Job Discussion Forums

[Ravlen]

Well... Seems like most people here are either IN japan, or well on their way there. I, on the other hand, am just starting my research into teaching English in Japan, and am looking for some basic questions answered. How about I start with a little personal information?

I currently have *most* of a Bachelor of Computer Science, which I will be completing this spring/summer. Up until this christmas, I was working full time in the IT support sector, and have grown pretty sick of it. I've taken a leave of absence to finish my degree, which will allow me to move forward (you can get in a Rut when you are doing support). So, either in May, or in August, I'll have my degree complete, and will be ready for new challenges.

After thinking about it for a few weeks (and reading as much as I could find online), I've decided that teaching english for a year (or more!) in Japan might be just what the doctor ordered. A new perspective, a new challenge... essentially a life changing experience (I'm hoping).

Just so you all know, I'm not in it for the money. If I make it to the end of the month with 1000yen in the bank, that doesn't really bother me. I don't have any major vices (no drinking, no smoking), so I think 250k yen a month should be more than enough for me, as long as I can feed myself and travel a bit on vacations (and minor day trips to the local sights on days off). Teaching at an Eikaiwa sounds like a good start for me.

So, a few questions to get started...

Firstly, should I even be thinking about this, without a copy of my degree yet? At the earliest, I can have a paper copy in may, and at the latest in October. This all depends on my last credit requirement. They are thinking of letting me simply challenge for credit (write the exam). If I pass, I'll have the paper in May. If I don't, I'll take it over the summer... but the official graduation ceremony may not be till mid october. Do any of the major groups have the ability to start the ball rolling, before a degree is in hand? My lease runs out August 31st, so my goal is to be out of Canada (I'm in Halifax, Nova Scotia) by this time. This is probably unrealistic, but I'm going to keep it my goal.

Secondly, if this delay in getting my degree delays my chances of going... do any groups make use of the Working Holiday system? Considering it allows for up to a year for Canadians, I'd be tempted to go to Japan in September on a Working Holiday VISA to get started... I'm assuming this would be too risky and not likely to work, but I'll throw the question out anyway. I'm brainstorming (I'm assuming this would put a cramp on living arrangements)

So... there we go, a start. The questions I need answered now, to help me take my first few steps towards my new life goal (get to Japan and teach!).

EDIT: Just thought of a third question. Is there any demand for fluently bilingual people? I'm fluent in English in French (go canada!). Literally, I was raised in a bilingual house and can speak either naturally... Is there any demand for French teaching? I would like the opportunity to make use of my French, which has fallen to the side in recent years (I live in an english city, in an english province).

Ravlen

[Glenski]