Job Discussion Forums

[prettynicki]

I have been working with young children for 6 years and should have my TESL certificate by the end of summer. Is it possible to find/obtain a job in Japan without a bachelor's degree?
Just curious!
Nicki

[Yawarakaijin]

The usual posters will flame me for this, but yes. If you have 3 years experience in a related field you are eligible for a Specialist in Humanities Visa. It is up to immigration though on what is considered eligible 3 year experience. Did your 6 years with kids actually involve teaching? Was it in an educational setting?
That being said, the difficult part is finding an employer who is aware of being able to hire someone with merely 3 years experience or is accepting of hiring on a person without a B.A. It's a tough road and certainly not the norm, but yes it is possible.

[JimDunlop2]

Of course it is "possible," however what we are talking about is how likely or unlikely it is... The usual "flamers" have seen their share of people coming through who have tried and failed, so they know that it doesn't help matters to give people an unrealistically rosy picture of job prospects.

I tend to say that is NOT possible to teach in Japan without a degree unless you're coming in on a Working Holiday visa because as a general rule, immigration will not grant you a working visa... Most employers won't even look at you, even if they DO know that you might technically be able to get a visa without a degree.... It's just common sense -- they just aren't willing to monkey around with "loopholes" in immigration policy when it's a whole lot easier just to get one of the many people who already have a degree, therefore whose chances of getting a visa are much higher. Are there exceptions to this? Of course. But it's a hell of a lot simpler than giving people unrealistic optimism and false hope only to be disappointed in the end.

So let me sum it up this way: it's up to you how much time and money you invest in trying to secure a job in Japan without the proper qualifications. Personally, in your shoes, I wouldn't spend much of either. The smart money says that you won't even get your foot in the door. IF, by some anomaly you do succeed, congratulations but look at your case as an exception, and don't go around telling others that anyone can do it just because you were able to.

[canuck]

[furiousmilksheikali]

[Glenski]

[ShapeSphere]

[prettynicki]

I appreciate your input, i find it very helpful, honest, and entertaining!
Cheers!

[Yawarakaijin]

[JimDunlop2]

[Yawarakaijin]

Point taken although I hardly think the onus is on me to make sure individual readers finish reading the entire sentence.

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

I just deleted two inappropriate postings. Please stay on topic and away from ad hominem attacks. It's highly likely that any future deletions will be accompanied by unpaid vacations from this board.

Again, this board is for discussion of teaching related issues and sharing of information that may be beneficial to one and all.

It is not here for petty bickering.

There have been too many complaints recently regarding members and others not be able to get the information they want because of members engaged in flaming, ad hominem attacks and other inappropriate posting.

A wise person would not engage in any such behavior in the future.

[Yawarakaijin]

MOD EDIT

I really don't mean to be picking fights or causing any trouble but am simply looking for clarification on some of your points.

You talk about loopholes and being without proper clarifications but let me ask you. Where are these loopholes? How are people in my situation here "without the proper qualifications?" The Japanese government SET these standards. They have decided that a person with 3 years experience is qualified to obtain this visa. If you meet these requirements, how is this a loophole? Obviously I'm not here in Japan "without proper qualifications" in the eyes of the Japanese government or my company. It appears that I'm only here without proper qualifications in the eyes of some.

As a person who worked hard to get here (or do only kids who finish a four year degree in social studies qualify as hard working?)I simply reject the implications and tone of language being used. I "found a loophole" or "I'm here without qualifications" is not how I would define having come to my current job. In your posts you come across as a level headed and decent guy, I'm sure you can grasp the point I am trying to make.

MOD EDIT

[furiousmilksheikali]

I agree with Yawarakaijin. Usually loopholes are unforeseen or unintended gaps in the letter of the law that people exploit to get around the spirit of law. The three-year or more experience provision seems to have been added to allow more people to qualify. The only loopholes I could see are if someone applies for a Specialist in Humanities Visa to get a job as a chef, having three years experience and then quits their job and uses their visa to get a teaching position. Not that a qualified chef is likely to bail on a high-paying restaurant job to work in a fast-food eikaiwa joint.

[G Cthulhu]