Job Discussion Forums

tokyo story · Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Posts: 40

Hi,

I'm a 26 year-old New Zealander, with a Masters degree in screenwriting and no teaching experience whatsoever.

I've spent most of the year saving for Japan, so I can be reunited with my Japanese girlfriend, who lives in Tokyo. After I finished my MA, my girlfriend urged me to take a TESOL course, but I told her it was easier for me to get a job with NOVA & that it wouldn't be a problem... Well, NOVA turned me down, and I've since realised that if I want to go to Japan, I'll have to go on my own.

During the NOVA interview, there's a part where you pretend to be an English teacher, and even though I winged it, I realised that I don't know how to teach and need to learn some new skills. So, I've been looking into TESOL courses.

I found one that looks pretty good. The name of the company is Teach International (www.teachinternational.com). The course suits me because it's cheaper than most & I'll still be able to work. They offer 40 hours of practical (w/ an additional 20 hours of practice teaching), while the theory is completed online. The tutors seem reasonably qualified & the course is recognised by the Australian government (&, according to the company, will soon be recognised by NZQA.)

They claim to be internationally recognised & offer job support and a guarantee, but how can I be sure that their cert-TESOL is widely recognised in Japan? Has anyone ever had a problem with their TESOL certificate not being recognised by a Japanese employer?

It seems most Japanese employers want a TEFL certificate (which I assume is the same thing as TESOL), but what's your advice for choosing the right course? Here are the course details --
http://www.teachinternational.com/ourcourse/coursedetails.php

If anybody can help me, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Cheers!

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

Choose the one month course with supervised teaching experience. Something around the one month intensive/120 hour course. Search TEFL or CELTA in your area.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Most Japanese employers are not looking for a TEFL certificate. However, that is not saying you shouldn't get one. Like you have realized, how are you going to teach them or answer their questions. I also recommend getting a CELTA or any cert over 100 hours including a practicum if you are at all serious about teaching. You do get what you pay for.