Job Discussion Forums

MrWright · Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 167 Location: Arizona

Hi. I am hoping for some advice on teaching in Japan. I've read a lot of this forum, I'm somewhat familiar with JET, and I know that its hard to survive there on a teacher's salary. I am probably no exception, but I thought I'd give my qualifications and see what you all think. I am a certified teacher in the U.S. with subject endorsements in History, Biology and General Science. My undergrad is in Secondary Education/History. No masters. I know everyone is gonna jump on me saying "apply to intl schools". I have 7 years in the classroom here, and I'm burned out. I don't want to work in a pressure cooker, which I understand most "good" intl schools are. So, I guess my question is, which my credentials, do I have any better prospect as to teaching positions in ESL than average? And are there many 2nd or 3rd tier intl schools there where I might be able to teach subjects, but isn't so all-star speed? I know there are many such schools in China. I don't know a ton about this, so please be gentle. If you think my questions are stupid, or have general criticisms of me and my life, I would just assume not hear them. I would appreciate it if we followed the KG rule, "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything". Some people on these forums can get pretty brutal. Thanks for any help you can offer. Best wishes.

marley'sghost · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 255

You'd be qualified for just about anything short of university teaching.
Just one question before I dive in, do you have family? Entry level teaching jobs at here pay enough for a single (guy?) to get by. If you have family to support or enormous school loans to pay off.....next to impossible.

First, look into JET. You'd be an Assistant English Teacher. You can do all the fun teacher stuff and skip out on the heavy responsibilities. I came over as a JET many years ago. Best pay and benefits a newbie can hope for. I remember quite meeting quite a few "real" teachers on the program. Folks just looking for a little adventure, or a change of pace.

There are lots of dispatch companies that do what JET does. I work for one right now. Same sort of work, just less (much less....) pay. ALTing is much more relaxed than being a regular classroom teacher once you learn the ropes.

And last are the eikaiwas. These are private language conversation schools. Some are nationwide chains, others strictly local mom and pop outfits. Some are crooked, some are great. Some work you like a dog, some are relaxed. I've never worked at one, so I can't tell you much more. Small class sizes, lots of different sorts of students.

Realistically, you should not think of teaching in Japan as a "career". Great job, lousy career. The economy is stagnant, wages are falling, no job security, not a rosy outlook. Could be a step in your teaching career though, if you think of it as a long foreign study sabbatical.

Hope that helps.

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

I have been here for a while and was thinking of going back to the US, and guess what, move to Arizona.
I heard that teachers can teach and get certified at the same time.

So if you are burned out teaching there, well maybe a change of scenery would help.

My wife seems to be sick of teaching here. It is not easy. Her koma was cut and it is just more competitive, more so at universities.

MrWright · Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 167 Location: Arizona

I have grown kids, so it'd just be me. Sounds like there's no upward mobility. I'd also be interested in teaching subjects, bio or history, at 2nd or 3rd tier intl schools. Does anyone know much about these? With many years teaching there, that doesn't equal greater pay? Esl or otherwise? I like the sound of JET though. Kinda like EPIK in korea. I'm looking into that too, but I'm just so much more interested in Japanese culture than Korean. Thoughts? I appreciate ur time and input!

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

I thought the cut off age of JET was 40.

marley'sghost · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 255

MrWright · Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 167 Location: Arizona

The JET website doesn't mention an age limit on their eligibilty link. But it does seem that one could not remain in the JET program indefinitely. Do they boot you out after a few years?

inotu-unotme · Joined: 26 May 2013 Posts: 197

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I was 27 years old when I was accepted to the JET Program. Has the age range changed? At orientation, we were told 35 was the limit.

inotu-unotme · Joined: 26 May 2013 Posts: 197

VinnyG. · Joined: 03 Mar 2012 Posts: 18 Location: Massachusetts

Several years ago JET raised the upper age limit from 35 to 40. Then just a few years ago they removed the upper age limit. I've heard about a handful of people in their early 40s getting accepted but so far no one much older than 40.

inotu-unotme · Joined: 26 May 2013 Posts: 197

Ya...

I just think I'm a little to old for the program.
To old for being an alt.
I got done with my school a little later in life.

I do wish one day I could work in Japan even part time.
But, i don't even know if they would hire me not having a huge amount of years of experience behind me.