Job Discussion Forums

[Don Lorenzo]

Hello folks,
I have been toying with the idea of going to Japan and teach for a year or so. I am a polyglot, speaking fluently English, French and Portuguese with a solid knowledge of Italian as well. Is there anyone teaching 2 languages or more? To clarify things, I am fully fluent in English and French and they are both equally my native languages. I was wondering if on top of English, schools would allow me to teach French as well? I am curious to see/hear/read the experiences of those in my situation and how did it go?

Thanks a bunch!

[Mr_Monkey]

There is (or was, last I was there) certainly demand for languages outside English in Japan. There are many people with an interest in other, non-Anglophone cultures.

When I lived in Fukuoka, there was at least one French language school there, and the the international association jobs board (at Rainbow Plaza) always had flyers written by people both offering and seeking instruction in other languages. GEOS also moved in to offering languages besides English in their major urban schools while I was there (until Jan 2007), but I don't know if they have continued with that policy.

If all else fails, and your employer only offer English classes, you could always do some private tutoring through your local international association job boards or through internet sites that introduce students to teachers. It would probably be a good idea to keep it from your employer if they bar you from seeking private work in their contract, though.

Cue obligatory warnings about saturated markets...

[BobbyBan]

It's definitely possible to get some private lessons. I know of a few teachers who have taught French, Spanish and Italian. There probably isn't a huge demand for it but then again it may be a profitable niche market.

There are some schools that offer French lessons. I know that Berlitz do (or at least did) and NOVA used to offer French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and German. NOVA have drastically downscaled though and I'm not sure whether they still offer foreign languages.

There are probably also a number of smaller language schools around which might offer other languages.

[wintersweet]

Although it's not the personal experience that you asked for, http://www.ohayosensei.com/ periodically includes advertisements for instructors who can teach French, German, Spanish, or something as well as English.

[Don Lorenzo]

Thanks guys for the feedback, much appreciated!

Now, what would you suggest to be the best approach:

should I mention on my initial letter to potential schools that I can also teach French on top of English or not mention French at all until I am there and then seek other schools who offer both languages?

On a different note:
Is there a student visa to come to Japan to study Japanese language and culture at a local university, which would allow me to stay there for say 1 year with an option to renew it for another year?

As always, your feedback, tips and constructive comments are very much appreciated!

Arigato!

[Glenski]

[Don Lorenzo]

Thanks Glenski for the link, very informative.

From the info on that site, it seems that the Cultural Activities visa would be the one applicable to what I would intend on doing. Seems that the student visa is intended for those wishing to enroll full time at a U in J-land. Would taking a course in Japanese language and culture qualify under the student visa?

Now, coming on a student or Cultural Activities visa, I understand I may not be able to work legally in Japan which is fine for me as I make decent $$$ from my online business to cover my needs. Now, my concern is this: would I be breaking any laws in Japan while working on my online businesses (which can be done from anywhere and are entirely done, ONLINE) while being there on a student visa?

I may even consider the working holiday visa and enroll for a couple of courses in a U, then work in the afternoons in order to keep myself occupied and to make some japanese friends.

I realize this is a rather techincal and legal matter, but if anyone knows the answer to that, I would be more than grateful for their contribution.

Thanks.

[LITTLE PEACHES]

i just got a job at an english school....they explained to me that at times they also want me to teach spanish or french...i'm not fluent in either, but am willing to teach it

[Glenski]