Job Discussion Forums

davejw6 · Joined: 04 Jul 2009 Posts: 24

I've been applying for teaching positions via different websites, and I'm wondering why I haven't had any replies yet.
I've noticed that most of the positions require that you are currently living in Japan. Does this mean that you have to have a working visa there, or do you just have to be there in person (on a tourist visa)?
I hold a TEFL Diploma, B.A (major Japanese), M.Ed (Teaching Second Languages), and I have 5 years teaching experience.......Maybe it's the fact that I'm over 40?
Does anyone have any insight into this?
Much appreciated...

ssjup81 · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 5:11 am Post subject:

Wow, with your experience and credentials, you could probably get a position working at an International school or a university position.

That aside, maybe it's just taking a while for them to sort through all the applications. I've put in applications as well and am yet to hear anything, but I'm also entry level and trying to get into the teaching profession. To my understanding, this is a slow time of the year for hiring.

Of course I am theorizing, so hopefully someone else can give more input.

davejw6 · Joined: 04 Jul 2009 Posts: 24

Ironically I just received one, but it's only part-time.
I've applied for a lot of international school positions over the years, and although I did work for one, they generally don't require an M.Ed, they require a B.Ed with a teaching certificate from your home country.
Anyway good luck and let's wait and see...

seklarwia · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 5:24 am Post subject:

If an advert says that the applicant must be living in Japan it could be because:

a) they want someone to start soon, so don't want to sponsor a work visa which can take about 2 months to process. (also if you already have a visa then you are not a potential work visa bandit)

b) they want you to attend an in-person interview.

c) they want someone who is already set up in Japan, who won't need babsitting.

d) all of the above!

If you are applying to these positions then its quite likely they won't reply.

What type of jobs are you applying for? I think that if you are applying to entry level eikawa or ALT type work, then its probably not your age really, but the fact you are simply too qualified. Some employers don't want people who know too much about the field since they might want to change things or be too confrontational if they don't agree with something.

davejw6 · Joined: 04 Jul 2009 Posts: 24

I've only applied at language schools at the moment, because it's very difficult to get into a Japanese university unless you have a Ph.D, or are recommended by a previous uni' in Japan.
I agree with everything you have said there, but I was hoping that 'some' schools would look at experience and qualifications favourably.
I'll keep applying and see what happens, then maybe if I'm still unsuccessful I'll delete my M.Ed and apply again.
It would be interesting to see if there's a difference :)

ssjup81 · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 5:54 am Post subject:

ssjup81 · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 5:56 am Post subject:

seklarwia · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 7:19 am Post subject:

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

dave,
If you are applying to language schools that want applicants in Japan, you won't get a reply. Skip them or come here first.

If you are applying to language schools that DON'T require applicants to be in Japan, are they actually advertising for positions, or is that a cold call on your part? Forget cold calls. They rarely work.

If they are not cold calls, then you have to consider the fact that they either want someone without your credentials (yea, something LESS than what you have), or your resume and cover letter need work (or both of the above). Have someone check your resume & CL. I've looked at dozens, and pretty much every one needs repair, no matter what the educational level and background of the person.

lady gator linguist · Joined: 02 Jul 2009 Posts: 9

Dave,

With your background and qualifications, you should apply for a full-time lecturer position at a university. It's one of the best paying teaching gigs in Japan. The Japanese school year doesn't begin until April, but in order to get a head start, you should start sending your c.v. now or September at the latest.

I worked at Asia University for 5 years. I had to leave because the university limits how long FT lecturers can work there. You need a master's degree in a related field to apply. Judging by your qualifications, you seem to have that. Have you taught in a university or community college setting? Many universities prefer that, too. But if you don't have that experience specifically, don't let that stop you from applying. Some universities also want their instructors to have Japanese language ability because I believe the faculty conduct their staff meetings in Japanese. (AU doesn't do that.) I know that several instructors will be leaving at the end of this academic year. If you're hired from outside Japan, AU will reimburse you for the cost of the plane ticket (up to 150,000 yen I think) and the health exam. Plus, they can give you the option of living in the English teacher's quarters RENT FREE (had to pay utilities) or pay you a small stipend if you decide not to take that option. Not many universities offer you the option of free housing. The quarters are about 10-15 minutes from campus--and you don't need to take the crowded trains to get there! The campus is located about 25 minutes from downtown Tokyo by train.

The name of the department I worked for is Center for English Language Education (CELE). Do a Google search and click on the hyperlink to find out about the department and job openings. If you're interested, apply.

Good luck in your job search.

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

lady gator linguist · Joined: 02 Jul 2009 Posts: 9

Glenski,

It is true that "he can try". That's my point. The worst that could happen is he doesn't get a callback.

Asia University was one of those rare universities that did reimburse teachers coming from overseas for the cost of their airfare and health exam. Unfortunately, I was not one of them since I was hired in Japan. Of course universities will tend to hire candidates who are living in Japan first. But if Dave's other qualifications fit closely to what universities are looking for, then they could contact him. What does he have to lose?

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

Caliroll · Joined: 02 Mar 2008 Posts: 23

The specific uni position (Asia University) that was mentioned by Lady Gator for the OP is solid advice. It's a contract position and seems as though it does not require publications. Other possible options in a similar category are Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Oita, and Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka. I believe both institutions will reimburse for flights.

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

I don't want this post to sound overly negative. The OP and anyone else with similar qualifications do have "some chance". I just wanted to say that when unis advertise with such minimal qualifications required, they usually get 20-100 applicants. Heads up.