Job Discussion Forums

Indiana Jones · Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 3:34 am Post subject:

I noticed this thread's a few months old, but I'll throw in my two yen ...

I have a Diploma of Arts: Professional Writing & Editing. In Australia, a two-year tertiary course at a university or college is called a Diploma, so it's not the same as a diploma from America. With an IELTS recognised CELTA, you'd think I'd be perfectly qualified to teach conversational and written english in Japan? I think so. Two years studying the english language, from grammar to punctuation, full stop and commas and all the dangling verbs in between ... I know my english. Some people will remember me from a couple of years ago, ranting and raving about how unfair the system is, thinking I could change the system and make it fairer for all.

But I'm at uni this year and for the next couple of years finishing a degree. Yep, I'm getting a degree, a BA.

The fact is, when I'm applying for ESL jobs, I'm competing with other hopefuls who have DEGREES. To an employer, an undergraduate degree (no matter what the major is) looks a million-times better than a Diploma of Arts.

A lucky few manage to land jobs without a degree -- but what if the job isn't working out? Without a degree, it's infinitely harder to move around, look for more work, get your visa renewed, etc. Your options are extremely limited.

So my advice -- GET A DEGREE. Get your CELTA too if you can, so you can teach ESL in your home country whilst you study for a degree. After three years, not only will you have a degree, but you'll also have three years experience in teaching ESL! It'll make life as a foreign ESL teacher a hell of a lot easier.

Or go to China. Razz

But really, you're better off just sticking at uni for another couple of years to get a degree. Japan isn't going anywhere, but with a degree, you will be.

PS

If you're serious about living and working in Japan, then get a degree majoring in Japanese. Most universities in Australia have study-exchange programs for Japanese language students (and all other languages). How good is that deal? You get to spend a whole year in Japan as a student (and you can easily pick up private ESL work on the side!). It really breaks up the monotony of a three-year degree too. First year in your home country, second year in Japan, then return home for the third and final year. Brilliant.

eigo · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 12

I got a working visa, I have no B.A. only a 2-year diploma. The course I studied was at a University, so it says the Universities name on the certificate.
I didn't even tick that I have a B.A. on the application form, I ticked junior college.
They passed it through.

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

Congratulations, eigo.

When did you achieve this rare feat?
What immigration office let you slip by?
Does your diploma say "degree" or "diploma"? (I realize you checked a box for junior college. Didn't know they had such an option to check on the visa forms, but it's been a while.)

gZo · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 15

You need a proper working visa then you will get anywhere in Japan, even without a Degree. In order to get a visa you need a degree, that's the only problem. Well, that's why I have to leave after my 1 year working holiday, or I have to get married. Shocked

cheers

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

eigo · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 12

Indiana Jones · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 1:40 pm Post subject:

Are you over the age of 31 or younger, Eigo?

If you're over 31, and scored an ESL job in Japan without a degree, then stop buying lottery tickets because you've just used up an entire lifetime of luck. Wink

Make the most of the opportunity, take nothing for granted, and remind yourself how lucky you are every day you're in Japan.

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

Thank you for your answers, eigo. About this one...
What immigration office let you slip by?
Oh, and I assume your visa is the Humanities Specialist type and you are a teacher at some eikaiwa as your first job here?

Sorry if this sounds like a grilling or a setup. It's neither. Just trying to keep track of certain information for others in your situation.

eigo · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 12

I don't think it matters so much about the details. As everyone says it is expected that you have a degree.
I might have been lucky. The guy before me and the guy after me probably won't be.

I gave them every detail of information that they asked for about the company.
They said it depends on the case. I've read of some exceptions on this website as well. If you don't have a degree and you don't have any teaching experience and you don't have a tesl your chances are going to be very low.
If they can see that you have something to offer you might be lucky, but you probably won't.

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

eigo wrote:

Indiana Jones · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 4:28 am Post subject:

Well, if Eigo's 30 years old or under, then that explains everything. You don't need a degree if you're under the age of 30. If you're 31 or over, you do.

Details, Eigo! Don't give desperados like me false hope. Wink

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

womblingfree · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 826

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

womblingfree · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 826