Job Discussion Forums

mikeywarren · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 3

I am new to the forums, I came here becuase yesterday I found out that I was turned down by a Japanese University I applied for. I was looking to study education with the hope of being an English teacher.
Now I know that without a degree it would be harder to work in Japan but I have also heard that if you have 3 years of related experience then you can also qualify for a work visa.

I have already spent one year in Japan as an English teacher at a highschool and at the local city offices, that was for a gap-year so I am now back in the UK and trying to make some tough decisions.

My main idea is to take a tefl course to get some kind of qualification and see if the school I worked at in Japan would allow me to teach there for a further year (to make 2 years of experience in total) with me on a working holiday visa. Then when that runs out do a further years experience back here in the UK, whilst also taking one of the "advanced" tefl courses to "add another string to my bow". This would bring me to 3 years worth of experience and a possible job with the high school I originally worked at.

I am sorry for the big long post but I have lots of things on my mind that I want to get out, so any advice greatly appreciated .

Mike

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

What exactly is your question?

With the 3 years, you would qualify for a work visa, and you would then need an employer to sponsor you. Bear in mind that with the terribly flooded market as it is, you would not be looked upon very favorably by employers, especially over those with degrees and more time here.

If teaching English is a long-term goal, I strongly urge you to get a degree, preferably a master's.

Studying at a Japanese university is, IMO, not a wise choice to becoming an English teacher here, unless you are happy to join the public school system. VERY few foreigners have gone that route. Get the degree back home.

Just how good is your level of Japanese language anyway (spoken and written/reading)?

mikeywarren · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 3

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

One more thing to consider. A working holiday visa in theory will allow you to work full-time, but in principle, it is not meant for such hours long-term. Hence, the name working holiday visa. Government and some employers look the other way, but don't be surprised.

Want to be a teacher? Go the traditional route. Trust me, you have lots of time. IMO, Japan is in a serious state of flux right now as far as EFL teaching goes. Things could change next year. They'll certainly be a bit different by the time you get the degree. Keep your eye on the market, learn more Japanese, and you'll have an advantage you don't have now.

mikeywarren · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 3

Thanks for all the advice, this is definatly something I will have to think more deeply about but atleast now I have a clearer Idea of what to do.