Teacher Discussion Forums

I am planning in advance for a gap year, from around July-July 2007-2008.

I have a great desire to live in Japan for a year (I live in the UK), I will be returning to the UK, hopefully to begin a course in medicine. My idea was to teach English for the year, but from what research I have done it seems that this option is restricted to those who have spent at least three years at university. Are there any teaching opportunities for those of the age 18/19 in Japan? I will have completed my A-levels by then, including a course in English Language and Literature.

Although I will not have been to University, are there any options for me in Japan? Teaching English is my first choice as far as what I do to pay my bills is concerned; but my main goal is to visit and live in Japan for the year, so I have no major qualms with working in a different area of work in Japan.

This seems like the place to ask, and if anyone could please offer suggestions on finding work for a year; preferably teaching english, I would be very grateful.

Thanks,
Tommy.

I don't work in Japan, but I've met quite a few people who have and they tell me unless you have a university degree, preferably in English, don't bother going to Japan to teach English these days.

I'd say the best bet is for you to get in touch with the Japanese embassy to your country and ask what the educational prerequisites are for a foreigner working in Japan. Some countries have very strict rules about the level of education a foreigner holds before being allowed to work in the country.

Good luck to you.