Job Discussion Forums

Sonja23 · Joined: 19 Feb 2006 Posts: 15

Well, I've made a few other posts loosely pertaining to this, but I may as well ask forthright here. My boyfriend and I are planning to head off to Japan January next year to start our teaching careers. Both of us are serious not only about going to Japan, but about teaching as well. By then, we should (hopefully) have CELTAs (I know this isn't necessary for Japan, but we'd like to be prepared!) as well as BAs from a UK university. The first place we looked at was NOVA, and although it does seem suitable for couples the more we read the more distasteful it became. Part of the reason we are getting a CELTA is because we would like to be able to come up with our own lesson plans and use some creativity in the classroom. As such, my questions are:

1) Could you recommend any institutions where there is a reasonable degree of freedom in lesson-planning?

2) How early would we have to apply to get a job in January 2007? I am aware that since we are a couple we may have to apply slightly earlier than what may be 'usual'.

Also, although I am not sure if this is a problem: I am a native English speaker, but was born and grew up (mostly) in Singapore (where English IS a national language, albeit spoken in 'truncated' form). I don't have a distinct English accent (at least as far as I can tell) and have a Norwegian passport. If it helps, I've been studying in a British university for the past 3 years. Will this cause any problems with any institutitions?

Thank you for your help!

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

Please search this forum. This has been covered so many times.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Sonja,
You may have problems with employers hiring unmarried couples.

You should look into smaller schools as there may be more freedom to teach what you want and having 2 teachers could cut down on rent.
I don't think being raised in Singapore will cause any problems, no need to mention it either unless you feel your English is not at a native level.

A Celta is a good idea to have and yes, it is not required here. I have one and am glad of it. I still remember things I learned on the course 7 years ago even if I can't remember what I had for dinner last night.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

kdynamic · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 562 Location: Japan

1. Most jobs don't start in January. School year starts in April.
2. If you want to make everything easier, get married
3. Just lie and say you are both native speakers and emphasize the UK. No one will question you, or be able to tell your English isn't native. Try and speak in as standard an accent as you can, but you probably won't be found out. Besides, a degree from a UK Uni is all it will take to show you're qualified.