Job Discussion Forums

eledoremassis02 · Joined: 16 Apr 2013 Posts: 12 Location: United States

Hello,

I know this is an ESL forums (lol) but I was wondering what other things can I do in Japan? I have a B.A in History and I can also draw and sculpt but I have had no formal training. I guess it doesn't really leave much but any ideas would be great. Also, my Japanese is alright. I can hold a decent sized conversation but my Kanji is horrible and I could use some brushing-up (taking a class over the summer).

I am wondering because I have had no luck when it comes to looking for ALT and Eikaiwa jobs. I'm practically out of companies to apply for. I am going to get a TEFL certification this summer, as I can use this inside and outside of Japan. I'm also in the planning of finishing my teaching degree (in my state you have to obtain a degree in a subject first and then go back and get a degree in education) but I am saving up for that, as well as paying off my current student debt.

Thank you very much!

timothypfox · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 492

I'll answer your second question first. The certification (particularly the school one) will be useful because it will give you actual teaching experience. I would try to get actual ESL teaching experience to put on your resume. This could be at a local language school, private tutoring, and even volunteering to help international students at a local college with their English. This may help you with the job search. Please bear in mind how competitive things are now, and Japan still seems to be the number one place people want to go - but Japan is no longer number one for the number of jobs here and the salary.

As for your first question, it is very hard to work outside of the teaching industry as a foreigner in Japan - unless you are in a high demand industry such as IT. If you try to teach a sculpting class, it would likely be a side business to teaching and your students who would most likely want you to teach it in English. Without formal credentials, colleges or art schools would not hire you. However, I have seen foreign people run cafe's before - but I guess you are not planning to do that...

Generally in Japan, most people don't want you to know Japanese beyond the basics. If they are really interested in you (or your English), they will start practicing English with you....

stumptowny · Joined: 29 May 2011 Posts: 310

[quote="eledoremassis02"]Hello,

I know this is an ESL forums (lol) but I was wondering what other things can I do in Japan? I have a B.A in History and I can also draw and sculpt but I have had no formal training. I guess it doesn't really leave much but any ideas would be great. Also, my Japanese is alright. I can hold a decent sized conversation but my Kanji is horrible and I could use some brushing-up (taking a class over the summer).

I am wondering because I have had no luck when it comes to looking for ALT and Eikaiwa jobs. I'm practically out of companies to apply for. I am going to get a TEFL certification this summer, as I can use this inside and outside of Japan. I'm also in the planning of finishing my teaching degree (in my state you have to obtain a degree in a subject first and then go back and get a degree in education) but I am saving up for that, as well as paying off my current student debt.

Thank you very much![/quote]

apart from teaching at elementary schools, where some japanese is required of you, you have no need to learn or know any japanese to live and work here.. it will not improve your chance at finding work outside the elementary schools. like the other poster said, everything is in english.

there are tons of jobs here. and I am not sure you are in japan? or that you are not searching correctly from within japan. finding work in esl is a synch here. other work, nearly impossible...

OneJoelFifty · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 463

You're likely to need JLPT certification 1 or 2 to get a job that isn't teaching. From what I've heard they are quite the challenge.

rtm · Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 1003 Location: US

teacher4life · Joined: 22 Apr 2012 Posts: 121

Are you good-looking? There is good money to be made as a hostess or host. In some cases Japanese ability is not necessary.

Just keep in mind that your customers will not be pretty young girls- they will mostly be ugly women in their 50's with fat, subby fingers with fat hairy knuckles that alternate between holding a nasty cigarette and fondling you.

Still though, money to be made until the yen collapses.