Job Discussion Forums

[oxi]

Hi folks,

Thinking of moving from Hong Kong to Japan.

I see a few threads talking of how important an MA is for getting better jobs. I've got CELTA/DELTA/PGCE and about 12 years experience. But no MA. Anyone mind telling me how far that'd get me? I guess it's not enough for uni jobs? But hopefully more than Eikaiwas?

Thanks.

[Glenski]

Some, perhaps a large number, employers here might see your 12 years as "not Japanese students", so they might still put you on the entry level list (eikaiwa, ALT). Don't be surprised.

Direct hire into public schools is scarce.
Private HS is better, but you still usually need experience in Japan first.

You might get lucky with a junior college or tech school job, but competition even at that level is fierce.

What sort of students were you hoping to teach?

[mhard1]

Hey Oxi,

I hope I can shed some light for you. You have great experience it seems, but I doubt you could land a University job without the MA. To my knowledge, there are 3 general sectors outside of University. That includes the Business English sector, the Public School (ALT) sector, and the Eikawa sector. As many can tell you, the market is pretty slow as well, so getting any job is tough these days. What age group did you teach in Hong Kong, and do you know any Japanese? I might be able to give you some more insight if I knew that. The general hiring period is going to be in the March time frame. The new school year will start in April. So before February you will be even more hard pressed to find much.

[oxi]

Wow - thanks for the speedy, helpful replies folks. This forum's a tad faster paced than the HK one.

I'm currently teaching on the EDB/NET scheme in HK - so I'm in a local secondary school. Basically I teach them on my own, or occasionally with an assistant - possibly the other way round (as far as I can see from reading here on Dave's) compared to the ALT jobs in Japan?

Before HK, I've did a bit here and there in India, Saudi, and a few CIS countries. In that time, my foreign language skills are still pathetic and, nope... I have no Japanese. Mix of secondary and adults. Taught what I'd call "General English" mostly, rather than seriously academic or business. Tiny bit of experience with younger kids.

[judoka]

Interesting.

[oxi]

[Glenski]

[oxi]

Thanks and Merry Christmas Glenski! (and to all)