Questions about teaching english in Japan

[peterguevarra]

Hi,

I've just got a few questions about teaching in Japan that I hope someone can answer.

1. I have a commerce degree and have been working as a researcher & journalist for 2 years. This is my only work experience. I have also studied overseas for half a year. Are these qualifications/experience enough or should I get a teaching certificate?
2. I'm tossing up between ECC, AEON & Nova although I've heard bad things about Nova. Which would you recommend. Are these organisations easy to be accepted in to?

Cheers.

[mycolumbus]

If you have a minimum bachelor degree, then that is enough to get a teaching job in Japan. Plenty of jobs always advertised that don't mention the TESL certificate. Of course though, having one will benefit you. But if you can't afford the time or money on one, then don't be worried.

ECC is probably the best "Big Chain" English school in Japan. Better conditions than the others. Nova is the most demanding on their teachers. Check the Japan forums teaching jobs, and you will see an ad from ECC. At the moment they are not taking applications from those within Japan.

Once you are with ECC Japan and settled in Japan, then you can think about getting a TESL certificate and applying for more lucrative jobs.

[peterguevarra]

thanks for you reply. just a couple of last questions.

1) Is it easy to be accepted into ECC?

2) A website I visited 'www.letsjapan.org', had nothing but negative comments about teaching english not only in Japan but all of Asia. It seems that everyone who goes over there with one of the big chain schools doesn't have a good experience. Is this generally the case? Can you please tell me why so many people would have a negative attitude.

Thanks again

[mycolumbus]

Originally Posted by peterguevarra

1) Is it easy to be accepted into ECC?

If you have the qualifications, it's easy to be accepted into just about anywhere. As a bare minimum, you will need a Bachelor degree and passport from a native English speaking country before the big chain schools will even look at you.

The chain schools will prefer you to be single, under 35 and looking forward to immersing oneself in Japan. Show them you have this keen interest to learn more about Japan!

Originally Posted by peterguevarra

2) A website I visited 'www.letsjapan.org', had nothing but negative comments about teaching english not only in Japan but all of Asia. It seems that everyone who goes over there with one of the big chain schools doesn't have a good experience. Is this generally the case? Can you please tell me why so many people would have a negative attitude.

Ahh.... people just love to complain. Don't let this scare you off. For every person that complains, am sure there are many more that have a wonderful experience. If you get to Japan to teach, and find yourself homesick, don't be quick to point to finger at others for your unhappiness. If you go with ECC and find yourself not happy, then be proactive and find another job. In life, not everything goes as clockwork.

Just had a look at Let's Japan.org - Devoted to debunking eikaiwa and think their whole website is a load of crap. I quote from their site:

Originally Posted by www.letsjapan.org

Why? As an English teacher, contrary to what you may believe or have been told, you are an entertainer and salesman. You are the official English-speaking person. You are the Norman Rockwell, rosy-cheeked, blonde-haired, blue-eyed, apple-pie eating, product of the suburbs - a pet gaijin to some Japanese.

Sure, there are these type of English teachers, but I know many that are professionals at what they do, and actually educate students rather than performing tricks and dancing for them. Teachers that entertain rather than educate only do so as they do not know how to educate.

Do yourself a favour and ignore this website.

[peterguevarra]

Thanks mate, you really have been a big help and I'm defintely going to go over very soon!

[mycolumbus]

Great to hear it! Hope you have a great time in Japan.

[jbyrne]

I have read the advice you been given and a lot of it seemed fair enough.

I think with a lot of the chain schools it is pot luck. You could be in a fantastic school or a really lousy one.

But, you have got to understand ,if you are planning to go alone, that probably location and social situation are going to determine the success of your experience as much as your working conditions.

If you want to spend your nights in central Tokyo, then don`t get a job in the outer suburbs. It won`t work. It is too far.

You need to consider these factors. It can be a very isolated experience living in a one room mansion in suburbia. I have been there (a few times) and did not like it at all. On the other hand I spent a few months in a dirty Gaijin House and had a great time. Now I am a married man in suburbia, completely different experience again.

As a single man I personally found Fukuoka to be a lovely place. It has all the right ingredients. Foreigner friendly, smallish city, close proximity to everything. Nice sea breeze. If cold is what you want, people say Sapporo is great.

Finally, the JET programme. Seems like they get a pretty good deal and people seem on the whole to have a more rewarding experience compared to the first time EI-KAI-WA (English Conversation School) teachers.

Anyway good luck and enjoy.

Regards

Jay

jamaby.com

[peterguevarra]

Thanks for the reply. I'll definitely consider more thoroughly where I want to go.

One last question - I've lived in Australia nearly all my life (18 of 22 years) but have Filipino ancestry. Is this going to be a problem when I apply or go over?

cheers

[jbyrne]

HI Peter,

Not sure I can answer that in a satisfactory way.

There are a number of non-white English teachers so it is possible to get work although in certain sectors they would I suspect love every teacher to be blue eyed and blonde haired.

However, my Boss is Iranian American. Grew up in Iran. But he is doing pretty well for himself.

I asked an African American teacher once, what the difference was in racism in Japan and racism in America. She believed in Japan, racists are open and just plain ignorant rather than out right malicious, whilst in America, her home country, when they are racist they are a bit more sneaky and devious about it.


I would also say racism is probably prevalent more among the older generation. In my experience all the angry looks and stares I get come from men over the age of 50 years old. The younger genration don`t really seem to care.

The thing with Japan is people live in densely populated areas. A 5 or 10km area of Melbourne is probably crammed into a 1km area in Tokyo. It is pretty much guaranteed that there will be one crazy guy in your neighbourhood or on your train. Every once in a while you are bound to meet him.

Regards

Jason

jamaby.com

[peterguevarra]

Thanks for the reply Jason. In any case, I'll still definitely try to go!

Cheers,

Peter