Living and Teaching Abroad - JET isn't the only option

[IntTEFLAcademy]

For everyone who wants to teach abroad, there are well over 50 countries that are popular for paid teaching. You simply take a TEFL certification class and interview for one of the 250,000 jobs a year. Half of the teachers leave after 1 year leaving 100,000 new positions available. Go to International TEFL Academy for information

[bordmanjr]

Are there programs for people who are 38 and wanting to go abroad and teach or something?

[myargonauts]

@bordmanjr I was 35 when I became a JET, but most JETs are in their early to mid 20s.

[ColdDeadKitty]

I am not a native English speaker, but have been living in the states ever since I was a kid, is there a way I can still teach English in Japan?

[myargonauts]

@ColdDeadKitty If you're an American citizen, then you can apply and if you made it to the interview, then your ability to speak English would be judged at that point.

[myargonauts]

@myargonauts I think if you're a non-native speaker but a citizen, then there may be a time component, like you have to have lived in the US for X number of years, etc. Do your research and make sure - email the local Japanese consulate and they can help.

[ColdDeadKitty]

@ColdDeadKitty So that would work for JET too or no? Because on their website and on a lot of things of the same nature they say that they are looking for a native speaker.

[gtr34legend]

Im sorry and how would I do florida for that jet website???

[myargonauts]

@gtr34legend example of the link is in the description box above

[gtr34legend]

what if I dont want to be a teacher? like go to Japan and be something els and Japanese classes to learn

[Theytoldmetodoit1]

Sorry...but off topic...Is that a London Tube map behind you? It sure does look like it.

[myargonauts]

@Theytoldmetodoit1 yep - it's a Tube map poster I bought on a trip to London long ago and still have

[darkenedwolfpack]

Hell ya totoro!!!!! :)

[FerJH2]

Do you know if there is a programme for teaching Spanish?. Because all I see it's english (maybe I'm a bad "searcher"? or maybe nobody cares about spanish over there haha)

[myargonauts]

@FerJH2 You could possibly get a job teaching Spanish at a language school in a bigger city, but there is no programme like JET to bring over Spanish teachers.

[justin6string]

@FerJH2 I have Japanese friends in Japan who are taking Spanish instead of English. There's hope for you yet!

[RockTheNPC]

Thank you so much for this information! I just relocated to Portland in order to get a degree in Japanese. I was looking into the JET program, but I would like to have more options as well (concidering the JET program is only for a year).

[myargonauts]

@RockTheNPC well the JET Program is only for a year *at a time.* You can stay up to 4 more years for a total of 5 if you like your schools and they like you.

[PayalisNA]

yeah, I just got rejected for an interview. It sucks, but i have a feeling that 90% of my rejection was based on the fact that I have a drunk driving record...did not actually get convicted, but I've been arrested for this stupid charge I managed to erase and Im pretty sure that shows on my background check now.

Would I be able to google/find jobs in Japan that might overlook this fact, even though a background check is rquired for a work visa???

[myargonauts]

that might be a tough one, altho if you were to go to Japan and interview in person, you might be able to find jobs better than trying from America

[dagger09]

OK, umm I don't have a B.A or an A.A but I do have experience teaching as a teacher's assistant (in the capacity of a teacher though) for 3 years in a private school that served as kind of a halfway point for Japanese students whose father's are here on bussiness. I'm hoping to at least get my A.A in English by the next time JET applicants start up again in Nov 2010. What do you suggest I do? I am very interseted in this program and would love to apply. Thanks for your help!!

[myargonauts]

It's a JAPAN requirement for the work visa that you have a BA or BS degree, so you have to go back to school for a while before you apply to JET.

[elsamuraiguapo]

CSU San Marcos! I just put in my application to go to that uni the other day. SDSU as well.

Even though I barely got my A.A. and I'm still a couple years away from a B.A. do you think it would be beneficial to go and check out your booth when you're at UCSD or SDSU?

[myargonauts]

The SDSU session in next Tuesday, Nov 3rd. It's a good overview of what JET is all about and what you need to apply. Might be worth going to, but you could wait until your senior year, since that's most likely when you'll apply.

[WhiteMatrix2006]

Well, as I stated before, I do not plan on applying for JET until 2012 because I am currently training for Judo for the 2012 London Olympics. I will be applying for JET in 2012 so I will hopefully be accepted for 2013. However, I think this video was great for those who applied or plan on applying.

-Billy-

[konY913]

Wow Jason, I can see that your really passionate about all this stuff. I hope that you succeed in going to where ever it is you want to go.

btw that ad on going to China that you presented seems a bit too good to be true imo...but don't let my opinion discourage you.

[myargonauts]

thanks. :)

I talked to a rep for Concordia and the China program is quite legit. It wasn't until I checked their website that I realized that Concordia is a Christian university, which might prevent me from participating, unless the program in China is religion free. But it's still a good deal - one year and you get your Masters.

[elsamuraiguapo]

Masters in what field?

[Kortik]

I wont have trouble getting a visa but obviously I need to learn Japanses good. Is there any international schools In Japan that have music string orchestra to teach? My wife is from Tokyo so I am sure there is something do you know?

[myargonauts]

Look at sites like gaijinpot(dot)com and jobsinjapan(dot)com and see what they have in your field with teaching music. There are many opportunities in the Tokyo area

[Kortik]

I was substiute teaching for 6 years until I found a full time teaching job in USA teaching orchestra in public schools. I was really picky but got what I wanted but it took me that long. Now that I started to actually work it harder that I taught when I was a substitute teacher. I was going to quite actually this year, because i was tired of subbibng its seems forever but finally somebody needed my skills. I actually want to move to japan and teacher orchestra there since my wife is Japanese.

[milootis10]

That "Kanji Survival Guide" looks cool!

[TeachinginJapanGuide]

Hope JET is paying ;-)

Find a job yet?

[myargonauts]

I passed the Cbest test here in CA, so I can start subbing soon. Have an interview this week for something else. Have to start being less picky and just get a job - got bills to pay! :)

[qiranger]

Dave's ESL Cafe has lots of Job Offers for several countries.

[myargonauts]

yes - that's another good online resource

[Tnakamura11]

Are you kidding？ Why don't you show people a bunch of your videos and pics of beautiful Izumo with your pc？ What are they for？

[myargonauts]

you mean at the table? I wanted to bring my laptop, but no electric outlet is available outside, and my laptop is over 5 years old, so the battery only lasts about 30 minutes. Everyone enjoyed looking at the pictures I did bring.

[Tnakamura11]

I think you should ask the college for help. You had shot those videos for this occasion.

[MTassarion]

I suddenly realised that that subway map behind you is a map of the London subway system.. is there any particular reason as to why it's on there? :P

Thanks for the vlog btw, as English is not a primary language in my country, JET is not the way for me to get into Japan. I'm planning on doing a masters or 2nd bachelor's degree in Japan. Your links should prove quite useful.

[Kortik]

where do you work now since you back in US?

[Ido013]

wtf you went to Concordia University?! The one in Montreal!? Man if I'd known I'd have come by! XD

[myargonauts]

No, there is a Concordia U here in So Cal, and a rep from there was at the same EXPO talking about their "get your MA" in China program

[Ido013]

Phew now I thought I missed a chance to have a chatter with someone who has great experience （・ω・）

[basch2020]

Dont worry too much about missing out the UK, we only have 1 consulate here! It's in Edinburgh. Most of the JET correspondance is managed solely via the Embassy in London however.

[Vreugdian]

Fantastic video. I went for an Exchange to Japan and loved it. I always hope to go there and teach but if that can't happen this video should help!

[habiebiee]

hi jason, thanks for ur video and its great to see u again.just like to ask that how's ur job hunting?or u are actually working for JET now in america as a promotional staff?it would be great if they can employ u as a promotional personel...anyway.good luck in the future :)

[myargonauts]

nope - this was just a volunteer gig - just helping out. I'm fine thanks. :)

[Degenskonto]

Bah, im getting jealous

[Dragon22873]

Hi Jason! Would you be able to possibly answer my question about what it takes to MOVE to Japan for work? What would i need exactly? Apart from money, would i need any requirements? Because in this country, the stupid law is, if you can answer 10 questions about our queen, you can live here.. so what is it about Japan that i need?

[kageromaru]

For work, you need a working visa, case closed. You'll be living there for as long as that visa lasts. ^^

If you want to live there, I do think you have to take some difficult test for that half (or multi?) citizenship or something. I think, at least.

[Dragon22873]

Is it possible to get a permenant visa for living there?

[kageromaru]

That wouldn't be a visa... :p

I don't actually know about that, I'll have to dig something up on that matter.

[myargonauts]

You have to have a college degree to get a work visa in Japan. The company that you work for will sponsor this visa and you have to renew it every three years.

[Dragon22873]

So if i dont go to college and get a degree there is NO possible way for me to live in Japan?

[myargonauts]

you might be able to get a job as something like a bartender, but you might have to work on a tourist visa, which only lasts 3 months, and constantly renew it. Look at sites like gaijinpot(dot)com and jobsinjapan(dot)com and see what they have that doesn't require a degree.

[Dragon22873]

Damn. So my dream of working in an office over in Japan has now been crushed. Great! Thanks anyway.

[BusanKevin]

Good luck with the recruitment work. It's right up your alley of course!

[shinmei2006]

Jason when are you gonna do a BlogTV segment again?

[myargonauts]

very soon - possibly this Sunday - I'll post an announcement if I do

[shinmei2006]

I'm taking Chinese 1 (mandarin) currently, i may take Chinese 2 next semester (my final semester) and perhaps try the Chinese version of JET, if i don't get into JET.

[AriniaLendin]

I am trying to enter the JET Program next year. I would be very happy if you would be a sort of mentor for me. Of course, I realize that you can't fill out the application for me, or get my letters of recommendation, or do other crucial steps in the process, but I would appreciate having someone to ask questions to. Would you be willing to answer questions I might have along the way? I would appreciate it! Thank you for your consideration and have a nice day. Keep up the good work with the vids.

[myargonauts]

I'm happy to answer questions - but be sure to go to my main channel page and click the Playlists button first. You'll find very detailed playlists exploring application process, becoming an ALT once accepted and also playlists about teaching and living in Japan. If you watch a bunch of the vids and still have questions, then send them my way.

-J

[AriniaLendin]

Thank you very much! I appreciate the support. I looked through your videos and I don't think I saw one about this particular issue, though correct me if I am wrong. When you are sending in your application, what if you don't have official transcripts because you don't graduate until the spring? That is the situation I am in right now. What should I send in the package in place of the transcripts?

[myargonauts]

You won't have final transcripts showing that you obtained your degree, but you have to include 3 copies (1 official and 2 copies) of your transcripts of ALL your college classes/grades up until the semester you apply. Later, you'll have to show proof you graduated and got your BA/BS degree.

[AriniaLendin]

On the application, it says that you can't include unofficial transcripts printed out from a computer, unless they have an official seal, or are signed by an adviser. What does this mean? How do I obtain unofficial transcripts that have a college seal? Also, it says that I need a letter of proof of enrollment from the registrar's office. How do I obtain that?

[myargonauts]

At my school, we have to pay a small fee (about $10) and you get an official set of transcripts on watermark paper and an embossed seal. They will sometimes say "unofficial if opened" but for JET it's OK to open them and then make the copies you need - BUT you have to send the originals as well!

Go to your registrar's office and tell them you need proof of enrollment for JET and I'm sure they can help you out.

[AriniaLendin]

Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate all of the advice that you have been giving me. It means a lot.

[seklarwia]

Many UK unis print off transcripts for us to keep as records. We rarely need official transcripts; the prints have all the uni contact info required for any employer to verify that they are genuine. The prints actually have the seal attached to the file so the seal is printed along with the transcript onto standard A4.

Our official transcripts cost £35 (yes, $70!). Luckily the the letter is free, but both take 10 days to recieve. You should collect the paperwork now, if you haven't already.

[myargonauts]

cool - thanks for the info!

[AriniaLendin]

Thank you for the information. Wow, that is a lot of money for transcripts! I requested my transcripts yesterday and they were only about $10 each, but I ordered three copies of them so it came out top about $30. I will get the transcripts in a week, and once I have them, along with my proof of enrollment, I am going to send off my JET Program application via certified mail so it gets there in time. I'm so excited! I wish you luck in everything as well.