Job Discussion Forums

JetSetJen · Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Posts: 3

Hello!

I'm hoping someone can shed some light on this for me. I've been told that it is going to be extremely difficult for me to get a teaching job in Japan because I'm Chinese even though I was born and raised in Canada. I don't have any teaching experience but I just finished my TEFL.

Am I screwed? Should I look into going somewhere else?

Thanks!!
Jen

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 3:17 am Post subject:

Altho stereotypes, I'm sure, persist, I worked with a Chinese-American at a nation-wide chain that, gratefully, imploded a few years ago. The old stereotype is that round eyes come with native pronunciation and grammar knowledge. Let's hope that's in the decline.

I wouldn't say that yer screwed, but you will be hampered by some of the more narrow-minded individuals. And, really, you should view that as a blessing in disguise, as I wouldn't want to work for someone who held stereotypes, say, about my weight...

Good luck...

NCTBA

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

You were born and raised in Canada, therefore you are Canadian. Don't even hint that you are any hyphenated nationality or dual. You are Canadian.

NCTBA is right about some employers and students who are too narrow-minded or naive to realize that native English can come out of Asian-looking faces. Ignore them. You still have as good a chance as anyone else with the others here.

Realize that it is very competitive in Japan nowadays, though, no matter what you look like. Most newcomers have no teaching experience or certification or teaching-related degree, so you have to do your best to prove you can do the job better than the other 99 candidates.

musique · Joined: 02 Oct 2010 Posts: 3

Don't worry too much. I'm Chinese Australian and managed to get a position. Should also mention that I too have no teaching experience. Didn't even bother getting a TEFL. If you want any more information, feel free to pm me. =]

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

While I was teaching English, I worked with Chinese Canadians, Korean Americans, Japanese Australians, Singaporeans, Filipino Canadians and all kinds of other combinations. Any decent employer will be more concerned about your personality and presentation than anything else, although recently qualifications seem to give people an edge in some cases.

JetSetJen · Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Posts: 3

Thanks for the info! It's put my mind at ease. Smile