Job Discussion Forums

[Ryumicko]

I read a distressing amount of negative posts about the EFL/TEFL/TESOL industry.

There seems to be a general sense of it not being a legitimate aspiration to want to be an english teacher.

Also, there appears to be a general opinion that i have no chance of finding work teaching in Japan without a degree. I qualify for a Working Holiday Visa (Aussie ), and im pretty much willing to do any job, save prostitution or drug dealing, but i kinda get the sense that its hard to get ANY work in Japan even if you have the visa .

What is really the case? Surely Japan would not issue working holiday visas unless they were confident that someone even slightly driven could get work without too much fuss.

[PAULH]

Ryumicko

I will write more later when i have time but you may want to have a look at this in the meantime.


http://www.eltnews.com/features/special/015a.shtml

Paul

PS Hope we didnt put you off studying Japanese.

PS there are teaching professionals like myself and Glenski and a few others who make a career out of ESL and even support families but my general feeling is that the majority of people in the industry at the eikaiwa level are part of a transient temporary population and there is no real sense of commitment to Japan, to their students (except on a superficial level and as long as they get paid) but there is blame to be had on both sides for the discontent antagonism and bitterness and the generally cuthroat nature of the teaching game here.

[canuck]

[Ryumicko]

Not put off Japanese, maybe just a little worried about rocking up in japan without a job.

I guess as far as the degree thing goes, the point is that I WANT to go to university, i just have no idea what i want to study, and i feel i should see a bit more of the world before i get bogged down in a 4 year commitment.
It is frustrating to constantly hear from people in the industry that im "trying to take the easy way" by not having a degree, when really its not easier at all. I pride myself on having a serious work ethic, and it worries mt to think that maybe work ethic has little to do with getting a job in Japan.

You said that there are many in the TEFL industry who have little commitment to japan or the work. For me i beleive i will apply myelf to anything that gives me a chance.

Sorry to sound meloncholy...

Please call me Mick (Ryumicko is a dodgy alias because "Mick" was already taken).

[Ryumicko]

I forgot to mention that money is of very little concern to me.

[canuck]

People get jobs on working holiday visas all the time. My suggestion, take a CELTA or TEFL course, then come over here. I would also try to get a job over the internet before you came. That would minimize any risks. Do you 18 months and then figure out what you want to do, beit go to university or do something else. It's possible to get a job on a WHV.

I know many people in Osaka that have done it successfully.

[Ryumicko]

THAT is what i needed to hear.

[Ryumicko]

What do you know about the possibilities of self sponsorship? For example, building up enough private students to sponsor yourself for a business visa.

I have heard of this being done before.