Who can give me real information on teaching english in Japan or other foreign countries?

Question

Looking for experienced people with TEFL. Is TEFL the best/only way to go? I have an english degree and work experience, little teaching experience. Please advise.

Answer 1

You could look in into the JET program, too.  See the site below.

If you're serious about teaching ESL/EFL, you really should work on a degree.  It's generally much more complex than people expect it to be.  I have my MA in TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) and have taught both in the US and overseas for the last 15 plus years.  I was also the president of my state's TESOL affiliate.  You could check out their website for information on teaching ESL/EFL, too.

Answer 2

It depends on what you want to do.

Usually, most people who come to Japan apply to a ALT hiring company. These companies (i.e. Interac, Alitia, Geos, etc.) take care of placing you in whatever school, help with taxes, visas, language barriers, etc. They  generally don't require any certificate, just a BA in any profession.

In the case of the JET Programme, you additionally need to be from an English speaking country and yes, additional certifications may help your chances.

Then there are the Board of Educations and private high schools that hire directly. These positions are usually hard to find and require experience, teaching related education, certificates, and might be exclusive for those who are already in Japan.

They look for people who are going to commit for a relatively long time. In these positions teachers are more involved, plan curriculum, get more money, interact with parents, and of course need some level of Japanese proficiency.

So basically, it depends.

ALT = No TELF, less responsibility, less teaching, less money, commitment plays small role.

English Teacher = Yes TELF, more responsibility, more money, commitment plays big role.

But you might want to come as a regular ALT just so you get to know the system, culture, and see if you like it.