Questions about ESL teaching for Asians

[homega]

I've noticed that to be eligible to teach in Japan or Taiwan, I have to be a native speaker of English. Most job offers cited a need to have a passport from Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, Canada, South Africa or Ireland.

I'm from Singapore and English is my native language and I studied Chinese as a second language. I wonder am I recognised as a native speaker when applying for an ESL position. Am I at a disadvantage as an asian, compared with someone holding a passport from Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, Canada, South Africa or Ireland?

I've just obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of London and a TESOL certification and I hope someone can tell me whether I could get any short term teaching job in Japan or Taiwan (3-6 months) to build up my teaching profile.
Besides that, are there ESL jobs that enable me to teach English and at the same time study the Japanese Language in Japan?

I greatly appreciate any advice I could get.

[Tired Teacher]

From my experiences, being caucasian and a native English speaker with a Bachelor degree is the ideal situation.

If I were you, I would forget about teaching in Taiwan. The schools aren't to blame - it's the parents. You see, the parents in Taiwan want their children to learn from a caucasian teacher no matter whether the teacher is skillful or not.

When I was teaching in Japan, there were a few Asian English teachers and some black teachers. Of course, they were both native speakers. In Japan, as long as you are a native speaker, then it doesn't matter what color skin you have.

HOWEVER, not having a passport from one of native Engllish speaking countries, does make it more difficult. Problem is getting a visa. I know of an Swiss teacher teaching English in Japan. She had to get a visa thru a company as if she was needed as the translator between German and English. Obviously she had this contact, hence she could get the visa.

In your situation, it will be somewhat difficult to get work only because you will find it a challenge to get a visa.

My only suggestion is to self sponsor yourself. If you have enought "private" students, then take the list of names and write a contract for each student and take it to the visa office. You may be able to get a visa that way.

[homega]

Thanks for the quick response. That really answer lots of my doubts.

Seems like the best opportunity left will be applying for the JET program since my country is also one of those involved in it.

Any idea whether the teaching situation in Korea is the same as in Taiwan?

[Billy]

JET program is pretty good. Safe and a solid program that has been going on for years. The program really looks after its teachers.

Think Korea is similar to Japan.

[Melissia]

I am currently living in Korea and teaching. I think your interview will have a lot to do with it. My school we are hired then sent to Japan to get our visa and so the school takes care of everything with immigration. I believe if you are interested in teaching in Korea, I would get in contact with a couple of recruiters so that they can help you find a position. The recruiter will inteview you, then set you up with school, this way she/he can vouch for your English ability. Good luck, if I can help you please let me know.