That's fine for the visa.

And there's a short supply of teachers wanting to teach kids.

And if you say you speak English they'll be none the wiser, it's all the same to most people here.

1 That is fine for the visa.

2 Really? I know a lot of teachers taking advantage of the young kid boom. That started a few years ago.

3 That's the FIRST QUESTION asked. There is a list of countries that are considered "native English" countries. People in Japan don't want to learn English from non-Native Speakers.

Thanks for the replies! More questions coming up!

1. That's good to hear.

2. It seems you do not agree on that one.
Do you know how easy/difficult it is for a foreigner to get a job like that in general? What if they were in need of a preschool teacher, and I come along. Do you think there's a possibility that they wouldn't hire me just because I'm not a native? I'm not talking about racism, but more like them worrying about cultural differences (which I would totally understand).
Are there any other jobs apart from teaching English that foreigners usually go for?

3. Well, I think my English is pretty much fluent.
I do make some minor grammatical errors and silly spelling mistakes every now and then, but I've noticed that my English is actually better than the English of quite a few native English speakers (I don't know if you'll agree on that one lol).
From my understanding you pretty much need to come from a "native English" country to teach English in Japan, but could being fluent in English make a difference if I were to apply for other jobs?

If you are interested in other jobs outside teaching, then your Japanese ability will become important, as well as having a relevant degree/work skills. The job market in Japan is becoming increasingly tight lately, and the newest crop of university graduates are having a hard time finding work.

It is not schools which require language teachers be native speakers, it is the law. You can find this information at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. You must be a native speaker, or have lived at least 12 years in an English-speaking country.

Learning how to speak Japanese is something I really, really want, but the thing is I haven't a clue about what to do after I'm done using the program that I've been using up until now. I guess buying some kanji flash cards would be a good idea, but then what..?
I know it's different for everyone, but do you think 5 years would be enough to reach the level of skill required for a job like that?
The job market is really bad around here as well. Over 12% of the people living in this particular area are unemployed, and the number is even higher for people aged 18-25. It's crazy!

I see. I didn't think I'd be able to teach English to begin with, but now I know for sure. Thanks!

2. Yes, I think it is a possibility they wouldn't hire you if you are not a native speaker.

3. It doesn't matter if your English is perfect, if you applying to be a teacher, chances are you need to be a native speaker. The exception would be if you are being evaluated by a native speaker... a rare luxury.
For other jobs, like programming, English and a certain level of Japanese will likely be a must.

So what kind of jobs would I be able to get, then? Surely there must be something I could do even though my Japanese most likely will be far from fluent and I wouldn't have any "special skills" other than preschool teaching?

Yeah, like I said, I didn't really expect to be able to teach English in the first place.

What are you better at than native Japanese? Why would someone hire you without any "special skills"?

These are the fundamental questions.

Haha, I feared you'd say something like that, but I guess that's reality.
So basically, since I'm not from a "native English" country the only way for me to be able to live in Japan would be for me to aquire some skill that most native Japanese people do not have, and decent knowledge of the Japanese language?

Think about teaching your native language, as well.

I have thought about that, but I mean, less than 10 million people in the entire world speak Swedish, and from what I've been told Swedish isn't very popular in Japan. =/

EDIT: I've spent the last couple of hours googling, and from what I can tell it looks like teaching Swedish isn't an option either. I think the demand is just too low.

I don't think the job market in Japan is that tight if you go by statistics. 5% unemployment compared to 9% in the US. Might be harder to find work for us though, since there's not much to do besides teach English. Still, at the end of the day you're paying ~$40K for an opportunity to make an average Japanese income... Eventually though you can get married, find a better job, and support your housewife lol

I doubt the requirement for Japanese mcdonalds is 2 year + Degree.
-shrug.

I do respect the advice in general though.

Do you think McDonald's in Japan wants to go through all the red tape and government costs to IMPORT a foreigner to flip burgers? That is one of the silliest things I have ever heard.

Now if you have, say, been married to a Japanese national for several years and have permanent resident status you could get a job at McDonald's in Japan. However, you cannot apply as a tourist or overseas resident and expect to be able to legally land a job as a burger flipper, conbini worker, or anything that a typical Japanese teenager could do without all the government red tape.

The business doesn't decide if you get the visa, the immigrations officer does.

The immigrations officer is some dude that hates his job and looks at check boxes on a form.

To work in Japan you need to have a 4 year degree or significant work experience in the field and need to be providing a service that is not (easily) available by Japanese natives. Showing the ladder two is difficult.

To work at mickeyD's or most blue collar work you fail the last requisite, even if you have 20 years of burger flipping experience.

If you have a 4 year degree and want to flip burgers or pump gas, then I recommend getting a job in your field, quitting it, work at your lame dream job until your visa is near expiration, then work at the original job for a few weeks to renew the visa... which is crazy

College in the UK is 2-3 years depending on the course you do. Would university be the UK equivalent of this? Also I might move to another college next year. How would that affect things?

yeah equivalent to a 4 year degree, as in a bachelors
2 year technical courses don't tend to work unless you've also got working experience

the only way to be sure though is to contact the Japanese Embassy in your country (is it one for the whole UK or one in each country?? I really don't know lol) and ask them, there are too many different school and degree systems

yes, university. a normal 4 year (full time) degree.

college in the US is usually called junior college or community college, which is a normal 2 year (full time student) degree.

wow, when does mcdonalds do visa sponsorships? awesome...sign me up!

University is the equiviliant to this, yes. In America college/university can be synonymous, not seperate institutions as they are here. Like the others have said, you need at least a Bachelor's degree to get a visa, which is four years in the US, but for those in the UK it doesn't have to be four-year degree, because our system is different. Just so long as you have the Bachelor's degree or equivilant you should be fine.

To add on what RealJames said, I think the embassies in the UK are in London and Edinborough (pardon the wrong spelling), you can find their information online, but you can contact either regardless of where in the UK you are.

Wow. I just caught up with everything from my posts 3 years ago.

As for an update...unfortunately and fortunately l didn't end up getting my bachelors degree in June of 2008. Life happens, the only guarantee in life is death, but those of us who are still alive for the time being learn to do their best to move forward. With all that said I haven't been able to go back and finish my degree due to financial issues, which sucks big time.

In the time, that I was out of school I was working and regretting not being able to finish school and it was kind of a blessing in disguise because the school was changing a lot and I saw my fellow classmates graduate and still haven't been able to get a job for pertaining to their degree, but one of their goals in life isn't to go work and ultimately live in Japan.

Fortunately & Unfortunately, the company I worked for in meantime was ONsemiconductor, a company that bought Sanyo in Japan. I was a Wafer Fab Operator there, but recently got laid off due to ONsemiconductor moving everything to Malaysia; but because of that I've been granted the TAA which will pay for schooling for me to get a job again & right now I'm going to be attending a school that is for getting certifications in the IT field such as A+, N+, MSCE, etc. which I would use to get a job and earn experience in the field and pay for myself to get back into school and get a bachelors degree and hopefully my transition to Japan will be more beneficial or easier that way?

I was also wondering if the IT certifications here mean anything in by employers in Japan or do they simply only care for the degree?

It may mean something to the employer but it doesn't mean anything to the immigration office which clearly states that you need either 10 years of work experience or a university degree.

Good luck in finishing your studies.

Have to agree with you.. the certification probably don't mean anything to employer either. I presented all my certificates during the couple of interviews I had, they showed little interest in them...

I have a question about majors and a job. I am currently planning to go to college and have majors in astronomy and Japanese. My question is would it be possiable (or reasonable) to find a job in Japan that has to deal with astronomy? I know employers would prefer a national over a foreigner so I won't be disappointed if the answers no.
Sorry if it's in the wrong section.

It depends on if you'll be able to either
A) Know enough Japanese to be able to work with other Japanese astronomers
or
B) Know enough Japanese to teach astronomy at a collegiate level

That makes sense. In relation to that, do they teach an astronomy class in high schools there? In my school I took a semester astronomy class.

You'd be better off looking at doing some joint research project at a university I reckon. When I did some Japanese lessons some years back there was a Russian girl also attending who was a physicist doing some joint research at the Hokkaido University. She was by no means fluent in Japanese at all. But between her limited Japanese and their limited English she seemed to get by no problem at all. I guess the main language they were using anyway was that of physics and mathematics which is universal.

Thanks for the replies. What your saying does make sense and I'm pretty sure my top college choices would support something like that atleast as a study abroad.

going to school in japan?
 

dose this still apply if you're planning on going to school in japan? I'm applying to go to tuj in fall 2012:D

No, because you're on a visa. I'm the same way; I'm currently enrolled at TUJ as it's one of the processes by which one can live in Japan while obtaining a degree (or any college in Japan you can get in to).

so i have a question for you wingstodiscovery about tuj?

Good!
 

One must not degrade 'English teaching' and it's good you said that it is already a marketable skill!

Thanks for this! I'm one who's enjoying Japan especially to experience the concept of share house like Come On Up Houses.


Twitter: @ComeonUPstaffE

I would have to disagree with the original poster MMM.

The world is now more competetive than ever before and an education barely distinguishes oneself from the thousands of job seekers out there. If an individual has the desire to live in Japan, regardless of education status, that individual may do so. Granted it will take unwavering confidence and an amazing ammount of sacrifice to follow through to accomplish these goals. Understandably the basic concern many people have is simply survival, IE: MONEY !!! Find ways to earn money and establish yourself and you can live ANYWHERE in the world.

Think outside the box and offer a product or service to the world. Then SELL SELL SELL.

As an inspiration, I will now link to an article that explains in painstaking detail the work required to pull it off. I hope you guys find this story as inspirational as I did.

How Discovering Japan Changed My Life

This was needed. Yes I'm new here but I am looking into possibly teaching English in Japan. But before I go crazy over the idea of it I want to know things I want to know what I NEED TO DO what I NEED to survive before I even think about going. (Because it is soooo easy to dream and get wrapped up...we're only human after all!)

I've seen so many sites that say you don't need a degree in teaching to do this job. My common sense says other wise. But then I've seen other sites that say programs like Aeon and Jet won't hire over 35 (By the time I get what is required -teaching degree- as well as some business education, I'll almost be to that age) I'm not certain what to believe what not to believe and I've been looking for people who are teaching in Japan who KNOW what it's really like who know the ropes.

So thanks MMM.

In all honesty, I didn't really have any problems at all. I didn't get "wrapped up" in anything, and I guess it was due to the fact that I wasn't in Tokyo. I'm one of those whose never had a desire to live/reside in Tokyo. I've always been drawn to northern Japan, so Yamagata was perfect for me. I really do miss the place. That really just depends on the job. The degree is just a precaution for the person to obtain a work visa. You need a degree for that. It also depends on the job too. Some companies just want a foreigner to entertain the students. ALTs don't really teach much of anything, as that's the job of the JTE. Some are utilized as a human tape recorder. Some have JTEs who don't know how to use their ALTs at all. ESID (Every Situation Is Different) is a phrase to learn if going over there for the sake of being an ALT. Some have good experiences, some have bad. Some are utilized properly (meaning they help with planning and actual team teaching) and then there are some who stand around and only say something or do something when it's permitted. I had a combination. I worked at a junior high school. I had more of an opportunity to do the former with the first-year classes as opposed to the second and third year classes. I also liked it when I had to go to the elementary school nearby as I had a lot of control over what I did over there.

Now if you want to be an actual teacher, then yes, the type of degree you have would matter, just like it would in your home country. It's not that they won't hire over the age of 35, it's just less likely. I know for JET the cutoff age is 40 now (it used to be 35 to my knowledge, years ago). I'm under the impression that in a general sense, not many people over that age actually apply for assistant teaching jobs, but I do know of older assistant teachers who are over the age of 35. Also, it depends on the what the Board of Education wants and what said school wants. Like, the place I was originally supposed to have gone to wanted a female teacher (no other pref, just female) so it can be assumed that the school in question had trouble with male ALTs. Who knows, so yeah, that gets taken into account too.

You'd probably find more teachers of English over that age as opposed to assistant language teachers.

Thank you for clearing a few things up for me! I know every situation is different so that's why I try to take things with a grain of salt. :) I'm learning more and more. I had heard of NOVA and JET I was looking into things one said something and the other said different. So I was a bit confused.
I also do not wish to teach in Tokyo. Maybe near it so I can experience it on a tourist trip or two and maybe if I feel comfortable enough I may give it a try. But I like smaller area's. Not necessarily the sticks but somewhere that is a comfortable middle.
I am curios to know. The ALT's are only supposed to teach English correct? Or are they there through out the day applying English to everything? I was reading a blog/journal and the woman mentioned that she had annoyed/angered the teacher and he had her go work with two children with special needs-which she had no experience- in a completely different topic. I'm glad you replied :) Even if it was just to correct my misinformation!

No problem. Glad to help, even if it's just a little. What else did you hear about NOVA and JET? As far as I know about NOVA, it went bankrupt or something. Could be wrong, though. That's pretty cool to hear. Seems everyone usually wants to head straight to Tokyo. You're flexible, so that's always a good thing and employers would probably like that, but with most places or jobs you apply for with places like JET, for example, you don't have much of a choice as to where you're placed. It's taken into consideration, though, but there's no guarantee you'll actually get it. I know it may sound surprising, but I never once visited Tokyo while living over there. I had planned to go eventually, but never did. The only time I was in Tokyo was when I had to go to Narita and even after I got to Japan and was in Mito before going up to Yamagata, I never took a day trip to Tokyo because I was too chicken to go since I wasn't sure about prices yet and didn't want to spend any extra cash. lol Yamagata actually reminded me of home in some ways. It did feel like the "middle" and most people had to drive in the area. I walked everyplace, though since I didn't own a car (even though I had obtained an int'l driver's license before heading over through AAA). If I really did want to go to Tokyo though, I could've just hopped on the Shinkansen down there. If you can call it that, but just so you know, legally the ALT, at no point, is supposed to teach a class by oneself (meaning the JTE should be in the room with you). The JTEs do all of the real teaching and sometimes you can assist him/her with the lessons and implementing it. It all depends on the teacher you're working with and how that teacher uses you, as they may actually "team-teach" with you, which you'll probably learn all about once you start studying for your degree (or finishing up?). Sometimes the ALT can be responsible for making up/writing up tests or coming up with activities to improve certain areas. Sometimes the ALT may have to grade the students on their actual speaking abilities and in most cases (to my knowledge) the ALT usually has to assist students chosen for the English Speech contests. I felt really bad with that one. I was given wrong information so the speech used for my first year was too long and the one for my second year was too short. The third year student did okay, but who knows what the judges were truly looking for. Sucks that neither one of them won. I think that depends on where you are or the school itself. I know that some teachers prefer you to use English for pretty much everything as a way to have the students improve their English. I used Japanese outside of the classroom, unless they tried to speak actual English with me. With the ES, I stuck to mostly Japanese. Sounds like that should've been addressed or something. I'm pretty sure that's against a lot of rules.No prob. Glad to help, and if you have any other questions, just ask. But, most people are starting to migrate over to the other board because of all of the spambots. I just recently returned to Japan Forum after about a year, so I was surprised to see how this site had turned out.

Japanologic Forums • Index page

That's the newer site, and you can always ask questions there too.

Well I keep hearing that JET is simply the best one to go with. Every once in a while I will see Aeon pop up in that category as well. Nova I keep hearing basically hires with out degrees and is an easy ticket. I haven't heard anything about bankruptcy or any of that.

I'm from a small country town. I think it's only logical to start in a smaller area because big cities can swallow you whole. I've heard it often too about Tokyo. Don't get me wrong it's probably really cool...but until I make the big adjustments and such it's a no go. Besides Japan isn't just Tokyo...it's vast and beautiful...well from pictures :D

Flexibility I have learned is a good thing when it comes to working, especially here in the states as I'm sure you know. Besides I don't know Japan so I wouldn't know where to go...Okinawa sounds amazing...I like warm weather. But one doesn't always get what one wants.

It only sounds a little surprising to me that you didn't go to Tokyo. But not too much. Touring Japan is probably easier then touring the US since it is such a small country. Though you were probably busy. But Tokyo isn't the only thing to see!

I would probably hope for a town like Yamagata. Small enough to walk (which I have done A LOT of until recent...and somewhat enjoy) but large enough to if you need something you don't have to drive an hour to get it. You know what I mean?

When I was first thinking about this (have been for the past couple of years on and off ending up telling myself I was crazy) I was thinking it was something like I would be actually teaching a class but the more I've looked into it I've learned about being an assistant teacher as well as various other jobs. I think ALT might suit me best. But it is something I want to look into more. It does sound like what I believe my capabilities to be (even though I have never technically taught a class I haven't even started my degree...but I have helped teach various other little things)
Were you given the wrong information on purpose? (For some reason I can imagine a JTE being cunning enough to do so)

I have heard the smaller the school the more lee-way you have but at the same time the more on-top of your game you have to be. Which I think is better suited for my personality. But being from the part of the country I am...I fear my English needs A LOT of work. But when people speak to me they tell me that my English is fine. Granted they are from the same neck of the woods. lol. But I am glad to know that it is somewhat like a total immersion (verbally) for them. I hear you learn better that way!

I am headed over to Japanologic i just got here but I will make my account this evening! Thanks again!

Also this is completely off topic...but the Onsens...or is it public bath..any way are they off limits to people with Tattoos?

Whats your guys understanding of the job market for english teachers in 2012 ? I know the Japanese are having less and less children and in some cities schools are closing down. Are you guys noticing it is more difficult given the tough economic times or are students more focused than ever on learning english to broaden their horizons internationally ?






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