Job Discussion Forums

[tokyobound]

I've read through many pages on the Internet but still am a bit 50/50 about what opportunties await for teaching english abroad.

People must get sick of someone coming on every second day and asking about their situation but I'd really appreciate any advice on the matter considering what my goals and qualifications are as it stands.

1. I'm a university student graduating in June 2007. I'll have bachelor of business/ bachelor information systems. I have realised its not what I want to do, but I'll still have the benefit of having a degree. I'm currently 22 years of age.

2. I'm currently undertaking a TESOL course (advanced certificate) on top of my uni work I hope to have finished by March.

3. I've been to Asian countries twice (Thailand, Philippines) and loved every minute of it and it has always been my goal to live in these parts (not neccessarily those countries, Japan is my preference) for several years at least.

4. I have a passion for teaching, which I only discovered once undertaking this TESOL course and doing some work experience here at Uni in order to get a feel to what it is all about, and would love to continue that passion either through ESL overseas if it works out, or back home and start education when I return from overseas. I also have passion for english, and writing which were my specialties at school (I'm starting to wonder why I chose business/info sys in the first place actually....).

Ok, so its hard to understand what its all about from Australia. I want to apply for any work in the field in the Tokyo area (have two friends who live there), and start my career.

My desire is to improve as a teacher, learn the techniques and hopefully advance my career in the industry to make a decent living out of it. Perhaps one day work in a university overseas as a long term goal.

For this I realise I would need my masters, which I would come back and return to do after a few years in Japan to understand what it is all about a bit more, and return knowing full well what my goals and opportunities are.

Is it realistic to expect to start from scratch as I have, and work my way up to one day be able to live and work in Japan in a well paid job? That is currently my ambition.

Should I apply to Nova, Aeon, ECC etc... Should I just use them as a stepping stone or will they put me off teaching? I don't know if posters mean to do it, but reading about those schools on the Internet you tend only to hear the negative side of things, which surprises me because it seems such a good opportunity for people to travel the country, that it should be a positive thing they exist.

If I want to start work in August at the earliest... should I apply around February/March?

So any information about my situation would be appreciated, I'm just worried that I have this ambition to work and live as a teacher in Japan, which sounds rosy and very achievable from Australia, may not be quite as attainable once I reach Japan and found out there is more competition and less opportunity than it appears.

Cheers

[canuck]

The big eikaiwa schools are stepping stones only. The earlier you apply, the better, but you'll have to jump through hoops with your university to get your degree or documentation, as NOVA needs that kind of thing for the immigration process.

You didn't mention what country you're from. If you're from a country with a working holiday relationship with Japan, that might be an option to come here quicker, and not have to wait for your degree and then go through the process.

Good luck.

[Glenski]

[Sweetsee]

I second that Glenski, excellent response!
Sky's the limit TB.

Good luck,
s

[Like a Rolling Stone]

Dear Mr Canuck:

[tokyobound]

Thanks for the responses guys, its good to get some positive feedback as it makes you a bit more confortable about your long term goals.