Job Discussion Forums

albn · Joined: 25 Nov 2016 Posts: 3

Hello all,

I'm considering teaching English in Japan, but I'm worried my background may be a deal-breaker.

I'm a white male in my mid twenties, recent graduate (BSc) and have no relevant teaching experience. I would say my Japanese reading/listening level is about N2, but my speaking ability (which I imagine is more important) is significantly lower due to lack of practice.

The issue is that I attended elementary and high school in French. So while I learned English from a young age and am confident that I could pass for a native speaker, I can't satisfy the "10+ years of schooling in English" which seems to be a requirement to get a visa for teaching English. Only the last 5 years of my education were at English institutions.

I am wondering if being a Canadian citizen is enough to slip past that requirement, or if there is a way around it somehow. I'm certainly open to the idea of getting a teaching certification if necessary. I'd also be open to moving to Japan before I have a job if it would significantly improve my chances.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Chopin16 · Joined: 30 Nov 2016 Posts: 69

I am not in Japan but I am in a neighbouring country and yes I think it is easier to find a job when you are in the country but you are young and you should be able to find a job from Canada. You will only earn 250k yen without accommodation though I think as an entry level teacher. I don't know if Japan requires a CELTA/TEFL to teach but you don't need one in Korea, just a Bachelors in any subject. wHY DON'T YOU get a job in Korea first, and then it#s just an hour's flight to Japan to get your Japanese job. You get free flights to Korea and free accommodation here. That's what I have done and I have got myself an interview at an international school now that I am here which I don't think I would have got had I been in the UK. Check out Gaijob Pot for entry level jobs. They tell you whether you have to reside in Japan or not. It's expensive Japan, so be careful.

Chopin16 · Joined: 30 Nov 2016 Posts: 69

Oh I forgot, I would not say I had had tuition in French if I were you. No one will find out. So long as you speak like a native, look like one and act like one, you will be fine.DOn't tell people what they don't want to hear is my advice.

taikibansei · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Posts: 811 Location: Japan

This is an interesting question. I believe you'd be getting a Humanities visa, which doesn't seem to have such a requirement. Your university degree + Canadian citizenship should be fine.

Here's a link:

http://visa-immi.com/workingvisa/humanities/#criteria

You seem to fall under C of Criteria 1.

albn · Joined: 25 Nov 2016 Posts: 3

Thanks to the both of you.

taikibansei · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Posts: 811 Location: Japan

albn · Joined: 25 Nov 2016 Posts: 3

Chopin16 · Joined: 30 Nov 2016 Posts: 69

There's no such thing as a high school transcript. Not in England anyway. I have never had to send proof of my high school certs ever I don't think. You are over worrying I think. Just don't say anything. Just say you're Canadian and you won't even have to say you're a native speaker then as it will be assumed you are.