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KuroBara
Joined: 19 Jul 2009
Posts: 5
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 Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:14 am Post subject: Opinions and advice, please? |
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I did the google search about this, but could not find current information. So, I'm seeking advice on my qualifications for Japan. I am currently teaching in Korea. My contract is not up until 3/2010, so I could not start a new job until then.
I want to make TESL my career. I have a MA, just awarded this May. The Korea job is my first actual teaching experience, so when I end, I will have one year of experience teaching elementary children. I have been studying Japanese for 12 years, but am not yet fluent. I can read, write, and speak on a conversational level, but can't do political debates. I did fail JLPT level 2, but I'm sure I could pass level 3 (which of course, I know actually means nothing). I have no trouble being in a rural area, especially for the immerssion, but I would prefer suburban or at least near transportation. I would really like to teach adults, or upper high school students.
How high should I aim while applying to work in Japan? Japan is the country I've always wanted to work in, and I have no problem with a long term committment. Still, I know the market is over-loaded, and I don't know how far a MA can get me.
Thanks for any assistance. |
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Mr_Monkey
Joined: 11 Mar 2009
Posts: 661
Location: Kyuuuuuushuuuuuuu
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| Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:42 am Post subject: |
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A master's degree in what?
Do you have any TEFL certification? |
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KuroBara
Joined: 19 Jul 2009
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 1:10 am Post subject: |
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| Mr_Monkey wrote: |
A master's degree in what?
Do you have any TEFL certification? |
MA in TESL. I also have a TESL certificate from my university, totaling more than 200 contact hours. |
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cvmurrieta
Joined: 10 Jul 2008
Posts: 209
Location: Sendai, Japan
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| Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 1:16 am Post subject: |
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| KuroBara wrote: |
| Mr_Monkey wrote: |
A master's degree in what?
Do you have any TEFL certification? |
MA in TESL. I also have a TESL certificate from my university, totaling more than 200 contact hours. |
Have you published anything? Oh, Glenski!!! Where are you when we need you to answer this person's question?  |
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KuroBara
Joined: 19 Jul 2009
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 1:29 am Post subject: |
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| No publications, so I know University work is out. |
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ripslyme
Joined: 29 Jan 2005
Posts: 481
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 2:33 am Post subject: |
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| KuroBara wrote: |
| No publications, so I know University work is out. |
Not so fast, I know people teaching at university full-time without publications. |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 3:15 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| Oh, Glenski!!! Where are you when we need you to answer this person's question? |
Busy working my butt off this morning!
KuroBara,
With only a year under your belt, it MIGHT be possible to get a uni job, but it won't be easy. As mentioned, publications will be key for most of those positions. Apply now to December for jobs starting next spring. You'll need a FT job to get a work visa, but after the first year, you can switch to self-sponsoring that same visa with a string of PT work (which seems to be the bulk of uni teaching these days).
Otherwise, consider JET Programme (deadline for apps is December for next year's August admission). JET will put you in public schools, and that alone will give you some strong insight into the educational system here. Be aware that you might end up teaching kids younger than HS age, though.
Consider business English schools. Many want people with experience in the right business so they know the jargon for their clients, though. Don't apply, and you'll never know.
Consider ALT positions through dispatch agencies (for same reason as JET), but don't expect stellar contract conditions or support from most. They are a foot in the door, IMO.
Public schools usually hire only the ALTs, but many more private schools (JHS/HS) are willing to take experienced people as direct FTers.
Otherwise, you're relegated to eikaiwa, again as a stepping stone (and with the caveat that you might end up teaching kids, case by case).
Join JALT and start making publications and contacts. |
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GambateBingBangBOOM
Joined: 04 Nov 2003
Posts: 2021
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 4:31 am Post subject: |
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One year of experience teaching English to elementary school students in Korea will translate to zero experience to about 99.999% of Japanese employers.
An MA plus decent Japanese is a great start, though! Far better than 99.999% of the people who come here. Get a job (JET is a good idea, or dispatch). Aim for senior high school and just keep i mind that you have to pay your dues in-country (a few years in all probablility). You could also get any job in an eikaiwa or whatever, get a three year visa, and start tutoring university students through westgate or something like that to build experience. |
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KuroBara
Joined: 19 Jul 2009
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 5:17 am Post subject: |
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| Thank you all for the information. Time to update the teaching resume and see if Interac or ECC will take me in 2010. |
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