Job Discussion Forums

[Noelle]

Just wondering who is working in a Japanese university?

How are universities there? Do you team teach? I'm sure it totally depends on the school and I'm wondering what universities or programs should be avoided.

Also, what qualifications are required for a foreign teacher to teach English in a Japanese university?

[wabisabi365]

Hi there,

I can only offer my personal experience - this is how it worked for me.

I started part-time at 4 different universities. I was introduced to each university through someone who already worked there. Word of mouth was my "in". That, and a good track-record at my previous employment, as well as reference letters and recommendations from within Japan.

I had one publication in an on-line EFL journal, as well as one in progress.

I participated in and presented at as many local "teacherly" events as possible (JALT, ETJ).

I started an MA.

With this under my belt, I jumped on a full-time position that became available at one of the part-time places I was working. (Without the MA completed, I was put through quite a bit of interviewing and grilling seeing as my qualifications didn't yet meet what was required).

It is indeed possible to get university work without previous uni experience. A lot of university positions are really, truly, glorified EFL teaching. Why "glorified"? Because you're paid quite well, have substantial holiday time, and there is a sense of prestige, (in both the Japanese and foreign communities) that goes with the position. I have witnessed this go to many of my colleagues heads. Unwarranted, I may add.

I have also seen many colleagues put their university status to good use, who contribute greatly to the teaching community, and who aren't completely full of themselves. It goes both ways. I have seen some of my colleagues refer to themselves as "Professor" simply because some of our internal correspondance from various departments has conferred this lofty title upon us. This, and the overblown ego that comes with it, is infuriating.

...steps off soapbox...

Sorry, got a bit hot-under-the-collar there!

My advice to anyone who wants to get into the university scene in Japan:

Get actively involved with JALT, ETJ or any other teaching organization in your area.

At the events put on by these organizations, SCHMOOZE. Get to know the people involved, whether part-time or full-time. They know when positions are coming up at their unis.

Publish your ideas in on-line or print journals.

And...

Get an MA. It is getting more and more competitive, and I'm seeing Phd come up in the criteria more often. (That being said, it's in the criteria, but, in my department, not one foreign staff member has their Phd. Not one is even working towards it. And, this is not one of the lower-end unis either).

There are nay-sayers out there who may discourage you (but who call this discouragement "being realistic"). I say, go for it. If I had listened to what others had to say about the criteria (which I didn't meet) I wouldn't have applied for the position I have today.

Good luck with your job search.

ws365

[Noelle]

Wabisabi

Thanks for your input.

I'm actually just about finished with my M.A. in TESOL. I will graduate this December. I have taught university level students in the states (some Japanese, among other nationalities) and am currently teaching high school in Korea.

After I finish my thesis, I will definitely move into the university scene. I'm considering staying overseas rather than going back to the states right away. I could stay in Korea, go to the Middle East, or give Japan a try.

I'm looking to work somewhere where not just anyone can get a job teaching English and unfortunately, Korea is not the place. I want to be somewhere where my credentials and experience are recognized and where I'll be with professionals in this field... not just a group of backpackers from an English speaking country looking for a free airline ticket and celebrity status in Asia.

If Japanese universities require more qualified teachers, I would like consider going that route. Many universities in Korea don't even require an M.A. or CELTA/TEFL certification it seems so long as one has taught in Korea or some other country for at least one year. China seems to have even lower standards.

I've taught Japanese and Korean uni students, but in the U.S. Out of all the nationalities of the students I had, European, Latin American, Middle Eastern and Asian, I found working with the Japanese students to be most enjoyable.

Has anyone taught in both Korean and Japanese universities? If so, I'd really love to hear from you!

[Glenski]

Please start by reading the FAQ stickies. The first one, item 3, has about a dozen links to help you with background information.

Here's another with about a dozen more links. Many tell you about the qualifications needed.
http://www.palewiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Preparing_to_Search

FWIW,
I work at a university full-time.

What are your qualificaions, and where are you? Your name looks familiar. Have you posted here before?

[zignut]

My admittedly cursory research on this site has lead me to believe that, generally speaking, the Middle East is the region that values most one's qualifications, experience, and age, as it happens.

Might want to check out work in the UAE or some such.

I'm working on my MA TESOL right now in the States, and am weighing my options for University work after graduation. Have you published anything? I am told this is extremely helpful, but I haven't taken steps toward doing so myself yet... There are a ton of journals out there.

[Noelle]

I do believe that that employers in the middle east do value experience and qualifications more. I feel like there are places in Asia... Japan and Korea that do as well but they seem fewer as almost everyone and their brother/mother/girlfriend/boyfriend can come here and find a job teaching English.

I haven't published anything yet. I want to submit an article to CATESOL but I'm not quite ready at this point. I'm still working on my thesis.

Doing your MA in TESOL will most definitely be a plus and I think it's great that you're doing it in your home country (hopefully not online), however there is no substitute for experience and that is where I am a bit lacking. Only 3 years of solid TEFL/TESL experience so far... I'm still somewhat of a "newbie"... just a more educated one.

[zignut]