Job Discussion Forums

[naoshika]

[color=indigo]
I'm looking to do some kind of course that might help me land a better job or more private students in Japan. But I don't know which is the right one to do. I'm a native english speaker and have a university degree. Please send me your opinions and/or anything you know about the different qualifications.
Cheers from OZ.[/color]

[moot point]

Are you thinking about obtaining one of these certificates to teach in Japan? If so, perhaps you should do some research on the qualifications seeked for here. Those you mentioned are not really in demand here in Japan, however they would give you advantages in other countries. Here, an MA is the most respectable. Other than that, being able to teach TOEIC or TOEFL or other standarized U.S. tests are where you'd want to look into.

[naoshika]

[quote="moot point"]Here, an MA is the most respectable. Other than that, being able to teach TOEIC or TOEFL or other standarized U.S. tests are where you'd want to look into.[/quote]

Hi,
Sorry for my ignorance, what does MA stand for? I have a Bachelors degree. I don't know how to do a course in teaching TOEIC or TOEFL without doing a TESOL course. (I only know of taking up those electives as part of a TESOL course.) I hope that makes sense.
Thanks for your input!

[PAULH]

[randerso]

In my experience teaching in both Asia and Europe, I would say that the kinds of certificates that naoshika mentiones are not really in demand in Asia yet. Japan seems to be the most 'developed' in that respect and can tend to be a little more choosey, but even they do not demand certificates. I think the advice of an MA or MEd is right, it's best to have those. However, that being a huge time and money investment, I'd recommend a TESOL Certificate. It's the most recognized in Asia, and the mosty likley to impress. You can do a TESOL in person in most countries or online through several sites (like www.globaltesol.com for example). The CELTA (and all it's derivitives; RSA-CELTA, CTEFLA) are very good but very expensive programs - intensive three to four week in-classroom courses that teach you not only how to teach but also the theory behind those minor things like grammar.

Trinity is a school that offers TESOL courses in Europe and helps you find a job after. But, like with CELTA, Trinity is most recognised in Europe. In fact, it is quite difficult to get a job these days in Europe if you do not have a CELTA. I've never heard of either the FLT or COTE so I'm not sure if they'd be good bets. But to tell you the truth, I think the best (and cheapest) advice is to come with your BA and see if you need/want anything after that. You can always do an online course later or pop into a training centre in Asia to do a course. Keep your options open and wait till you see for yourself before you decide. If you want specific info for the Global Tesol, PM me. That's where I did mine. Though I know for a fact that there are cheaper ones out there, I liked the course.

[naoshika]

Hi guys,

Do you think CELTA is a worthwhile certificate if an employer is looking for a teacher to teach children? (Since CELTA is a course designed to teach adults.)

[Doglover]

[Mark]

You can always do CELTA and then do the Young Learner's Extension for CELTA. Unfortunately, I believe you do have to do CELTA first and then the YLE after. It's expensive, but if you can afford it and you plan to be here for a few years, it's probably a good idea and will pay off at some point. If you're only coming for a year and you already have a job lined up, then don't worry about it.

[VanIslander]