Job Discussion Forums

[makaiside]

Hi all,

I'm looking for general advice. I have a law degree from a well-respected American University. Before law school, I received a journalism degree and have worked as a writer/editor most of my adult life.

I'd like to teach, either English or writing/law classes in English.

Of course, I'd like to save some money, but quality of life is more important than saving a lot. I prefer wet over dry, and hot over cold. I do like nature and being outside, but also the life of a city.

So I have two questions: given the above, is Japan a good option for me (i.e. is there a market there for my skills) vs. other Asian countries?

How would I go about marketing myself?

Thanks!

[G Cthulhu]

Short answer: no.

Without better qualifications and experience, coupled with some excellent Japanese skills, there's no reason for anyone to hire you. You'd be competing against a fair number of people who do have those skills, and degrees more relevant to the Japanese legal system, to boot.

China or Taiwan might be a go though.

[Glenski]

To further clarify what G Cthulhu wrote:

You are qualified for the minimum entry level teaching jobs here: that of ALT or eikaiwa instructor. It is puzzling why someone with a law degree would stoop to such a salary, but I won't ask because I have proofread resumes for lawyers more experienced than you who wanted to teach here, and you probably have your own reasons.

Being a writer or journalism major has little to do with being able to teach English. If your English skills are high caliber, great, but can you teach them? That is the question. Besides, many people get hired to teach EFL here with degrees (like yours) totally unrelated to teaching, and that means they are hired more on the basis of their personality, perceived fit with the staff and students, and an interview where they show a demo lesson plan.

Want to teach writing or law? Specific ideas like that are usually meant more for the experienced. After a year or two here, you can switch from ALT or eikaiwa to FT solo teacher in a public or private HS where some (very little) writing is taught (or maybe a junior college or uni). I mean very little, too! As for teaching law, forget it. You're not qualified for a law school or other uni experience. Perhaps teaching business English for law clients is as close as you'd get. See links below for that. No guarantees on a fit for your specialty.

AIT http://english.itp.ne.jp/bj/web/1140129300/std/1140129300.htm

English Langauge Education Council (ELEC) http://www.elec.or.jp/
Here's some English. http://www.elec.or.jp/aboutelec06.html

Japan Concept Corporation http://www2.gol.com/users/jconcept/en/index.html

Phoenix Associates www.phoenixassoc.com

Simul http://www.simul.co.jp/english/index6.html

Sumikin International www.sumikin-intercom.com/e/default.aspx

The Tokyo Center for Language and Culture (TCLC) http://www.tclc-web.co.jp/

How to go about marketing yourself?
Learn some Japanese first. Most non-teaching jobs require a fairly high level.
Look at the job ads online. There are plenty, but realize that the market is full right now, and getting your foot in the door might mean facing dozens of applicants as competition for just one job.
Do a search to see how a resume in Japan has been recommended here.
Apply only if there are openings advertised. Choose a good time of year.

[Cole]

I agree with G Cthulhu. Go to China. With your advanced degree, you can easily get a job teaching at a university there. My sister in-law is from Guangzhou and tells me you would do well there. Good luck with it.

[ShioriEigoKyoushi]

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[makaiside]

Hey yall, thanks for your honest and detailed responses. Exactly the kind of answer I was looking for...

Peace

[ohahakehte]

many of the decent-quality business english companies like phoenix or simul are as interested in teachers with "life experience" as they are with teaching/business credentials. makaiside, your law and journalism background would certainly help you get your foot in the door with such companies.
in my opinion i would skip the ALT and eikaiwa route. they would see you as overqualified.