Job Discussion Forums

[DorisWWong]

Hi,

I am a recently certified TEFL Young Learners Instructor and have a diploma in Hospitality Management and a certificate in Information Technology Specialist Program. Now I am wondering if I still need a BA before coming to teach in Japan and if I do, how would I approach this matter as I do not wish to take the 4 necessary yrs of schooling to get a BA and does the BA have to be in the area/focus on Education? Any suggestions for which school I should look into if I need to get a BA -- especially in Vancouver, British Columbia?

Brief background of me:
I have an estimate of about 3 yrs (may be less) in teaching volunteer wised or private tutoring (one-on-one).

My teaching involves teaching 2 ESL to Seniors classes from Asia (Chinese speaking students) for an estimate half yr or more. As well as being involved in Summer Day Camps for Kids which also involve some ESL teaching. Also taught kids English in the Readers' Club program. Was a computer teacher's assistant for a short period of time. Private tutor non-English speakers on basic computer programs, etc to private clients. Had been a assistant manager at a small grocery store - had trained new employees.

Plus I am Canadian born Chinese but English is my first language (completely fluent in it). Chinese is my second language and I am not really fluent in it (I can't read much Chinese stuff). I also have knowledge in Japanese too!

Please advise, thanks.

[LITTLE PEACHES]

As far as I understand and from what I've taken from my job, is that in order to get your work visa for teaching you need your BA. I don't think there is really a way around that for Japan, I may be wrong, but it isn't the schools preference, it's to get your work visa.

[bearcat]

Canadian citizens mainly have two work visa options when it comes to teaching in Japan.

One is the instructor / Specialist in humanities visa. These are actually two different visa's but their requirements as far as a bachelor's degree are pretty much the same.

The second one is a working holiday visa. This one does not require a degree but has other conditions.

Thus you -could- find a company that will hire you on a working holiday visa. However, there are more than a few companies that do not hire people without a degree as they market that their teachers have one. (Though some falisfy that).

Overall, your ability to get a job is not zero(based thus far on the information you've given), but it is much less likely.

You'd do yourself a better service by getting a BA before coming here.

[Glenski]