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Glenski

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

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 9:57 pm Post subject:

igorG wrote:

Honestly, i don't want to sound unthankful but this really seems fishy. Or, is it just fishing Confused

You came here asking questions about getting a teaching job in Japan. I think that anyone who answers deserves to know what your educational background and work experience are so that we can make a sound judgment before giving you advice. That is the only reason I have asked for your education. I am not a recruiter, nor is my university looking for teachers. Until you mentioned an MBA, all you have said regarding education and work experience is pretty darned vague, if not empty:

"I am a qualified (not with a Canadian teaching license) and experienced Canadian"

So, you have an MBA. Anything else? I am going to assume you have a BA degree in something unrelated to teaching. You said you were fed up with the Chinese educational system, but does that mean you have worked in it, or you are merely concerned for the sake of your own children? Please be clear about this. Here's why.

1. Entry level jobs consist mostly of conversation school (eikaiwa) or ALT positions, and they only require a bachelor's degree in any subject to get a work visa. (This can be bypassed if one has 3 years of related work experience.)

2. International schools require a teaching license (which you do not have, it seems), plus usually 2 years of experience in your home country.

3. Business English schools have the same requirements as #1, but many will also want some work experience in a business similar to their clients.

4. Universities want people with a minimum of a master's degree in a specific field like linguistics, plus experience plus some Japanese language ability, and definitely plus publications in the field.

I hope this clears things up and that you tell us more about you, but I think you are still going to be qualified only for entry level teaching work here.

Quote:

Let me answer your question with a question since you insist. Would my MBA be an obstacle in Japan?

An obstacle to what? To landing an entry level job in teaching (#1 and #3 above)? No. For #3 it might even be an advantage. Hard to say.

Quote:

Seriously, when i am applying for the job, i will see what i need, won't i?

I have no idea what you are talking about here. You will see ads that show darned little in the way of information about the job or employer, and you will see ads with lots of information. What you "need" is something you have not explained. In an attempt to read your mind, I would say no, you will not see everything about the job that you need to know. Goes with the territory of job hunting anywhere in any field.

Quote:

They'll see too, won't they?

See what? See your MBA degree? Only if you put it on your resume or in a cover letter. That's your choice. Will they see everything they need to know about you? That depends on what you write!

Quote:

I mean, come on pal, it's not China there, is it?

C'mon, "pal". Drop the nebulous nature of your posts and the attitude. People here are only trying to help, and I for one am getting fed up with your posts.

Quote:

Again, i thank all for participating on and i've meant no disrespect with the last part of this post here.

Sorry, but it sure sounds like disrespect. This forum is one of the most helpful you're going to find. Treat people here for what they are: your peers and advisors. You might end up working with one of them or being considered for a job by one.

taikibansei

Joined: 14 Sep 2004
Posts: 811
Location: Japan

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:19 pm Post subject:

louis.p wrote:

Wouldn't the professor of Chinese also need to speak Japanese? If not, I'd expect more like 500-1000 applications for that position, and the winner will be a star in the field.

It will be written like this in the advert:

博士または修士の学位を有する者あるいは同等の資格を有する者

英語もしくは日本語が堪能であることが望ましい

I.e., somebody with the "equivalent" of at least an MA, with either English or Japanese fluency "desirable." And even though the advert will only be in Japanese, we'll top 60 applicants easily. (It's a very well-paying job with tenure.)

Again, my main point is that it's a buyer's market. Unlike China (and to a lesser extent Korea), schools in Japan do not need to go through recruiters and/or scour online forums desperately looking for resumes. Indeed, going by past searches in French, German, Korean and English, we'll end up hiring somebody with a PhD, a substantial publication record, multiple years of university-level teaching experience and fluency in both English and Japanese (as well as their native language, of course). Perhaps not a "star" per se, but somebody more than decent.

Glenski

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

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 2:16 am Post subject:

taikibansei wrote:

It will be written like this in the advert:

博士または修士の学位を有する者あるいは同等の資格を有する者

英語もしくは日本語が堪能であることが望ましい

I.e., somebody with the "equivalent" of at least an MA, with either English or Japanese fluency "desirable." And even though the advert will only be in Japanese, we'll top 60 applicants easily. (It's a very well-paying job with tenure.)

... we'll end up hiring somebody with a PhD, a substantial publication record, multiple years of university-level teaching experience and fluency in both English and Japanese (as well as their native language, of course). Perhaps not a "star" per se, but somebody more than decent.

As support for this, here's a current advertisement from Ritsumeikan University for a part-time Chinese lecturer:

1)Candidates must have completed a master's degree or have the equivalent of three years or more experience or achievements after graduating from university.
2)Candidates with three years or more Chinese teaching experience at the university level are preferred.
3)Candidates must be able to teach four days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday)
4)Candidates must currently reside in Japan, and by the time of appointment, live close enough to commute to the University. Candidates of any nationality will be considered for this position.
5)Candidates who are fluent in either English or Japanese are preferred.

1)Curriculum Vitae (including applicant's photo, educational history, and list of research/teaching achievements)
2)Proof of Final Education (copy of degree acceptable)
3)Major publications (books or theses) and/or teaching materials you have developed if applicable. Photocopies will be accepted.
*Please prepare either English or Japanese version of your CV.

Rits advertised this in English probably because English is a major language of instruction there. I suspect that taikibansei is right regarding how other unis will advertise in Japanese.

taikibansei

Joined: 14 Sep 2004
Posts: 811
Location: Japan

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 3:02 am Post subject:

Glenski wrote:

I think the bigger issue is that Ritsumeikan is looking for a part-time faculty member in that advert. We do the same for p/t (and f/t contract) positions here--i.e., advertise in both English and Japanese. Tenured/tenure-track positions are different in that, among other things, we really do need colleagues to be able to hold their own in Japanese as well (even if the wording in our adverts suggests it is only desirable...). From memory, Ritsumeikan also advertises only in Japanese for most of their permanent positions (the very few exceptions are usually in TESOL).

This is one of the reasons why I've repeatedly advocated looking at the Japanese language side of JRECIN as well. Almost invariably, the number and quality of positions (including working conditions) offered there are much better than on the English side.

igorG

Joined: 10 Aug 2010
Posts: 1473
Location: asia

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:37 am Post subject:

Again, I have to thank you all, and i really mean all, for the replies on.

Regarding my qualifications and the flame we seem to be having on, i'll follow up with some quotes here below

Quote:

A sound judgement should be made by the employer, shouldn't it? I thought i made myself clear about what type of a job i would seek as it was previously on mentioned that the Japanese semesters are in a conflict with the mainland Chinese ones. Anotherwods, i'd have to break a contract and lose my bonuses here in China, and so i decided to go with any teaching job there. I mentioned early learners, kindergartens as well. So, is this flame on really necessary? Does anyone on forums really "deserve" to know so much when inquiries are general only? Then, am i supposed to be "judged" here? Wouldn't it be just simpler to say that any BA is ok, but if one wishes to teach in higher education, s/he may have to have a specialty postgrad certification and in some/many cases proven experience?

Quote:

it sure sounds like disrespect. This forum is one of the most helpful you're going to find. Treat people here for what they are: your peers and advisors. You might end up working with one of them or being considered for a job by one.

I really am sorry if it sounds like a disrespect that i am not providing a more complete background of myself and that i am questioning some posters' reasons for insisting on more info from me. It's not about that "treatment" but more efficient communications, isn't it? Moreover, it's about that respect and maybe one's privacy as well, isn't it? Again, i said i'd apply for any teaching post there, when i mentioned my kids and wife on, didn't i? However, i think i feel you well now. Working with someone on, that is to consider me for the job, is a bit worrying. I mean how honest can one be about sharing the job info, when s/he is "considering" the poster/applicant for that particular employment?

Quote:

Drop the nebulous nature of your posts and the attitude. People here are only trying to help, and I for one am getting fed up with your posts.

Hard to believe the message comes from just a teacher or sorry prof. However, thank you for your help and sorry for offending you. Please understand that there are many and many kinds of recruiters or "recruiting helpers" that'd do just about anything to "help". Don't call it "the attitude" but caution. If you are "fed up", don't do it...or, don't help.

Now, someone not so "fed up" with my posts, that actually has read them more carefully, has written this below

Quote:

My university is about to put out an advert for a tenured/tenure track position for a professor in Chinese. If your wife really were "qualified" (i.e., possessing at least an MA plus multiple academic publications), she could then apply for the position (along with the other 60-100 qualified applicants the advert will receive). If we hired her--amazingly enough--all your other "obstacles" would disappear immediately.

Thanks but my wife may not qualify there. She majored in business administration, which she got in a western country (not Japan). What i had in mind, for her, was teaching Chinese as second language in Japan.

Quote:

And no, I'm neither "recruiting" you ( ) nor angling for a pm. I mean, seriously, with all the posts here about the current glut of teachers and the difficulties of finding jobs in Japan, do you really think recruiters (are there any for Japan?) are desperate enough to scour this forum looking for resumes?

I take your point. That's why i want to get any teaching gig first before i land something more suitable there. Thanks.

Finally, i can start clicking on some leads to Japan and hopefully land in an area where it's friendly and not so cold. I'll check the regions of Japan for myself as i don't want to fed up anyone else on with any further inquiries.

Keep your hard work there guys and if we meet up one day i'll buy you all a Japanese beer.

Last edited by igorG on Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:50 am; edited 1 time in total

Nagoyaguy

Joined: 15 May 2003
Posts: 425
Location: Aichi, Japan

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:48 am Post subject:

Getting a job before you land means teaching in a conversation school (eikaiwa) most likely. ALT work may be possible, but most ALT positions are controlled by temp staff agencies, and they generally want to interview you in person before making any final decisions. Regarding university positons, the best way to get started is to know someone who can recommend you personally. Get in Japan, go to teachers' conferences, network, and be politely persistent. As others have said, having a Masters in education or TESL/Linguistics is a bare minimum. Experience teaching Japanese students is also desired.

igorG

Joined: 10 Aug 2010
Posts: 1473
Location: asia

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:53 am Post subject:

Thanks. I know you guys know the ropes and the country.

Apsara

Joined: 20 Sep 2005
Posts: 2142
Location: Tokyo, Japan

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 9:53 am Post subject:

igorG wrote:

Wouldn't it be just simpler to say that any BA is ok, but if one wishes to teach in higher education, s/he may have to have a specialty postgrad certification and in some/many cases proven experience?

The thing is, this info is to be found on many previous threads here. People assumed that you (like most others with similar questions) were looking for info on your specific situation, which is why many were puzzled when you were so cagey about saying what your qualifications are. Your suspicions about their reasons for asking are quite misplaced, I can assure you- people were only trying to help you out, and you weren't giving them anything to go on.

Glenski

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

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 1:14 pm Post subject:

igorG wrote:

Regarding my qualifications and the flame we seem to be having on

Who's flaming you here? I think you may not even know what flaming means, though. Your whole dialogue is a bit off-kilter in terms of natural fluency, if you don't mind my saying.

Quote:

A sound judgement should be made by the employer, shouldn't it?

Excuse me, but once again you are avoiding the whole question of what bachelor's degree you may have. That in itself smacks of trolling. Do you know what that means?

Quote:

I thought i made myself clear about what type of a job i would seek as it was previously on mentioned that the Japanese semesters are in a conflict with the mainland Chinese ones.

No, you did not make anything clear at all, IMO. You didn't answer any of my questions with any direct answers. I had to infer what you meant, and I gave you some pretty honest advice.

Quote:

Anotherwods, i'd have to break a contract and lose my bonuses here in China, and so i decided to go with any teaching job there. I mentioned early learners, kindergartens as well. So, is this flame on really necessary?

There is no "flame on". Look at your initial post. You didn't even mention what sort of teaching job you were pursuing. In your second post, the closest you came to a clear understanding is in 2 statements:

i may consider compromising on just about everything and getting any kind of teaching job as entry level to Japan.

My kids are of a kindergarten age and if i don't get a chance in a uni, i may try a kindergarten

You got advice on both, but you seem to be the one to "flame on" by not stating qualifications. Are you really that thick to not understand a forum full of posters who tell you such information is needed to give you the slightest hint of whether you meet uni or kindy standards? Whatever you are qualified for in China may not be enough here. And, you've already been told that you are not qualified for uni work!

Quote:

Does anyone on forums really "deserve" to know so much when inquiries are general only?

Simple answer, yes.

Quote:

Then, am i supposed to be "judged" here?

You seem to be a bit paranoid with words like "judge". The proper term would be assessed or measured, but we've already explained that a lot. (Yes, we, not just me.)

Quote:

I believe I wrote words to that effect, such words are all over the internet, and rtm even wrote this:

"if you are Canadian, and do not have a Canadian teaching license, then what does "qualified" mean? "Qualified" typically means you have a teaching license. It matters because you will need a teaching license to be eligible to teach at an international school. If you would like to know more about those, you'll need to give us more information."

Quote:

I have no idea what you are ranting on about in terms of respect. As for privacy, are you saying that telling us something as simple as what your degrees are, is too private a matter? Pretty strange when you come here asking about what obstacles you may face.

Quote:

However, i think i feel you well now. Working with someone on, that is to consider me for the job, is a bit worrying.

I'm sorry, but here is a prime example of such poor grammar that I don't even understand what you mean.

Quote:

I mean how honest can one be about sharing the job info, when s/he is "considering" the poster/applicant for that particular employment?

What does this mean? It's simple. If you want to know what the obstacles are to getting hired here, say what you want, make it clear what your qualifications are, and let us assess. There is no "honesty" involved.

Quote:

Drop the nebulous nature of your posts and the attitude. People here are only trying to help, and I for one am getting fed up with your posts.

Hard to believe the message comes from just a teacher or sorry prof.

"Sorry prof"? What the heck does that mean? Are you this condescending and naive in person? Yes, the "message" came from a teacher. Believe it.

Quote:

Don't call it "the attitude" but caution. If you are "fed up", don't do it...or, don't help.

You're the one who came here asking questions. Don't shoot the messengers. Give them what they need to provide you with answers. What are you so "cautious" about? Do you have something to hide, or is this just more trolling?

Quote:

Now, someone not so "fed up" with my posts, that actually has read them more carefully, has written this below

That is quite the ungrateful snobbish remark, to say that anyone here has not read carefully what you wrote!

rtm

Joined: 13 Apr 2007
Posts: 1003
Location: US

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 3:04 pm Post subject:

igorG,

Sorry if this forum seems inhospitable. People really do want to help, honestly. I think part of the problem is that people don't know what kind of advice to give you.

igorG wrote:

Again, i said i'd apply for any teaching post there, when i mentioned my kids and wife on, didn't i?

Well, you said that you would consider university positions or kindergarten positions. Other than that, we don't really know what positions you would consider, or what positions you would be eligible for.

Basically, we don't know what you want to know. So far, your posts have been a bit vague in terms of what information you are seeking. Do you want to know what kind of jobs you should be looking for in Japan? Do you want to know where in Japan you should be looking for jobs? Do you want to know which companies are reputable and which are not? Do you want to know what time of year you should apply for jobs? Do you want to know whether you can apply from China, or if you should apply once in Japan?

Answers to these questions would help us know what kind of information to give you. Answers to all of these questions, however, will depend on the first one (what type of job you are looking for). There are many more types of jobs than just university and kindergarten.

Some of the more common ones are those that Glenski described:

Glenski wrote:

1. Entry level jobs consist mostly of conversation school (eikaiwa) or ALT positions, and they only require a bachelor's degree in any subject to get a work visa. (This can be bypassed if one has 3 years of related work experience.)

2. International schools require a teaching license (which you do not have, it seems), plus usually 2 years of experience in your home country.

3. Business English schools have the same requirements as #1, but many will also want some work experience in a business similar to their clients.

4. Universities want people with a minimum of a master's degree in a specific field like linguistics, plus experience plus some Japanese language ability, and definitely plus publications in the field.

Assuming you are no longer thinking about universities, can we assume you are interested in either:

- Working at a private conversation school (eikaiwa)

or

- Working as an assistant language teacher (ALT) in a public school (either primary, junior high, or high school)

if you have specific questions about these, or opportunities for your wife to work, it would probably be best if you ask them.

Or, if you have all of the information you desire, we can call this thread finished. Smile

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