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Beetle
Joined: 15 Oct 2004
Posts: 2
Location: China
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 Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 1:33 am Post subject: Oldies ? |
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Hello everyone.
I'd appreciate any advice on the following. I was wondering about upper age restrictions for working in Japan.
I have BA and DELTA and taught in Thailand, Hong Kong & China (mostly in government schools). I'd like to teach in Japan, but have heard rumours about age prejudice. As I've just turned the big 'four zero', it could be a waste of time (even though fitter than most 20 something year olds).
Was thinking of taking MA TESOL; but then will be even older. Any thoughts?
Thanks |
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Gordon
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 5309
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 1:38 am Post subject: |
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| You are not too old, but will feel really overqualified to teach in eikaiwas (language schools). Without a masters, uni jobs will be almost impossible to get. Maybe you could work in a HS, but am not sure what they look for, others here will know. |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 2:12 am Post subject: |
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I got my first job here at 41. It was a conversation school that kept me for over 3 years. So, as Gordon said, you are not too old.
I'm in a private HS now. They usually take people only if they have experience teaching in Japan, so the best advice is to get a conversation school job for a year, then apply to high schools. |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 3:51 am Post subject: Re: Oldies ? |
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| Beetle wrote: |
Hello everyone.
I'd appreciate any advice on the following. I was wondering about upper age restrictions for working in Japan.
I have BA and DELTA and taught in Thailand, Hong Kong & China (mostly in government schools). I'd like to teach in Japan, but have heard rumours about age prejudice. As I've just turned the big 'four zero', it could be a waste of time (even though fitter than most 20 something year olds).
Was thinking of taking MA TESOL; but then will be even older. Any thoughts?
Thanks |
For what its worth both Glenski and I are in our forties and teaching at high school and university respectively.
Having done an Med in TESOL myself I think a little education never hurt anyone, but you have to weign up the cost of getting one with your expected or future income. A degree may cost you $15-20,000 to complete, you may have to do it while you are working full time and it may take a couple of years to pay off.
A lot depends on your job goals and where you see yourself in 5 years. An MA is necessary for university work and some schools even ask for a phD as well. I recommend doing an MA for professional development but that's just my personal opinin
At NOVA there are teachers in their 40's and 50's but its a question of whether you would like being ordered around by a 25-year old 'kid' and whether you would enjoy the office culture and politics of one of those big chain schools. |
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Beetle
Joined: 15 Oct 2004
Posts: 2
Location: China
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| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 4:01 am Post subject: |
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Thanks Gordon and Glenski.
I can relate to your comments on conversation schools - I've noticed similar in countries - but as said it could be a way to start. I'll consider my options for after present contract .
In Hong Kong, most schools prefered 'PGCE' (even elementary), but some accepted me without. I hope same in Japan.
all the best |
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