Job Discussion Forums

[spanglish]

Sounds like an excellent plan. Good for you.

One suggestion: most people who are teaching English have a B.A. that has nothing to do with teaching English. So in a way, you're at an advantage because you can choose to get a degree that will be worth something to you when you start working. If you don't want to teach k-12 at an international school (in which case you'd need an education degree and state certification + experience), I'd suggest you get a linguistics degree and a minor/double major in the language of the country in which you're interested in teaching (sounds like Japan).

And you may be able to complete a masters in tesol in just one additional year because the linguistics degree may knock off some of the requirements (a friend of mine did this with the University of Washington's masters program in ESL).

[katuuuz]

Thanks, Spanglish.

So a major in Linguistics and a minor/double major in Japanese will put me in a better position? Any other suggestions for majors/minors?

Also, could someone elaborate on the difference between the types of schools there are to teach in? International vs. private and so forth?

If I were to pursue a major in Linguistics and a minor in Japanese, would this be applicable if I decided to return to the U.S. after a few years? Rest assured, my barbering license will be renewed annually for back up.

[runthegauntlet]

[runthegauntlet]

[katuuuz]

Thanks for the other angle on the subject, this is exactly what I need...

So, basically get a BA in whatever I want. I think I saw something on another thread stating something like "anything from Anthropology to Zoology." LOL.

After this, to teach in the states, I would need to get certified... (My sister is a certified teacher, I remember toward the end of her BA she went through a certification program).

But, before that (or after) if I get an MA in TESL, I would be set in Japan?

Let me put it this way... What would be the best route for me to take that would make me highly desirable for a well paying job in Japan?

[spanglish]

runthegauntlet - what degree do you suggest the op get that he/she could 'use anytime you wish'? A generic undergrad degree in the arts is largely worthless in the job market. A political science degree without relevant experience and contacts, for example, will do you no more good than that linguistics degree as you're sending out your resume for whatever job in the USA.

A linguistics degree on the other hand, WILL do you a lot of good if you want to be an English teacher. Why is it so bad to get some real preparation for the job you want to do?

[Glenski]

[katuuuz]

Thanks for the ESL/EFL correction... as you can tell from my join date, I'm an infantile newbie on this subject.

Well then, as stated before, I'm not looking to make a million dollars. Obviously, if I am informed of a route I can take through college that will prove more financially prosperous in Japan,, I'll take it. All I need is a bed, some grub, and a little side cash I can spend socializing.

As I expected, with everything for that matter, the first year will probably be rough, and my expectations aren't high in terms of money.

This is the best way I can put it - I am here looking for advice on the "best" way to go about this dream in my head, and possibly take advantage of having college still in front of me so I can be strategic in doing so. I want to sit with my adviser next week and say "This is what I want."

Lucky for me I found this place though, or I may have a ticket to China in my hands only to go there and find out I blew thousands of dollars and maybe was even put on an I.V. drip for a bug I got because some kid took a sh*t on a train I was aboard. (Lol some of those Chinese hospital stories are terrifying). Of course everyone has an opinion, but I'd like to hear them all. Even if I go route A, B, or C, and it's still deemed "hard to make it in Japan", by that time, I'm going to be finding out first hand.

[runthegauntlet]

[katuuuz]

[runthegauntlet]

[katuuuz]

OK, the holy grail question is... No matter what I have a BA in, when I do go to Japan, I'll be starting on the bottom regardless... right?

Just for clarification purposes.

[spanglish]

You sounds pretty focused on getting a degree that will you do some good back in the US. If that's the most important consideration AND you want to teach kids, then an education degree and state certification would definitely be your best route. I know in Latin America the best paying jobs tend to be at the international schools (elite English speaking K-12 schools that cater to diplomats' and politicians' children).

If you know you don't want to teach kids and would like to work at the community college/university level at home or abroad then a linguistics degree would be great preparation.

I'd still recommend you get some language training, not to help you get a job in the US, but just cause it's a good idea to speak something of the local language before you hit the ground.

Having said that, don't be too focused on Japan. Sure, learn some Japanese, educate yourself about the country and apply for the JET program. If you don't get in or don't like the country, you can always jump to a different country. That's the great thing about teaching English.

[Glenski]

[katuuuz]

OK. Thanks for all the wonderful advice. Now the hard part. School is in session starting Monday night. Ugh I wish I could buy a BA!