Job Discussion Forums

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

How would you rate the chances of a person with a science degree plus experience (in science as well as in teaching English) getting a teaching job for science in English (ESP or EST) compared to that of a person with a master's in arts majoring in EFL or related field?

What would be the best strategies to break into teaching ESP / EST with the MS instead of the MA? I expect universities to be the prime targets for this type of venture, but I'm willing to listen to other opportunities.

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

There isn't a big demand for science classes in English. The best way would be to approach a university and make a proposal about a program. Be prepared to do the legwork and try and create a market. In general, I think your chances would be very slim.

To take it a step further, say there is interest in such a program, I'm sure they would look for a foreigner with a masters in science or a science discipline.

In addition, to start such a program, you would need excellent Japanese skills in all areas from making the proposal and following through before you even step in the classroom.

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

Cambridge has put out these science books that we have at our school.
You should contact Oxford and Cambridge to see what books that they have.
Math and science teachers from my school have been sent to Hawaii in the past to improve their English. Not everyone wants to teach in English.
I think in the next 2 years ESP will start at the high school level where I work but for returnees at first. I think my school wants to compete with international schools.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

There's an American high school (or an English-language high school, rather) in my town that has science courses. There may actually be a vacancy. My university has also offered science courses in the past. It might offer them more often if it could find a teacher (last year's science teacher is leaving). But, alas, the university is closing in another year or so. I imagine that a candidate with a science background would be more qualified than one with an English background.

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