Job Discussion Forums

[InterestedSugoya]

I will most likely move to Japan for at least 1-2 years starting April 2016. I am married to a Japanese woman, so I can get a Spouse Visa (I need not worry about a company sponsoring me for a work visa).

I had 2 options in my mind.

A.) I was either going to get a part-time job teaching English here in New York (giving me a legitimate 6 months of teaching experience)

OR

B.) I am going to just study Japanese a lot more and become comfortable speaking it, thus opening myself up to more job possibilities upon arrival

I've lived there in the past so there will be no culture shock. I will be 31 years old. I am currently at a Beginner's Level in Japanese. Any suggestions?

I just need enough money to survive in Japan for 1-2 years. As for as teaching jobs go, I'd obviously like to increase my chances at getting a higher paying gig. I'll most likely be in the Kansai area to start.

[mitsui]

I don't think it makes much of a difference, but it might.
Part-time in NY is tough, but maybe get experience first and then come over later.
You have time to study if you are part-time.

Many jobs start in April.
Less work in Kansai, but if you don't mind a language school full-time, go ahead.

[kpjf]

[nightsintodreams]

I agree with kpjf.

If you're Japanese is bad now, it will most likely still be bad in six months. If it's your first time teaching then the only jobs available to you will be base level entry positions.

For those posititions, which will give you a better chance at passing the interview stage?

1, Beginner Japanese plus teaching experience

or

2, Slightly above Beginner level Japanese

I'd say number 1, but there's no reason you can't teach English and study a bit of Japanese when you get the chance.

If you're a practical learner like myself then in country you'll learn the same amount in one month that you could in six months studying at home anyway.

[rtm]

[Inflames]

For the OP, how long do you realistically see yourself staying in Japan? Is it just a a year or two or much longer? What previous work experience do you have?

If the OP is going to stay here long term (you'd be surprised how often a year or two turns into a decade or two), taking Japanese lessons ASAP (not an hour or two a week but rather full-time) is a must.

[Rooster.]

I would suggest Japanese lessons over teaching. knowing the language will makes things easier. If you want the possibility of a higher job (although it probably would not be worth it if you are only going to stay for a year or two) would be CELTA or TESOL/TEFL certificate.

[nightsintodreams]

For focused people, Japanese lessons aren often not necessary. I never took any.

[rxk22]

[esl_prof]

[kpjf]

[nightsintodreams]

Well, most Japanese people don't really NEED English.

I'd hope that living in Japan would be enough motivation to learn Japanese, but unfortunately it's not. There are plenty of ignoramuses that have been here many years and still can't speak a word.

[TokyoLiz]

Where did the OP go? Perhaps he figured out his plan without our input.

I recommend solid Japanese language study in a classroom before you come over. A short course gives you a foundation in grammar, vocabulary and writing system of the language. I studied one year in university (and struggled with it), and in my first year in Japan, I was able to negotiate my way through daily interactions.

On my own, I studied Japanese grammar using Minna no Nihongo, the JET Program language study course books (is that still available to JET ALTs?) and a few kanji books.

The JET Program is the most pleasant and supportive way to get started in Japan, and accommodates families.

CELTA, Trinity TESOL, and SIT TESOL are essential teacher training. I've worked with a few Japanese teachers who also have these credentials or MA TESOL.

Non-ELT people tend to make mistakes. An American math teacher didn't know grammar and made a mess of a lesson plan by explaining SVO and SVC incorrectly (she couldn't distinguish between object and complement!), confusing the students. A lot of untrained people attribute their students' failure to learn English as student reticence, when really the person has no experience or training in how to teach communication skills or English language arts.

It's best to be well-prepared, and you'll enjoy the adventure more, living in another country and learning to teach a language.

[mitsui]

Student reticence is a problem , but I think the issue is teachers who push students to speak when really they need to teach listening and vocabulary more.