Job Discussion Forums

brokenarm22 · Joined: 15 Aug 2010 Posts: 35

There is a course for TEOFL at my local University this september. Would that greatly improve my chances to get a job in Japan? Its through OXFORD seminars.

What else shoudl I know about teaching in Japan? Are privates easy to find? I had a friend who was there for 3 years and claimed he saved over 80k. Now, I dont really know this person that well, but this is what he claimed.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

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

You ought to work on your spelling and terminology. Your post was riddled with errors.

TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. This is a hoop for English learners to jump through. Please research the field before you post!

Oxford Seminars, TESOL certificates or the CELTA will prepare you in the most basic way for teaching a particular type of student - adult English learners, or young learners, for example.

However, without Japan experience and Japanese language skill, you will only get entry level jobs - eikaiwa or dispatch ALT jobs that hire from abroad. Entry level jobs pay as low as Y220,000. We've seen people post here about dispatch jobs that pay that low.

Please read the FAQs carefully.

My neighbour, a Canadian, put away over $50,000 in three years. However, he worked 15 hour days, both an ALT dispatch company and the notorious GEOS.

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

But, s/he used and spelt "there" correctly!

It's Scary!

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

Please take the time to read the FAQ stickies and do some basic research.

1. To get a work visa here, you need a bachelor's degree in any major, or 3 years of related work experience. The vast majority of people have the former.

2. The market in Japan is terribly crowded right now, so that even entry level jobs in eikaiwa and ALT outfits get 20-100 applicants per job, sometimes more.

3. Just a degree may not be enough. Even certification might fall short. Many/Most employers want a demo lesson, so even with a teaching-related degree and cert, you would have to "perform". Then, there is the panel interview, the grammar tests by some employers, etc. Personality and chemistry (perceived by the employer) are also factors.

4. You'll have to pay your way here in the vast majority of cases. If you can't get hired from abroad by the few places that recruit overseas, you'll have to spend US44000-5000 to set yourself up here (at the right time) and look around for 2-3 months. First paycheck may take 4-6 weeks.

As to your "friend" who made 80K in 3 years, it would be nice to know when that was, what jobs (plural) he had, and how/where he lived before we can say whether his story is BS. That's about 27,000 dollars per year in savings, or $2200 per month, which is pretty much all you get paid pre-deductions from entry level jobs, so you can see how the math gets a little fuzzy.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 4:49 am Post subject: Re: I want to teach in Japan.

highroadtochina · Joined: 09 Aug 2011 Posts: 4

TTTT · Joined: 29 May 2011 Posts: 30

Take the Oxford Seminar course if you have the time and money. I took one before my first job in Japan at an Eikaiwa. Honestly it's not going to hurt your resume for entry level work and you might learn something.

Mr_Monkey · Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Kyuuuuuushuuuuuuu

brokenarm22 · Joined: 15 Aug 2010 Posts: 35

spidr245 · Joined: 26 Nov 2008 Posts: 60

Mr_Monkey · Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Kyuuuuuushuuuuuuu

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