one).

The funny part is that if you want to go to college, you will have to take IELTS or TOEFL I'm planning on going back to school, and it seems like it doesn't matter how long I've been teaching ESL for. Oh well, at least it shouldn't be hard

[Manchester 2]

Hey guys,

Sorry I haven't really checked this topic recently. Thank you Dohan!

Hey ONA,

Thank you so much for your answer too. I'm glad you have managed to get such a nice job. And hopefully I will get one too lol. I graduated in Hungary so I'll definitely have to take a TOEFL test and go to a college, if I wanted to have a state job in education.

May I ask why you want to go to college? I mean is there any downside of your job compared to a state job? Of course you don't have to answer if my question is inappropriate. I'm just wondering what might be the advantages and disadvantages of finding a job with a degree acquired in Europe. Thank you.