Job Discussion Forums

nikon · Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 10:53 am Post subject: older teacher

I'm a US citizen, Masters in Linguistics/Tesol, and have quite a few years teaching experience in ESL, and taught in Japan 1990-1991.
At 62, could I get a job in Japan?
I am presently teaching in an Engineering University in Saudi and want out.
Any hope for me, at my age, in Japan
Thanks

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

User N. Ame · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 222 Location: Kanto

Nikon, you're gonna find it tough at your age, but it can be done. Much will depend on how you sell yourself and what type of position you are after. What you have going for you is experience and maturity, therefore reliability. Be sure to emphasize how fit and healthy you are (even if you aren't Wink

). It wouldn't hurt to say you are an active hiker and sporting enthusiast. I did come across the odd university English teacher in Japan in his 60's. Lots more in their 40's and 50's.

Good luck!

shuize · Joined: 04 Sep 2004 Posts: 1270

Not impossible, but difficult, I'd agree. Also keep in mind that many universities have rules requiring mandatory retirement at 65.

sethness · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 209 Location: Hiroshima, Japan

I concur with the others: difficult, but not impossible. Most schools-- even teh JET program-- openly discriminate against teachers over 30 or 40.

I'd say that University jobs are unlikely, since they usually go to people already well-connected here. Your most likely opportunities will be with small conversation schools that have to fill a vacancy NOW, or conversation schools that have had bad experience with (flaky, drug/alcohol/dating-student problem-plagued) younger teachers, or perhaps one of the big chains that supplies ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers) to high schools, where your age would be an asset.

Schools in the countryside may be particularly receptive, as their location tends to appeal less to the youngsters who want to barhop and bop every night. Smile

They might be worried if you can't speak Japanese, though-- I've heard countryside schools' ads in particular worry aloud that the countryside can be hard for folks who don't speak the language.

wabisabi365 · Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 111 Location: japan

I met a retired Canadian couple (mid-sixties) who were working for a children's language school called Peppy Kids Club. They have branches all over Japan. Might be worth checking out the website and asking a few questions.

Good luck with the search.

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

nikon · Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 5:22 am Post subject: over 55

Thanks for both the encouraging and not so encouraging depictions of employment in Japan.
nikon

Canuck2112 · Joined: 13 Jun 2003 Posts: 239

I work with a guy in his mid 60`s. I've met several others, as well.

Not every student is necessarily looking for a teacher in his/her 20's. Although you might be a relative rarity here you might find a niche for yourself. The man I mentioned teaches a LOT of older students who don't feel comfortable with an overly "genki" (energetic) recent uni grad bouncing off the walls.

You definitely have a chance here. Send me a PM.