Teaching English in Japan 2011

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bleueyes
bleueyes

Hello all,

Currently doing some research on teaching English in Japan and I would like to hear from anybody who is currently teaching there or who has done in the recent past, what are the best ways to go about getting a post over there. I have the qualifications and I am a native speaker. I am not interested in Tokyo but in some other city/town somewhere in the Kansai area of the country ( Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, Kobe ). I have traveled and worked quite a lot, but I have never been to Asia. I have read some horror stories about private schools and how they treat their staff. Any tips and info will be much appreciated.

Kindest Regards

Bleueyes

Edited by: bleueyes

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picadura
picadura

Start exploring at eslcafe.com and tefl.com
Best of luck!

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purpletreefrog
purpletreefrog

You might want to tell us your age and nationality. That makes a big difference.

Also what qualifications have you got?

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bleueyes
bleueyes

In reply to your question, I am Irish with a BFA and a CELTA Certificate, I am 28 years old. I hope age is not a factor when hiring. Am I too old ?
Bleueyes

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purpletreefrog
purpletreefrog

It's only a factor in that if you qualify for a WHV it will make it much easier for you. No need to get a job where they are prepared to sponsor you for a visa.

What is a BFA? I'm presuming a Bachelor of Fine Arts. If so that's good because it means you have a degree which is very important here.

If you qualify for a WHV I'd say apply for that and then start approaching places you want to work letting them know you're interested and won't need a visa.

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zzark
zzark

PTF,

How is the jobs situation in Japan? I am not looking but people often ask me. I am assuming that negative population growth and a slow economy - and strong yen - are not good for people looking for work. But I don't really know. Would you share a bit of your on-the-scene knowledge with us?

I quite love Japan - I think it is one of the world's most extraordinary cultures. I spent some there in about 1993 and loved it. A short visit in 2003 added to that.

Thanks!

Zzzzzzzzzz

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purpletreefrog
purpletreefrog

zzark I've never taught English and I don't tend to mix that much with the 'English teaching crowd' simply because those I've met often work hours that aren't particularly compatible with forming friendships with people who work more standard hours.

So my 'on the scene' knowledge isn't really very on the scene. But the little bit I've heard tends to suggest that jobs are harder to come by than they once were and that the pay is worse. There are still plenty of people here doing it though.

Sadly I'm not like you. I love my job but I don't particularly love Japan. I'll finish this contract (making a total of 4 years) and then most likely head off for different adventures.

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naturegirlskc
naturegirlskc

I've heard that teh market is saturated for Japan. You might look into the JET programme. Also, check out Glenski's posts on eslcafe.com

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