Job Discussion Forums

kandi707 · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 1

I have been reading some of the threads with questions about degrees and find I have my own question.

My background is such that I plan on retiring in hopefully two years. However, at that time I want to be able to get back out into the world and it seems as though the teaching of English is the way to go. However...I do not have any sort of college degree. So my question is that when they or you talk of having a degree is that specifically a four year degree or can it be a two year AA degree from say a community college here in California?

Also while I don't plan on doing the training just yet I'm wondering how you go about making sure that the class or program you are taking is really a good one or not?

Many thanks to all of you!

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

China and possibily Indonesia. Japan also might be an option, and Latin America.

When we talk abotu a degree, it-s usually a BA, four year degree, or three if you-re from the Uk, OZ, NZ. Any good one will be accrediated and will give you a BA at the end.

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

Sorry, but Japan is not such an option in most cases.

In Japan, you need a bachelor's degree or equivalent, or at least 3 years of teaching experience to get a work visa.

You can also work with student visa or cultural activities visa, providing you get special permission (PT work only).

Otherwise, non-degreed people can work only if they have dependent or spouse visas or PR status.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Central/Eastern Europe are still open in terms of work visas to North Americans, and most countries in this region do not technically require a uni degree to gain a work permit. Assuming you can persuade a private language school that you will be an effective teacher, even though you don't have secondary education yourself, the degree isn't a legal requirement.

Keep in mind that salaries in this part of the world are subsistence level only - but if you can afford to go for the experience only, it's a fantastic region.

I'm referring to the Czech Rep, Poland, Slovakia, etc.

You would need CELTA or equivalent to compete at all on the job market.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Chancellor · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 8:47 pm Post subject:

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

In Japan, the WHV can be used for PT or FT work.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/index.html
Immigration just doesn't want people working FT for extended periods, as the WHV is for people on holiday after all. They don't monitor this closely, though.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

80daze · Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 118 Location: China

Technically you must have a degree or equivalent to work in China, however I have met some teachers working without any qualifications whatsoever (including TEFL/CELTA). It really depends on how badly the school needs you as rules can be bent over here.

MDDude · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:12 pm Post subject:

I have asked this before, but want to ask again for clarity: does the type of degree matter? For example, I have a Computer Science degree (both a Bachelor's and a Master's). Is that OK?

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

You need a bachelor degree for a visa. A master's degree is useful for getting university or college work, but it usually needs to be related (Applied Linguistics or TESOL). A computer science master's degree will likely be kind of useless in this, unless you find a school looking to teach computer science IN English. Otherwise, most areas already have people who can teach computer science in the local language.