Teaching in Japan - Episode 2 - TEFL, TESOL and CELTA

[ElBluesummer]

Is this the same as getting a masters in TESOL from a university?

[JHillLife]

Dude this helped me so much all the information i have been flicking through has been for americans and finally i have found this. I am going to go with I to I because it seems fairly reasonable if you pass you get a job more or less. once again thanks man

[brettebsary]

Great advice im doing TEFL at the moment with itoi and was wondering what type of teaching i would do in Japan you have put my mind at rest thanks

[EgotisticalEz]

Nub question here. I'm doing a TESOL/TEFL 240 hour course starting in a month or so. I was hoping to get a position with said qualification in Japan later in the year, or early 2012. However, I've read in a few places now that a degree is required and I won't finish mine till late 2012. Is that going to be an issue?

[sidescrollin]

@EgotisticalEz A degree is absolutely required to get a work visa in japan. Doesnt matter what in though. I'm look at doing the same thing but in 4 years or so from now. I believe the only other visas are from having a spouse and simple Holiday Visas which only last a few weeks.

[EgotisticalEz]

@sidescrollin You can work in Japan for 18months if you have a sponsor without a degree, I was more concerned with the actual jobs requiring a degree in addition to that. A lot I've found don't. Thanks for the reply though.

[sidescrollin]

@EgotisticalEz oh lol well thats good then i guess. I've seen a good bit of sponsor programs that want degrees though. I know you probably can't wait to go but at least you've almost go one, so the worst possibility is having to wait till you are done.

[JeremyScottThompson]

@EgotisticalEz - this is true - but it costs the company money, therefore most companies only employ people with a degree for the visa...usually the degree is just for the visa process

[JeremyScottThompson]

@sidescrollin - summer work visa (limited working hours) and tourist visa range from 3-6months... some companies from will bring people over from the UK, Australia and Canada on the above visa and upgrade the visa after...its possible but most companies dont like to do this

[JeremyScottThompson]

@EgotisticalEz - yes it will - the degree is needed for the visa, its rare that a degree is needed for the actual job

[opolska]

Nice videos unfortunately I would recommend against your advice for not doing the CELTA because it makes you "over-qualified" for jobs in Japan. In the past couple of years I have noticed a large number of companies asking for the CELTA, they don't recognise internet based TEFL certificates. For a reasonable salary (280,000yen+) and security on the job market the CELTA is a must.

[JTJAPANDOTCOM]

@opolska - This is not always the case - for most people coming to japan they want to be here for short term - 1-3 years...for most companies a degree is all you need, a TEFL makes you stand out and a CELTA is great and all but not needed for 90% of the ALT jobs out there...a CELTA does help for private schools BUT i know many people who have job at language schools and private schools without it

[doriangrey64]

What program did you use to make the intro for your video? Thank you

[JTJAPANDOTCOM]

@doriangrey64 - imovie 11...not the best but simple enough

[screwehow]

If a job wants to sponsor your visa do you still need a degree? even if they argue your case?

[JTJAPANDOTCOM]

@screwehow - a degree is needed as part of the visa process - in order for a company to sponsor you you will need a degree UNLESS you can come across on a spouse visa or other means

[TheInuyashaFan917]

Do you have to have a degree to teach in Japan? I am 18 years old, and have a high-school diploma, and I just completed a 120hr. Course of TEFL. I don't want to go to College for this, because I don't want to teach English in Japan for a Living. Is there a way, like If I get a tourist visa? Or do I absolutely have to have a 4-year degree , and a Work Visa. I have other plans in my life you know, I just want this job because I want to experience Japan, and this is the only Job they give Americans

[JeremyScottThompson]

@TheInuyashaFan917 - for nearly all jobs you will need a degree - not for teacher but for the visa... some companies might consider you without a degree. You can come over on a tourist or summer work visa from the UK, Australia and Canada (not america) and then upgrade your visa - not all companies like to do this because your visa can still be refused

[TheInuyashaFan917]

@JeremyScottThompson is there anything else I can do. When my dad came from the middle east, he had friends that were already citizens and they worked at a store, and they let my dad work with them, and started paying him under the table. Could I do that?

Ok one question. Is there a way I could visit Japan from america for a couple of months without a degree, please answer.

[JTJAPANDOTCOM]

@TheInuyashaFan917 - what your dad was illegal - in japan if you did this and was caught you would be held in jail for at least a month until your court date is decided and you will probably be imprisoned for about 2-3 years as well as the employer because not only would you be working illegal, but in the country illegal and not paying taxes...you wont be able to get an apartment, bank account etc because you will need a foreigner registration card - you can visit on a tourist visa but not work

[TheInuyashaFan917]

@JTJAPANDOTCOM Thanks man. But how long could I stay in Japan on a tourist visa? Also, how much money do I need to survive there for a couple of months? Much appreciated!

[JeremyScottThompson]

@screwehow - i have new information that might be of use to you - some companies are able to get people from the UK, Australia and Canada over on a work permit which is valid for working limited hours short term - like a summer job abroad...once in the country they can upgrade the visa to a full working visa - its a loop hole...not all companies like to do this...Joytalk is one company who does do this...unfortunately this isnt possible for USA due to visa restrictions between Japan and america

[screwehow]

@JeremyScottThompson Thanks mate, thats good news, but it doesnt look like Japan is in good shape right now and Ive read that it will get worse in predictions made by Edgar Cayce. I hope everyone leaves while they still can, but I am still interested in other countries. I'll look into it, thanks