Can I get a job in Japan teaching English if I have a bachelors degree in Japanese language and culture?

Question

but wouldn't they go for someone with a bachelors degree in English rather than Japanese...since they want someone to teach English?

Answer 1

A degree in English would be better. Some schools don't want Japanese to be spoken in the classroom.

Answer 2

It all depends on the type of job you're looking trying to get.

If you just want to work for a run-of-the-mill English Convesation school then I don't think what you've majored in matters all that much. All they want  is for you to have 4-year degree is the important thing. You may get a little extra pay for any special certifications (TEOFL, etc.) that you have. But, most of these schools aren't looking for highly educated and qualified professional teachers. They just was a native English speaker (preferably Western looking) who can come in, teach some classes, not alienate any students and not cause alot of problems. Whether you majored in Chemistry or English is irrelevant. They just want someone to come in who can work within their system.

The JET Programme is the same. The main thing is that you have a 4-year degree. Majoring in English might help you get an interview, but JET takes all kinds of people.  Japanese ability is also helpful, but not necessary unless you're going to apply for one of their CIR (Coordinator of International Relation) positions. In that case, a high level of Japanese ability is a prerequisite.

But, otherwise, any legitimate BA/BS is good enough for JET. I knew some JETs who had MAs and BAs in all kinds of stuff.

But, if you're hoping to land a job at an international school, a private Japanese school, or maybe even a university then what you've majored in might be more relevant.

Alot of these places are more selective in who they hire and because they tend to offer better compensation and working conditions, they tend to attract a higher quality of applicant. So, the competition for these jobs is more intense.

Anything that can distinguish you from any other candidates will be a plus in your favor. Japanese ability will be a big plus at these places, but more than anything else, they are looking for professional teachers with proper credentials.

A degree in Japanese will, at first, help you more personally then professionally. It is true that most schools don't want you turning their English Classes into your own personal Japanese study session. Students are not paying fees to help you practice your Japanese.

But, knowing some Japanese will help you really understand what's going on outside of the classroom a little better . It will also make living in Japan alot less confusing. And, you won't have to always be relying on your school/job/employer/whomever to take care of you.

If after a few years of working at some school, you decided to try and do something other than teach English, a degree in Japanese would be way more beneficial than a degree in English. If you have decent Japanese skills, a company can train you to do almost any kind of job. If you can read and write as well then you will have so many more opportunies open up for you. This is when a degree in Japanese can be really payoff.

If you want to see what kind of jobs are out there then check out a site like gaijinpot.com or do a search of ESL jobs in Japan. That should give you some idea.

If you want to find out more about the JET Programme then check out their homepage.

Answer 3

Yes, you can. You have choices of working at public schools or private language schools (teaching early childhood to adult). I have heard that private English schools for small children have sometime have 3 years olds' (or younger) wet accidents in the classroom.

My recommendation is:

JET programme

- You will be working with Japanese English teacher as an assistant for he/him. You can experience rural Japan with subsidised accommodation is looked after by Board of Education. You will pay what you spent for living cost but transport from your country will be looked after by organisation in your country.

See the details for application on the attached website. Application for 2009 will start in Sep (next month).

You would be a suitable applicant where you are interested in Japanese culture. They also provide some course to learn Japanese. Your Japanese skills and understanding of culture would help you to communicate with Japanese teachers or coordinator at Board of Education. Many AET (Assistant English Teacher) experienced frustration communicating with them where their English are not that great (often) or AET's Japanese is very poor.

Have a fun and inspire Japanese children!

Answer 4

Well duh!!!!! a degree in Japanese language and culture should have set off a big clue. If you know how to speak English the better.

Answer 5

yes one of my teachers did that for about 4 months