A few questions about teaching in Japan

[galeron]

Hi, I just recently found this forum and I am glad to have a medium to use to possibly get a few questions answered regarding teaching in Asia.
It has been my dream for years to teach in Japan, and I am currently enrolled in a university working toward my bachelors degree. I am majoring in English, and one of the questions I have is whether or not it would be worth it to minor in education as well.

Another question I have is regarding pets. I have a cat and I really love her, and I would definitely have problems leaving her with someone at home for an extended period of time. What are the potential difficulties I could face in bringing my cat with me? From what I have read, it seems that the schools don't want you to have a pet as it is an extra pain in the butt for them, but I don't need to tell them off the bat that I even have a pet. However, what kind of problems would I have getting her through customs? I have heard some talk of quarantine and the like. Anyone have any information about this?

Another issue I have is my helthcare. I take medication daily and I have no idea what would be tolerated bringing with me and what I can get after I arrive, whether it is comparable or not, or possibly illegal!

And finally, what is the difference between TESL and TEFL, and where exactly would I go to obtain one of these certificates?

This has been my dream for many years as I have stated before, and I will be extremely grateful to anyone who can help me or point me in the right direction regarding these issues.

Thanks in advance,

-Dave

[Jason]

Welcome Dave!

It has been my dream for years to teach in Japan, and I am currently enrolled in a university working toward my bachelors degree. I am majoring in English, and one of the questions I have is whether or not it would be worth it to minor in education as well.

Depends how serious you are about teaching. Having a degree is required to teach in Japan. The degree can be in any discipline. However, if you want to teach in the more lucrative jobs such as Universities, then a minor in education will definitely help. Alternatively, you may also consider doing a TESOL or similar intensive course. There's quite a few 4 week courses around offering quality training.

What are the potential difficulties I could face in bringing my cat with me?

Bringing a cat to Australia requires the cat to be in quarantine for 1 month. I would assume Japan is similar, but can't be sure on this.

Medication - What type of medication do you take or are you after? Japan has a good supply of "drug stores" scattered around the place. These drug stores stock non-prescription drugs such as antispetic sprays, vitamins, fungi killers, condoms, diets and other generic products. Prescription medicine can be quite expensive and then the strength is not the same as you would expect back home. Best would be to stock up on your favourite medicine before heading to Japan and bring with you the prescription in case customs pulls you over. That way you can show them it's for personal health reasons.

And finally, what is the difference between TESL and TEFL, and where exactly would I go to obtain one of these certificates?

See www.aacircle.com.au/tesl_tefl.htm for a good listing and desciption of what they involve.