Job Discussion Forums

[alisoninoz]

I was hoping someone would be able to give me some guidance as to my prospects of Teaching English in Japan, and share any understanding they had as to how other mature teachers have fared, and whether they have enjoyed the experience.

I am female , 52 years, and have had a very successful career in the Australian Public Service. This has included some work with the Japanese about 10 years ago negotiating agreements for the Oz government. I have visited Japan about 5 times, including some travel with my son. I am keen to take a years 'sabbatical ' from my current work to experience a different culture, have some different experiences and generally have an adventure. I have a BVSc and an MSc , and had some brief teaching experience many years ago which I enjoyed. I am most interested in going to Japan. but will consider other countries too. I am well travelled, resourceful and would only expect to make enough money to cover my immediate costs ( but it all helps! ) . I would like to line up employment before I go so I can get a Visa and potentially some housing. I was also planning to do the Cambridge CELTA before I go.

My specific questions are;
1 Am I likely to find employment. Despite the rhetoric about age being no barrier, do the companies really employ people of my age?
2 Where / who should I target to get a position?
3 How do older teachers generally find the experience and it possible to develop a social life ( including expats ) with a bit of effort?
4 Any other advice on anything I need to consider and different countries where I may have a better time.

Many thanks
alisoninoz

[southofreality]

I don't know if anyone can tell you, with any degree of accuracy, what your chances of finding employment in Japan are. But I have a positive note.

I worked in a small country town as an ALT a couple of years ago. A lady, who had been directly hired by the board of education (BOE) of that town to teach english conversation a few years before me, ended up becoming a local legend. The students loved her. The citizens of the town loved her. Most importantly, the BOE loved her. She became the standard by which all the other ALTs were judged. She was in her early 50s when she came to Japan.

[Vince]

I worked with several teachers who were about your age. You should be able to find work.

[alisoninoz]

Thanks Vince- what type of teaching situation were you in ?
alison

[Glenski]

1 Am I likely to find employment. Despite the rhetoric about age being no barrier, do the companies really employ people of my age?
You have a bachelor's degree, and you are a native English speaker. That makes you about as eligible as anyone. You even have some teaching experience. You're a notch higher on the ladder than probably most newbies. Your experience with Japanese people and visiting here is more pluses. Start your job hunt.

2 Where / who should I target to get a position?
Eikaiwas or dispatch ALT outfits. Decide what locale you would like to live in, too. Also, decide whether you can afford to come here to job hunt, or if you are limited to whomever recruits from your country.

3 How do older teachers generally find the experience and it possible to develop a social life ( including expats ) with a bit of effort?
Older teachers are more mature (generally) than the younger generation, and that usually means they can take things in stride better. They are also not out to party hearty (usually), so they can devote themselves to other things. Students will be just as happy to go with you skiing or snowboarding, to museums, hiking, whatever. In class, students (and staff) will recognize your life experience and maturity, and the older students will appreciate them.

4 Any other advice on anything I need to consider and different countries where I may have a better time.
Any health problems/issues?
Climate preferences?
Willingness to "edutain"?
Anything incredibly important to leave behind (mortgage payments, car payments, retirement benefits, etc.)?

[alisoninoz]

Thanks glenski - much appreciated

[southofreality]

You're welcome, Alison.

[Vince]