Job Discussion Forums

[Angels]

Hello everyone, my name is 'Angie' and I have several questions about teaching abroad. I am sure that most of them have probably been addressed numerous times so I apologize if things seem a bit annoying or redundant. I have looked into several different websites, trying to amass as much information as possible, but, on top of having, what seems to be, an overload of infomation, a lot of these sites seem to contradict each other. I feel almost swamped with so much different kinds of info that I may not even necessarily use because I havent gotten my answers to other questions. So I was hoping I can get some kind of clarification on several 'newbie' type questions. I'll try to be as specific as possible incase there is some kind of confusion.

First and foremost, I've noticed that when I look at several of the listings, most job postings say "4 year college degree", which I believe is understandable. After reading the descriptions, Inotice something along the lines of no 'teaching experience needed' written, and no japanese comprehension needed. Reading other postings, some of them list "any 4 year college degree" as a requirement.

Huh?

So, does this mean that they are hiring teachers who have no formal education in teaching? I mean, is it safe for me to assume they aren't looking for an "English teacher" in the same way they teach language arts in public schools, but rather someone who speaks English to teach them conversational English, so long as they have a 4 year college degree? Even if they have no training as a teacher? Some of them don't even have the college requirement listed, so do they just hire any average Engish speaking Joe willing to jump on a plain to Japan?

I do have several other questions if that is ok (I did read the 4 FAQS too ), but I just like to clarify this main point and get all my ducks in a row before firing off more of them. Thanks for your time and replies.

[Cool Teacher]

Hello and welocme to the board young lady (or gentleman!)

Yes, dion't worry, you are correct about the degree. But it isn't a JOB requirement it is a VISA requirement! If you have a degree in English or Home Economics or PE you have an important qualifiication to come to Japan and get recidency. Actually if you come form theUK you can get this with a three year degree and not four because in the UK us smartypantses get them quicker ...JK!!!! Not kidding about three years just smartypants.

But remember theere is no such things as Averge Joes (or Joesephines ) We are all special inour own ways. Good luck!!!!

[seklarwia]

For most entry-level positions in Eikawas or as ALTs there it isn't required that you have any teaching relevant experience or qualifications. The only thing they really want is that you be a native speaker of English.

But having a full Bachelors is a work visa requirement (and again it needn't be relevant to the teaching), so yes a degree in any subject will do.

[Glenski]

[bearcat]

Most of the companies/institutions here in Japan that hire for positions are on the "For Profit" model of education. Due to this, they tend to look for people that are in their eyes marketable.

They want people whom they can train in their "method/approach" to teaching, which mainly is that they are given a standardized and scripted curriculum that the employee can adhere to and use at any branch of their company or for any student from any branch.

A 4 year degree is a requirement for -some- visa types but not all to just simply enter the country to work. Also some companies/institutions market their product(English from a Native speaker) stating that their instructors have a degree. If you qualified for a working holiday visa and the company you were thinking to work for doesnt market for degree holders, then you'd have a chance to be considered for a position.

The reasons that you see many jobs not requiring an "education" background in relation to what I've said above is partly that there more jobs than "education background" applicants, and two that standardization and their "approach/method" and more education oriented people tend to be at odds. In the mind of those institutions its easier to train someone in their ways that to attempt to unlearn the rest.

Also, some could say that another reason is that is again the profit factor. More qualified in education training folks would perhaps demand a higher income and thus lower the company profits. My personal take on that is that this point is less of a factor than the above but probably still a consideration.

Now, is this true for all companies and institutions? No. And hence why you see different conditions for different ones. In general, the larger the outfit, the more standardized.

[Cool Teacher]

[Angels]

Thank you for all the replies! It really gives me better insight than all of the generalized pages out there on this matter.

[Glenski]

[Angels]

Thanks again for the clarifications. It's really appreciated.

[Apsara]

You may well come across Japanese-style toilets from time to time, but they are not "holes in the ground with footpads", they are a porcelain bowl that flushes, which just happens to be set low so you squat over it rather than sit on it. If you want to experience a different culture though you will have to deal with plenty of things that might not be to your usual tastes- toilets will probably be the least of them.

[Angels]

[Apsara]

Sure there are squat toilets, although you find them less and less often these days. What I was trying to say is just that there is a big difference between a "hole in the ground with footpads", which I have only really seen in India and South-east Asia, and the porcelain Japanese-style toilets which you may find here- do you object to squat toilets in general or just the kind you referred to?

These days you are more likely to find "washlets" with cleaning and drying functions, automatically opening and closing lids and automatic flushes than a Japanese-style toilet in most areas anyway.

[seklarwia]

Many dispatch ALTs get put in Leopalace accomodation, which is small but funtional with western style toilets (if you ignore the faucet that allows you to wash your hands with the water that will go on to refill the tank). I get adverts for new build apartments weekly and they all seem to have western toilets too.

But I'm one of these people that will avoid sitting on the seat of any public toilet regardless of if there is a sanitiser or not, so when given the choice (and you will be in most public and many schools' staff/visitors toilets) I'd normally opt for the squat which is far more convenient and hygienic than hovering over a regular loo. It also means I can just use the students' toilets instead of having to hike down 3 floors to use the only western bogs in my school.

My apologies to all of you that are offended by hearing about my toilet habits

I've never seen a toilet that was anything close to a pit with footpads here, but maybe you should make a stopover Hangzhou, China and use the toilets at the main station there... if you can stomach it. I think it is a step down from a pit and it will definately kill any issues you could ever have with a Japanese toilet

[Hot-Carl]

[seklarwia]

Hangzhou is a hole considering it is supposed to China's most beautiful city. And whilst the major cities aren't very nice at all, there are many others that are very nice. Ningbo for one is quite amazing. Has the largest Starbucks in Asia too (apparently) which is this cool largely glass structure with fountains. Most of the city centre is relatively new. The main plaza is like one of those "wish you were here" postcards. And there is a cool theme park.

And I've used toilets here at tiny stations in the middle of the inaka and they were still nicer than some of the better public loos in China. They were definately not holes either. I'd be quite surprised to find anything half as bad anywhere here.