Working visa for over 30+

[mmj]

Hi
I know this is a foroum for English teachers in Japan and not for other professions but I thought you guys might be able to help me in my quest for working in Japan
I am a Australian and NZ citizen 42 years of age with DIploma level qualifications in Mechanical Enginering,
What I am trying to find out is is there any way I can get a working visa in Japan?
Thanks
MMJ

[gfell]

Welcome to the board mmj!

These forums are for anyone wishing to discuss the world of ESL, education, teaching, studying or living overseas.

How long is your Diploma course? If you can get the AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework) to vouch that it is equivalent to a 3 year Bachelor degree, then you can still get your work visa in Japan.

In fact, I know of teachers that have successfully received their work visa in Japan even though they only have a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. But there is no guarantee. Obviously the best would be to hold a Bachelor degree.

Your age isn't a problem in Japan.

[tabechan]

I'm 54 and won't have my Bachelors until I'm 55. I'm glad to hear that your age isn't a problem in Japan (I hope it's the same for me), since that's where I'm headed if I don't stay in the U.S.

I actually already have a job offer that's waiting for me to get my visa, and my age doesn't seem to make any difference to her. I think my level of experience matters most.

[gfell]

tabechan, 54 y/o may be a bit of a challenge to get teaching work in Japan. My previous post was regarding mmj's age who is 42.

[tabechan]

gfell, do you have any thoughts on where I might focus my efforts in order to increase my chances?

[gfell]

Originally Posted by tabechan

gfell, do you have any thoughts on where I might focus my efforts in order to increase my chances?

Best to build your artillery and then apply for teaching jobs. When I mean build your artillery, I mean:

• Attain a TEFL certificate
• Attain a university degree
• Head to Japan to make yourself available asap.

Often I see schools advertise for teaching jobs that need to be filled asap. If you are around when these schools are hiring and desperate, then your chances are so much higher.

I think you would be wasting your time by applying for teaching jobs if you are not in Japan.

[tabechan]

Thanks gfell. I'm working on both of those now, and I'm planning to head to Japan next year, too, so I guess I'm on the right track.

I understand why you'd have to be there to get a job -- I think it makes sense, no matter what age you are.

[gfell]

Originally Posted by tabechan

I understand why you'd have to be there to get a job -- I think it makes sense, no matter what age you are.

Yes, it makes the most sense. If you are not in the country, it just makes it so much harder to get a teaching job.

In Japan and other Asian countries where English teachers typically go to, there is always a large supply of teachers in that country looking for work. If you think from the perspective of schools, why would they hire a potential teacher who is overseas as opposed to a potential teacher already living in the country? It just doesn't make sense.

If heading to Africa though to teach, it would be a different case. You would be applying whilst still in your home country.