JET program and TESL/TEFL?

[Ysaana]

I tried to post this before, but Safari ate it, and I can't remember precisely what I said, so feel free to ask for more info if I forget stuff you need to know to be able to help.

I'm interested in the JET program for teaching English in Japan, but I currently have no teaching qualifications of any type, just a business degree. The JET site for my country (Canada) is rather vague about the requirements for Assistant Language Teachers, but it seems to imply that some form of teaching qualifications is a Good Thing. It doesn't specify what exactly they're looking for, though.

Does anyone here have experience with the JET program? I'm new to all of this stuff and trying to find info on TEFL/TESL/TESOL/CELTA on google just seems to bring up ads for different programs. What are the differences, and what do I need? I'm not sure at the moment about any other countries I may want to teach in if I can't go to Japan, or if I find out I really like it and want to go somewhere after, if I do get in.

I'm in Toronto, and it seems like there's a few places offering the courses, Oxford Seminars (who I'm not shilling for, in case you were wondering) has a nice looking site, but seems a little questionable from some posts I've seen here, Test and Learn seems a little sketchy from the site alone, George Brown offers something that seems significantly more involved (and expensive!) than others, I think that may be overkill if I'm not planning to teach here in Ontario...any recommendations?

Thanks in advance for any help you may have.

[Billy]

If you want to do teaching for any amount of time, I would strongly recommend doing a TEFL course. It will give you the confidence to step into the classroom, and equip you with the jargon and you would know how to think more like a teacher in your interviews.

I always have a slanting towards online course, mainly because I already have the people skills and confidence in front of crowds. If standing in a classroom by yourself with 30 students staring at you is daunting, then definitely do a classroom based course. The JET program is pretty good. They look after you well, but expect large classes. Though you are the Assistant so no need to stress too much.

TEFL / TESL / TESOL / CELTA all do the same thing - equip you to be an ESL teacher. CELTA has a better reputation only because the certificates are issued and validated by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

Entry level positions don't really care where your TESL certificate is from. Only when you start applying to Universities etc., that you will need to start getting more accredited certifications under your belt.

[ICAL_Pete]

I’m with Billy on that. Being certified will make you more marketable and it will also prepare you for the job. Online courses are a good option particularly if you have a limited budget to further your studies or if you have other work and/or family commitments that restrict the amount of time you have available to study. You will also be able to choose from a larger variety of providers rather than limiting yourself to those in your area. There are many good schools around the world that will happily accept TESL/TEFL Certificates issued by reputable organizations other than Cambridge, so you can shop around.

As for the JET program why not drop them a line and ask them out right what their exact requirements are? Just a thought