Job Discussion Forums

Vince · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 559 Location: U.S.

I left Japan and TESOL six years ago, so the only exposure I have with TESOL in Japan these days is what I read online. In my last couple of years there, the decline in Japanese TESOL was already evident. As I check in every so often, things seem to be continuing in that direction. Based on that, I'm inclined to tell TESOL hopefuls (especially young ones who are just beginning to build their adult lives) that Japan isn't a very good choice anymore. Would you agree with that? Why or why not?

Of course, I'm not talking about people who have other reasons for being in Japan (e.g. they want to study aikido or learn Japanese), or those who are already established in Japan. I'm talking about sojourners who have a general desire to experience another culture and maybe build their finances, as well as aspiring TESOL professionals who want to start developing their resume.

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

It shouldn't take much searching here to find answers you seek.

Competition is very steep right now in Japan, for newcomers and veterans alike. If one gets a job, the money may not be as much as it used to be (250K vs. 180-220K per month). ALT dispatch agencies will typically not provide the benefits they should, and eikaiwas are doing the same.

Fewer jobs are being offered, yet it seems that the same or more people keep coming, whether they are qualified/trained, whether they want to teach or just fund an existence.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

steki47 · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 1029 Location: BFE Inaka

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

ghostrider · Joined: 30 May 2006 Posts: 147

Same here. Looking at going back to graduate school and continuing in a field related to what I majored in, but not in my home country. I imagine I'd feel similar or worse back in the US right now given the state it's in. Aiming for somewhere closer to home that seems pretty safe, politically and financially stable, and easier to integrate into.

robertokun · Joined: 27 May 2008 Posts: 199

I don't think so. For someone fresh out of college and ready to do a year of JET before going back to the real world. Sure. Real TESOL'ers. Nope.

I was just asked some advice from a guy doing his MA TESOL in the States right now about going to Japan and I had to advise against it. I told him to go JET for a year if he wants to experience the culture or try to pick up the language (he's still early twenties), but from a teaching/professional standpoint I don't think there's any reason to. What's he going to do, work the same crappy eikaiwa or dispatch/JET ALT job that anyone can get regardless of experience or qualifications? Let's face it, he's not going to be able to apply his knowledge and skills in either of those jobs. Unless he could swing a university gig somehow, it would be a pretty big waste of that degree and a step or three backwards compared with trying for a tenure track position at a community college or university back home, or even in another country where that type of work might be more realistic.

ripslyme · Joined: 29 Jan 2005 Posts: 481 Location: Japan

dove · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 271 Location: USA/Japan

I think if you are young and interested in having an experience abroad for a year or two, Japan is still a good place (safe, lots of chances to meet people, cultural opportunities). But I really wouldn't recommend Japan as a place to save money or to establish a teaching career. I'd recommend getting teaching credentials in one's own country and coming over with no debt.

ghostrider · Joined: 30 May 2006 Posts: 147

It's not that bad overall, it just isn't anywhere near the get-rich-quickly-with-no-qualifications-in-an-awesome-country situation it once was. You still have a few options. The easiest and most common one is to come over for a year or a few years and use the job to sustain yourself while enjoying as much as you can about the country. If you have plans to stay longer and want to earn more money and build a TESOL career, you're going to have to commit yourself to becoming a real teacher before coming over or while you're here. Either way, you're investing another $10,000-30,000 and another 2-4 years. It's not realistic to expect to come here with a 4 year degree and move your way up the teaching ranks. Some people get lucky (along with their connections and ability), but most have to get a Masters or PhD. Many others remain stuck in ALT or eikaiwas earning less than 300000yen a month until they leave or go back to school. Also, even with a Masters, don't expect you can just walk into a good position. There is still a limited number of positions and many people here.

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Ditto what Glenski says.

Wages at dispatch companies that place ALTs are sinking lower and lower. Many cut corners by not enrolling their ALTs in national social welfare (taking advantage of gray areas in the law and unenforced laws to save yen), and eikaiwa wages are falling, too.

Some of my friends worked at eikaiwa, but went home earlier than planned, soured on the whole TEFL experience because of low pay, lack of materials and poor management. These were skilled teachers who had taught in various places.

On top of that, new teachers have to compete with veteran resident foreigners who are more attractive to employers because they have the cultural background.

On top of everything, the yen is high, so it costs even more to move and get established here. With $5000 in my pocket, I still found the first few months pretty lean, and that was in the early 00s.

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

ghostrider · Joined: 30 May 2006 Posts: 147

I basically agree and that's why I'm likely on my way out, but if I were 5 years younger and still back in the US, I would still tell myself to come here and enjoy it for a few years (as I had a strong interest in Japan specifically), just don't take a position far from a major city or that pays below 235,000 month the first year (when the insurance and residence taxes are low). There is so much to enjoy, in Tokyo at least. It becomes increasingly bleak after awhile though, after you feel like you've seen and done everything, with few job prospects.

200,000 yen a month is probably not enough to enjoy living here at all. You'll be constantly worried about what you buy and would be lucky to save enough to take a budget trip to Kyoto after a year. You'd probably leave with little saved, so it may just be simpler to take a 2-4 week vacation here.

As for someone with a related masters degree and TEFL experience, I can't comment much on whether Japan is a "good choice" or not. I'm not sure what countries would be better for those committed to a TEFL career.