Job Discussion Forums

[Steal_My_Username]

Hello,

I am a young twenty-something Canadian, recently TEFL-accredited, who wishes to do some teaching, make some money, but mostly continue to experience culture in all forms, while hopefully making sense of my place in the world, and what I can do to make it a little better.

No I am not a fawn-eyed idealist, I have travelled a fair amount, so let's bury that thought.

My work experience since highschool has mainly revolved around two occupations: that of a provincial park guide for a reputable outfitters, and a co-operator of a small-scale tiling operation catering to the wealthy cottagers steadily invading my neck-o'-the-woods.

The latter is my bread earner, and I owe my great cynicism to it, nuff said. The former I enjoy greatly: I take urbanites, families and couples from home and abroad, into one of the most magestic parks in Canada for up to a week.

My role as guide has many facets: wilderness guru, fearless leader, canoe technician, gourmet campfire chef, park historian, lifesaver, and occasion bear and raccoon wrangler.

Ultimately, it's about being an educator, and I know I've done a good job when my group is sitting at the landing waiting for the van to pick us up. Initially they might seem pathetic: they're tired, grubby, a little over-exposed, possibly soaked to the bone because it rained for the past five days, perhaps strung out because their proximity to the natural world thwarted restful sleep. Yet in moments they are invariably smiling, laughing, joking and generally animated with good energy.

So, ya, I get it.

...

For the past couple months I have mulled over the idea of teaching in Japan. Why Japan? to be honest I can't really nail it. I have an affinity for Japanese culture. I don't mean the tentacles, schoolgirl panties, drift-racing and karaoke, but rather their traditions, arts and mythology. I have also been involved in martial arts for a long time, so Japan is a bit of a mecca (one of many) for me.

Which brings us to this topic: I am starting to get a little overwhelmed with all the nuances of this endeavor. I am enthusiastic, but no one has ever accused me of being the haphazard type, so forgive me if I look too far into this.

I need opinions, insight and a little guidance.

What I need to know first is where I should go to get my feet wet. I have read that Japan can be a tricky nut to crack, so perhaps it is not the best place to go for a noob.

I'm a brave soul, so please speak your minds.

thanks

Josh

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

Do you have a degree? You'll need one to work in Japan.

[sallycat]

japan is an extremely easy place for a newbie. it's when you stop being a newbie that you might get frustrated with it.

[Steal_My_Username]

GambateBingBangBOOM,

No I do not have a degree, yet. I was under the impression that a degree was only necessary if you wished teach english within the Japanese education system, versus eikawa's etc. Am I wrong?

sallycat,

Could you clarify that please? Do I get frustrated culturally or from an educator's point of view?

thanks

[Cdaniels]

Japanese Immigration requires a degree from foreigners to get a work permit, it is not in the control of schools of any sort.
From what I understand, it is easy to get into a big McLanguage program which will at least have minimal standards, but it is very difficult to go out on your own and get hired for better (and more rewarding) teaching positions.
That's an oversimplification, but I beleive that's the gist of it.
Japanese martial arts trace their origin to China, try there! You may want to read "Iron and Silk" or watch the movie.

[sallycat]

probably a little of both.

[Steal_My_Username]

Cdaniels,

I'm Canadian - my great grandmother was fond of saying '3rd off the boat after Cartier' - so I was going to go for the work holiday visa. Quite easy for us Canadians under-30 to get.

As for China, I'm totally going there at some point in the next five years. I have had my black belt in wushu (orthodox ) since the age of 14, but I don't bend quite as well as I use to, as I don't have enough time for it anymore, so I have been studying jujutsu the last 3+ years.

Don't forget that Chinese martial arts came from India!

ciao

...

sallycat,

If you don't mind me asking... are you frustrated in Japan? If it's not too personal can you explain why?

I'm expecting the significant cultural differences: I'm a bit of a lone wolf, so I think that I'll be mostly fine in that regard. I am also a quite an anthropology and geography fiend, so I think that there will be something stimulating to discover everyday.

Is teaching in Japan frustrating though? That could seriously affect my decision to go there. It might be naive of me, but is the keen Japanese student a myth? I, like anyone I guess, am in my element when there is interest in what I'm doing.

thanks

[grwit]

I agree that without a degree Japan might be difficult.

Come to China!!! I'm havin' a ball. I live in a small city surrounded by farms and a few coal mines. Its dirty but very interesting. I am 1 of only 2 foreigners in town and have become somewhat of a celebrity. Been on the local news twice front page of the local newspaper and had a few interviews on the local radio station.

Or you could go to a bigger city and join the rest of the foreigners in china.

Classroom hours are minimal. The pay is good (well on chinese standards that is) You can live like a king here but don't expect to be taking bundles of money home due to the currency conversion.

You will have time to persue your martial arts interests or any other interest you may have. The Chinese people seem very friendly although from reading some other threads on this forum not every one will agree with me there. However I have met many Asians in Australia and the Chinese there seem more friendly than the Japanese and Koreans. Never been to Japan or Korea so can't really comment on their attitude towards foreigners.

Uni degree is not always necessary but can help. Your TEFL will be enough to get you in the door.

Best of all you have options here - there are so many jobs available and no where near enough ESL teachers to fill them. The Japanese are more selective as to who they employ because the demand for ESL teachers isn't as great in Japan as it is in China.

[Glenski]

Canadians under 30 can be eligible for a working holiday visa, which doesn't require a bachelor's degree, but it is only good for 2 six-month stints once in your life. It allows you to do almost any job.

Teaching itself doesn't necessarily require a degree. Depends on your visa status. People with a spouse visa, dependent visa, student visa, or WHV don't need degrees to get the visa, and they can work as teachers (spouse visa and WHV holders are the only ones who can work FT, though). Ultimately, it is the employer who will make the final judgment as to whether you get the job. They may want a degree or not. Most do.