3 answers
jaidyn
Student
Wichita, Kansas
2
Questions
Asked
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how can I achieve my goal of wanting to teach abroad or what course do I have to go through to teach abroad in Japan is teaching abroad in Japan worth it??
I'm a high school student and I want to be able to teach abroad when I get older I'm trying to see if there's any advice for school-wise and the teaching part-wise.
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3 answers
Ciarra Cummins
Scrum Master; Software Project Manager
4
Answers
West Valley City, Utah
Updated
Ciarra’s Answer
Here are a couple tips from what I've seen for folks teaching abroad.
* You want to make sure that the country you want to teach in truly is what you expect it to be. You can do some of this by:
---- Learn about not only their social culture, but also their work culture
---- Determining what it takes to live in that country and what papers you need
---- Research where you'd like to live and what food, health, vet care, or any other necessities you might need in order to sustain your lifestyle
---- Listening to others who have taught abroad in Japan and what their experiences have been or steps they took, etc.
* Research what the job market looks like out there for teachers and their pay. You can ask some questions like:
---- Are their enough jobs at good companies?
---- Will you have to build yourself up in America education first before being qualified enough to teach abroad?
---- Do they need teachers for the subject(s) you're wanting to teach?
---- Where do I have to live in order to have the jobs I need?
*You'll need to learn the language and learn to teach with that language. Some challenges that can come with that are:
---- Students all learn differently and can struggle to understand concepts. That could become even more difficult with a language barrier. You'll need to pay extra attention to detail on how you explain concepts in another language and learn multiple ways to explain something. Practicing in English via tutoring can help with this so that way you can at least learn how to explain something first then slap a language on it later.
---- Some cultures have multiple languages to learn and different socially acceptable ways to use the language (more than just not saying cuss words). This can be challenging, and you'll have to learn this etiquette so you know how to properly and professionally talk to your coworkers and students; and know when you're being disrespected to. Learning the work culture first can help you pair the words to proper etiquette later.
These are all things that you can think about before even thinking about going to school to specifically pursue teaching abroad. If it's truly what you want to do and where to go, you can follow the steps that others have taken before you (other teachers who've taught abroad) and learn from their journeys as to what you should do for your education. You can also look at the culture/education of the schools in the country on average and see where they're failing their students, whether in teachings or socially. From there, you can learn what knowledge or social skills you need that could help you standout and better your students, while still being respectful to the school and culture.
* You want to make sure that the country you want to teach in truly is what you expect it to be. You can do some of this by:
---- Learn about not only their social culture, but also their work culture
---- Determining what it takes to live in that country and what papers you need
---- Research where you'd like to live and what food, health, vet care, or any other necessities you might need in order to sustain your lifestyle
---- Listening to others who have taught abroad in Japan and what their experiences have been or steps they took, etc.
* Research what the job market looks like out there for teachers and their pay. You can ask some questions like:
---- Are their enough jobs at good companies?
---- Will you have to build yourself up in America education first before being qualified enough to teach abroad?
---- Do they need teachers for the subject(s) you're wanting to teach?
---- Where do I have to live in order to have the jobs I need?
*You'll need to learn the language and learn to teach with that language. Some challenges that can come with that are:
---- Students all learn differently and can struggle to understand concepts. That could become even more difficult with a language barrier. You'll need to pay extra attention to detail on how you explain concepts in another language and learn multiple ways to explain something. Practicing in English via tutoring can help with this so that way you can at least learn how to explain something first then slap a language on it later.
---- Some cultures have multiple languages to learn and different socially acceptable ways to use the language (more than just not saying cuss words). This can be challenging, and you'll have to learn this etiquette so you know how to properly and professionally talk to your coworkers and students; and know when you're being disrespected to. Learning the work culture first can help you pair the words to proper etiquette later.
These are all things that you can think about before even thinking about going to school to specifically pursue teaching abroad. If it's truly what you want to do and where to go, you can follow the steps that others have taken before you (other teachers who've taught abroad) and learn from their journeys as to what you should do for your education. You can also look at the culture/education of the schools in the country on average and see where they're failing their students, whether in teachings or socially. From there, you can learn what knowledge or social skills you need that could help you standout and better your students, while still being respectful to the school and culture.
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Jaidyn,
To teach English in Japan, you need to be a native speaker, hold a bachelors degree and a TEFL certificate (at least 120 hours). There is no requirement to speak Japanese or teach in Japanese. Your classroom will be fully immersed. Of course it makes sense to use your time to learn Japanese, start before you go (get your bachelors at a school that offers Japanese?) and continue while you are there. Japanese is fun!
I left a couple of links with information for you below. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable organisation when you look at programs. Inquire if they have some kind of housing available at a reasonable price or if you are on your own. In big cities, rent will be super high, and apartments will be super small (but well organized). If you go to a smaller city, you'll have more room.
Japan is wonderful! There is a rich culture to explore. People are very nice albeit a bit shy with foreigners. They warm up quickly when you speak at least a little Japanese and love their food. Personally, I love the food, but some people hate it. While you can survive without eating sushi and sashimi, your experience will be so much better if you love it. The quality is outstanding.
Japan is fairly expensive, so for most people, having a job there might be the only opportunity to see Japan. The pay should be pretty good too. If you shop Japanese food in local supermarkets you can live fairly cheaply too. If you need lots of imported foods it will cost you though.
You also need to think about your future career plans. Is teaching a short-term gig to get a bit of international experience, or do you want teaching to be your main profession? Should you get your bachelors so it leads to a teaching career in the US or would you want to do something different when you come back?
I hope this helps! Have fun in Japan!
KP
https://www.internationalteflacademy.com/blog/what-are-the-basic-requirements-to-teach-english-in-japan
https://www.tefl.org/teach-english-abroad/teach-english-in-japan/
https://www.tefl.org/teach-english-abroad/teach-english-in-japan/
https://www.gooverseas.com/teach-abroad/japan
To teach English in Japan, you need to be a native speaker, hold a bachelors degree and a TEFL certificate (at least 120 hours). There is no requirement to speak Japanese or teach in Japanese. Your classroom will be fully immersed. Of course it makes sense to use your time to learn Japanese, start before you go (get your bachelors at a school that offers Japanese?) and continue while you are there. Japanese is fun!
I left a couple of links with information for you below. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable organisation when you look at programs. Inquire if they have some kind of housing available at a reasonable price or if you are on your own. In big cities, rent will be super high, and apartments will be super small (but well organized). If you go to a smaller city, you'll have more room.
Japan is wonderful! There is a rich culture to explore. People are very nice albeit a bit shy with foreigners. They warm up quickly when you speak at least a little Japanese and love their food. Personally, I love the food, but some people hate it. While you can survive without eating sushi and sashimi, your experience will be so much better if you love it. The quality is outstanding.
Japan is fairly expensive, so for most people, having a job there might be the only opportunity to see Japan. The pay should be pretty good too. If you shop Japanese food in local supermarkets you can live fairly cheaply too. If you need lots of imported foods it will cost you though.
You also need to think about your future career plans. Is teaching a short-term gig to get a bit of international experience, or do you want teaching to be your main profession? Should you get your bachelors so it leads to a teaching career in the US or would you want to do something different when you come back?
I hope this helps! Have fun in Japan!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
thank you for sending me the advice and I'm wanting to do it as a full tie profession.
jaidyn
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
566
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Jaidyn, your dream of teaching overseas, particularly in Japan, can offer you a wealth of personal and professional rewards. As a high school student with ambitions to teach internationally, there are several proactive steps you can take to ready yourself for this exciting career path.
First and foremost, concentrate on establishing a solid academic base. Engage in coursework that aligns with your passions and professional objectives, focusing on areas like education, Japanese language studies, and cultural studies. By maintaining high academic performance and actively engaging in extracurricular activities that showcase leadership, communication abilities, and cultural sensitivity, you can boost your qualifications and position yourself as a strong contender for overseas teaching positions.
Alongside academic readiness, acquiring hands-on teaching experience is crucial. Seek out opportunities to volunteer or work in roles such as a tutor, teaching assistant, or mentor within your local community or school. This direct experience will not only help you hone vital teaching skills but also exhibit your dedication to the education sector.
Think about pursuing further education, like a degree in education or a related field. Numerous universities offer programs tailored for aspiring teachers, incorporating coursework, practical teaching experiences, and specialization opportunities in areas like English as a second language (ESL) or international education. Depending on the country or institution where you aim to teach, acquiring a teaching credential or certification may also be required.
Regarding your specific interest in teaching in Japan, there are several routes to consider. One possibility is joining a government-backed program like the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, which recruits native English speakers to serve as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in Japanese schools. Alternatively, you could pursue employment with private language schools, international schools, or universities in Japan that provide English language instruction.
Before you commit to a teaching opportunity overseas, it's crucial to thoroughly research and comprehend the requirements, expectations, and cultural nuances associated with teaching in your chosen location. Living and working in a foreign country can bring unique challenges, such as language barriers, cultural variances, and adjusting to a new environment. However, for many, the personal and professional development, cross-cultural experiences, and personal satisfaction that accompany teaching overseas make it a fulfilling pursuit.
Ultimately, the value of teaching overseas, whether in Japan or elsewhere, depends on your personal interests, objectives, and priorities. If you have a passion for education, a curiosity about different cultures, and a willingness to embrace new experiences, teaching overseas can be an incredibly enriching and transformative journey. By taking the initiative to prepare yourself acadically, gain relevant experience, and research potential opportunities, you can enhance your chances of successfully realizing your dream of teaching overseas in the future.
First and foremost, concentrate on establishing a solid academic base. Engage in coursework that aligns with your passions and professional objectives, focusing on areas like education, Japanese language studies, and cultural studies. By maintaining high academic performance and actively engaging in extracurricular activities that showcase leadership, communication abilities, and cultural sensitivity, you can boost your qualifications and position yourself as a strong contender for overseas teaching positions.
Alongside academic readiness, acquiring hands-on teaching experience is crucial. Seek out opportunities to volunteer or work in roles such as a tutor, teaching assistant, or mentor within your local community or school. This direct experience will not only help you hone vital teaching skills but also exhibit your dedication to the education sector.
Think about pursuing further education, like a degree in education or a related field. Numerous universities offer programs tailored for aspiring teachers, incorporating coursework, practical teaching experiences, and specialization opportunities in areas like English as a second language (ESL) or international education. Depending on the country or institution where you aim to teach, acquiring a teaching credential or certification may also be required.
Regarding your specific interest in teaching in Japan, there are several routes to consider. One possibility is joining a government-backed program like the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, which recruits native English speakers to serve as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in Japanese schools. Alternatively, you could pursue employment with private language schools, international schools, or universities in Japan that provide English language instruction.
Before you commit to a teaching opportunity overseas, it's crucial to thoroughly research and comprehend the requirements, expectations, and cultural nuances associated with teaching in your chosen location. Living and working in a foreign country can bring unique challenges, such as language barriers, cultural variances, and adjusting to a new environment. However, for many, the personal and professional development, cross-cultural experiences, and personal satisfaction that accompany teaching overseas make it a fulfilling pursuit.
Ultimately, the value of teaching overseas, whether in Japan or elsewhere, depends on your personal interests, objectives, and priorities. If you have a passion for education, a curiosity about different cultures, and a willingness to embrace new experiences, teaching overseas can be an incredibly enriching and transformative journey. By taking the initiative to prepare yourself acadically, gain relevant experience, and research potential opportunities, you can enhance your chances of successfully realizing your dream of teaching overseas in the future.