Job Discussion Forums

paddyflynn · Joined: 13 Dec 2012 Posts: 26

First question: In January I'll be going to Japan on a student visa, which allows me a work permit for 28 hours a week. I really don't want to get a CELTA, because I'm enrolled in an online masters program in Applied Linguistics, and once I get my degree in June 2015, the CELTA won't matter. Do Japanese schools typically require CELTA, and if so, is it something I can explain my way out of by telling them, "I don't have a CELTA because I'm getting a master's," or is it a hard requirement?

Second question: I have the option of going to Japan in October on a tourist visa, and beginning my studies earlier. I came to Vietnam thinking I could live cheap and find a short term fill-in position for a month while waiting for the semester to start. But I'm not finding any short term positions, and usually they want a CELTA as well. It's not that cheap here either.... maybe it is if you're 25 and you fit in with the backpacker scene. I'm 40 and kind of conservative-looking, and everyone I meet seems to want to go out for cocktails or crab or Korean BBQ. It's quite expensive, and I'm blowing through cash way quicker than I had planned.

At the same time, It will cost me $3,500 fr tuition and a dorm room at the language school, and when I add the costs of food, toiletries, books and supplies, beer, cigarettes, haircuts, dates (hopefully)... I should probably double that. I really don't want to spend $7,000 while I'm not making anything.

I'd love to go somewhere that doesn't require a CELTA, where I could teach for 3 months and cover my living expenses while waiting for my visa to be approved. Where would be a good place? I'm thinking somewhere in China might be my best option.

teacheratlarge · Joined: 17 Nov 2011 Posts: 192 Location: Japan

The Master's would be more useful for finding employment, though I am not sure how well received an online degree would be. It might depend on the school and the amount of work required for its completion.

CELTAs are not so well recognized here, so it probably wouldn't be that useful.

As to where you should go to work temporarily, I couldn't say.

hagiwaramai · Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 119 Location: Marines Stadium

paddyflynn · Joined: 13 Dec 2012 Posts: 26

First, sorry for the typo in the title. I wrote "tourist visa" when I meant "student visa."

Secondly, could someone please clarify what is meant by "TESOL" certificate? I see online schools offering 50 hour courses for $150, usually marketed as TEFL. Do these qualify as TESOL certs, or does TESOL cert refer to a specificlly structured program, like with CELTA? Thanks.

paddyflynn · Joined: 13 Dec 2012 Posts: 26

First, sorry for the typo in the title. I wrote "tourist visa" when I meant "student visa."

Secondly, could someone please clarify what is meant by "TESOL" certificate? I see online schools offering 50 hour courses for $150, usually marketed as TEFL. Do these qualify as TESOL certs, or does TESOL cert refer to a specificlly structured program, like with CELTA? Thanks.

timothypfox · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 492

There are actually distance MA in TESOL programs that I think Japanese employers would regard highly. There are several in the UK. There is the New School program in NYC, and also some nice ones in Australia. So, I think you will be fine once that Masters is done.

So, yes, it may depend on the school - but as long as it is an accredited school and you get some teaching experience - you should be fine.

Now having said that, Japan is quite an expensive country to get set up in. There are a lot of up front expenses once you move. It gets better over time once you get through that - but it is important to let you know since you are concerned about your budget over in Vietnam.

I think more certificates don't hurt, but once again I think teaching experience + an MA would do you pretty well in finding something. As other posters have said, it is much easier to find work once you are here in Japan than finding work from abroad.