Job Discussion Forums

wokdontrun · Joined: 17 Nov 2006 Posts: 5

Hi Everyone, I currently teach ESL in China and truth be told...it's getting a little dull. I want to try Japan next but I don't know if I can stand doing full time ESL. I have a degree in biology as well as some work experience. I know this is the ESL cafe but I would like to teach science (in English) in Japan to people that might be interested in studying abroad, employees at biotech/ pharm./ bio research labs/ engineers, or any school that might need a science class taught in English. Does anyone know if such jobs exist for people like myself? I know some international schools have them but there's a lot of competition for them and they set their standards quite high. I have checked online for weeks as well as just emailed recruiters and organizations like Aeon and JETT with no luck. If anyone could point me in the right direction that would be huge.

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

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

try Malaysia. They implemented this program a few years back to teach maths and sciences in English.

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

You'll need a teacher's certification for the int'l schools. For any progressive private schools in Japan they will probably look at a number of factors such as ability to speak Japanese, familiarity with Japanese science curriculum, and papers (i.e. MA in TESL, MSc., etc.)

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

I'm in a similar boat, wokdontrun. Science degree and lots of experience in industry.

As mentioned, you need a teaching license and a couple of years experience to get a job at an international school.

If you want to teach at some businesses, look at Simul, Sumikin, Phoenix Associates, or IES (these bozos have yet to answer any of my resume applications). Not sure how much Japanese you'll need to know, especially with the scientific jargon. Of course, you won't be teaching the science there. The customers know it. You'll be teaching English related to their scientific work.

Other than that, I have had some experience teaching scientists how to make presentations in English. The work is spotty, and you really have to network to get it.

TK4Lakers · Joined: 06 Jan 2006 Posts: 159

Have you heard of the "immersion" education before? I don't know too much, but I believe its a method being practiced here in Japan. Basically, all the subjects are taught in English. I know there are private elementary schools that use this method.

You can try your hand at this. But I do believe you need to have some sort of teaching license or certificate. Good luck.

ShaggyZ · Joined: 20 Nov 2006 Posts: 25 Location: Alberta

I taught junior high math at a private Christian school in Thailand called Global English School for a year. It is a bilingual school, so students get Science, Math, English, history etc in english and thai language and thai social in thai. http://www.ges.ac.th/

wokdontrun · Joined: 17 Nov 2006 Posts: 5

Thanks for your advice everyone. That's useful information! I appreciate it!

Mavis the Fat Fairy · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 15

has anyone ever done/looked into editing of scientific accademic papers? i was wondering whether there's a market for this in japan. don't suppose anyone here works at a university and has contacts in a bio-science departrment who are looking for help writing their papers..? a long shot i know, but thought I'd ask.

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

Mavis the Fat Fairy · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 15

so are there agencies or companies that i could sign up with? or would it be a case of writing to people who work at unis and trying to make contacts on my own?
I've just heard from a guy i used to work with who is doing this kind of thing in spain, and is in high demand, although i think his spanish is pretty good, whereas my japanese is somewhat lacking.
Also, assuming I'm able to get work of this kind, would it be legal on a teaching visa?