Job Discussion Forums

drdub · Joined: 05 Dec 2010 Posts: 4

Hello everyone, my name is drdub. I am an American and a recent PhD graduate that is looking at relocating to Japan. I have come to this forum to seek the advice and wisdom of some of the long time residents here. A bit of information about my qualifications might help you to advise.

Ph.D Educational Leadership
M.S - Education
B.S - Psychology

For the past 4 years I have been working in international school administration, serving as the head of a primary and secondary school, and previous to that as a discipline master. I have been published and have presented at educational conferences, but have not had the opportunity to do much of these things whereas I have just recently graduated.

I am looking to relocate to Japan in the next few months and wondering what would be the best way for me to go about it. Ideally I think at this stage in my career I would like to work at the university level for a few years to work on additional research, but I wouldn't mind continuing my work in school administration.

From what I have read around the forums it seems much easier to find higher quality positions once you are actually in Japan, have some experience, and have made some connections. So my question is, would it be best for me to just find a job and get a year of experience under my belt, or should I hold out for something better? There is a part of me that wouldn't mind taking a job for a year that is below my qualifications and just chalk it up to experience, but I also do not want to see myself short. Please let me know what you think. Hopefully the collective wisdom of this board will help to point me in the right direction.

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

For more information on university jobs, look at the FAQ stickies. Hiring season for 2011 is coming to a close soon, with some sporadic openings springing up in Jan and Feb. You will likely have to be here for interviews, of course. Also, how is your level of Japanese? As for your publications, just what have you done?

I would say it would be very difficult to land any job here in a school administration capacity, certainly at first. What exactly did you have in mind? Opportunities are limited.

With no experience teaching in Japan (or elsewhere?), you might have to take entry level jobs to get started. Are you willing to do ALT or eikaiwa work?

To relocate here "in the next few months" would be critical. Most teaching jobs are not interviewed outside Japan. JET Programme applications are due very soon for August 2011 start dates. Otherwise, most jobs begin in April, so a lot of ads come out in Feb and March.

drdub · Joined: 05 Dec 2010 Posts: 4

Glenski thank you for your kind and prompt reply. To answer some of your questions, my level of Japanese at the moment in nearly non-existent. I do however have a high motivation to learn the language, and that is why I wouldn't mind taking an entry level job for a year so I could focus the majority of my energy on learning Japanese.

As far as my publications, I have published a few articles related to my dissertation in international educational journals. My research is in the field of school administration...hiring practices and their relation to academic success in particular. I do have teaching experience both in the US and abroad (6 years). My teaching experience is in the American and Singaporean educational systems however, so it is quite possible that this may not be accepted in Japan.

It seems from your post that the best bet would be for me to simply relocate first, get my grips on the country and language for a year, and then move towards university or international school work. I honestly wouldn't even mind a post in rural Japan for a year. I suppose as with any country, things will be immensely easier once I have been there for awhile.

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

G Cthulhu · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 6:13 pm Post subject: Re: Getting started in Japan

To a certain level, I would ignore what Gelnski has to say about it. He tends to focus everything on the ESL end of things and finds it hard to think outside the box.

With your qualifications you're good for working at an international school in Japan, either in the admin side of things or on the front end. Now, whether or not they have any openings is another matter entirely...

JET is an option, but to be honest you're probably not what they're looking for. And, unless you were amazingly quick, you're not going to meet the app deadline. Other options exist in line with your goals & quals, but bear in mind that without the Japanese capability the chances of getting one of the very few roles out there (teaching admin at the uni level) is somewhere between remote and none. There are a couple of non_Jpns companies operating in Japan that offer consultancy services for edu admin, but again, you're looking at tiny numbers. If you just want a year off to study Japanese then, yes, follow glenski's C&P advice and go the eikaiwa route.

Good luck.

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

drdub · Joined: 05 Dec 2010 Posts: 4

Gentlemen I thank you both for your advice and wisdom. It is definitely appreciated. I know I am qualified to work in the international school circuit, but as mentioned it is a timing thing. In my time in international school administration I have served as two Council of International Schools (CIS) committee chairs and led the school through the accreditation process. I am sure there must be CIS certified schools in Japan and this would give me a distinct advantage in the hiring process.

At this point I think my best bet is to find some work in Japan, get familiar with the language and country, and make some contacts at international schools and universities by attending and presenting at educational conferences hosted in Japan. Hopefully this will assist me in landing the type of position I would like for the long-term.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 11:28 pm Post subject: Re: Getting started in Japan

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

G Cthulhu,
Yes, mileage may vary, but I do not agree that my advice to the OP should actually be ignored. If you want to qualify that with the first few words in the sentence, you should expand on it to make your meaning clearer.

Me, blinkered? Hardly, as I pointed out that your mention of international schools was useful (and merely overlooked, not blinkered, by me). Since you overlooked the fact of timing for international schools, perhaps he should ignore your advice. At least I didn't get snooty about it.

I accept facts from others. I took yours, didn't I? Why didn't you answer my question about defining "front end", BTW?

I also accept the fact that people have different views and opinions. I don't have to agree with everyone's opinions, though, and neither should anyone else. You on the other hand don't seem to accept the opinions/options I lay out even though they are perfectly legitimate, and lately your posts have been fairly caustic towards many posters here. I wouldn't call that blinkered, but it's a sign that something is getting to you.

I do not accept insults. Your remarks about thinking outside the box and "C&P advice" were insults.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 9:23 pm Post subject:

southofreality · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 579 Location: Tokyo

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

drdub · Joined: 05 Dec 2010 Posts: 4

A big thanks for all of your assistance. I will post again in a few months to let everyone know how I made out with the job hunt.

seashell78 · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 5

If you've been on CIS committees you are very highly qualified to work at international schools and they are hiring NOW for August 1st starts (usually). I'm not sure how many schools are accredited by CIS, WASC seems more popular in Asia, but your experience would be looked upon quite highly. Do you have any IB experience?