Pursuing a Master’s Degree: Insights from Experienced Graduates
Are you considering a Master’s degree but unsure where to begin? Join us for an insightful session on navigating postgraduate study, with a focus on distance learning, completing a degree in English as an L2+, and studying at a British university as an international student.
Our three speakers, Mimi Lui, Taylor Bonilla, and Wesley Martin, will share their experiences and offer practical advice on selecting a programme, managing coursework, and overcoming challenges in postgraduate study. Lui and Bonilla will discuss their motivations for pursuing a Master’s degree and how it has influenced their careers outside of Korea (Track 2). Martin will discuss how an MA has impacted his career path in Korea (Track 1).
Mimi Lui
Mimi Lui is a freelance English teacher with extensive experience in teaching English for Academic Purposes, Workplace English, General English, and IELTS. She emphasises understanding learners’ needs to motivate them effectively.
In 2021, Mimi received the ‘Outstanding Teacher Award’ from HKU SPACE for her contributions to English language teaching. She earned a Master’s in TESOL and Applied Linguistics (Distance Learning) from the University of Leicester, graduating with distinction in January 2024.
Abstract (Track 2)
This presentation aims to provide participants with insight into the various aspects of postgraduate studies, with a particular focus on distance learning. In this presentation, Mimi will share her journey in the pursuit of an MA in Linguistics and TESOL at the University of Leicester. Specifically, she will explain the reasons why she chose to further her studies, why she opted for a British university, and why she decided on a distance learning course instead of one offered by a local university. This personal journey was challenging and demanding, yet also fascinating and immensely rewarding. In the presentation, she will share the ups and downs of this journey with participants; additionally, she will explain the coursework she completed and how it contributed to her professional growth. Lastly, she will discuss how this degree has influenced her career and personal development.
Taylor Bonilla
Taylor Bonilla is a skilled educator with teaching experience extending over nearly nine years in South Korea and one year in Thailand. As a first-generation university student, Taylor earned a bachelor's degree in political science at Sonoma State University before pursuing a master's in education at Walden University. Growing up in California, Taylor knows firsthand how difficult it is to adjust to a new country while juggling school and job. Dedicated to putting students first in the classroom, Taylor offers advice on how to succeed in online courses, launch a teaching career on a global scale, and advance your career and education while you are away from home. Throughout this journey, he has developed an extensive understanding of various learning styles and how to foster emotional learning that guides students and ultimately enables success in school and life.
Abstract (Track 2)
Earning a master’s degree online provides flexibility and accessibility, enabling professionals to enhance their education while employed. In this webinar, I will discuss my experience obtaining a Master’s in Education online, encompassing my motivations, challenges, and significant insights. I will highlight how this degree has strengthened my teaching, facilitated my professional development, and influenced my future aspirations, including my intention to use my expertise internationally and seek a PhD. Participants will learn to balance professional and academic commitments, maintain motivation, and utilize online education for career progression. This seminar will offer realistic guidance for anyone contemplating an online master’s program, aiming to enhance its influence on their careers.
Wesley Martin
Wesley Martin has been living in South Korea off and on for more than five years, and he is currently teaching at a private academy (hagwon). He also has experience teaching ESL and linguistics to a variety of backgrounds at the university level. He has studied several languages, including Spanish and Korean, and is most interested in teaching and learning vocabulary. He has an MA in linguistics from the University of Iowa.
Abstract (Track 1)
This presentation will discuss the personal motivations and lessons learned during the speaker's course of graduate study, which was completed both online and in a traditional in-person format in linguistics. In particular, the presentation will emphasize the advantage that flexibility in career outlook provides potential postgraduate students in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as the benefits of remaining open-minded during a course of study while pursuing a seemingly fixed intellectual goal. Emphasis will also be placed on the potential to develop skills beyond what graduate courses advertise at face value, as well as the importance of making sound financial decisions while pursuing advanced degrees in the liberal arts. After discussing the "journey to a Master's," the speaker will then open the floor to participants, allowing them to ask questions and engage in discussion about the talk, to provide assistance and guidance to those who wish to continue their educational and professional journeys.
Location: Zoom
Date and Time: Wednesday, 30th April | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Admission: KOTESOL members - Free / Non-KOTESOL members 5,000
All are welcome!
To register, please email us at bgkotesol@gmail.com.
