Hi,

I'd recommend asking to look at the contract before - I usually do.  Some companies will deduct from your last wage packet if you break your contract - so this is something to be wary of.  It's important to know the terms of your contract before you go and they should send it to you before you go.  If not, then at least get them to answer your questions by email so you have it written down.  Japanese people are usually very honest, so they are more likely than most to be fair!  However they are a hard working nation - so check out your hours of work etc!

Hi Ang,

It's good to hear from you, I'm glad you got a job! Did you find it difficult to get without a degree? I would still love to go to Japan but I've got a job teaching English in china. I'm having a really good time over here and the people are amazing. The job can be really difficult sometimes because I teach 18 different classes with 45 students in each! I still really want to travel to Japan but I think I'm going to have to wait for a year or two............ It might be easier to get a job there once I have some experience!

Hi there,

No I've not heard of them - but I'm sure they are fine.  One of the best things about Japan is the people are generally really honest and just generally lovely.

Advice?  If you have above a size 5 foot and above size 12 in clothes/are tall then getting shoes and clothes will be hard to get - so take enough shoes and trousers with you!

Summer is very hot and humid, so try to get a place with AC in your bedroom - or you will be stuck to your bed!  The Japanese use funky little face towels as 'sweat cloths' seems gross at first but you'll need them it's so humid!

Most of all try all the food!  It's gorgeous!!

Let me know if you have any more qs!  And more importantly have fun - it's a fabulous, hospitable country!  I don't know anyone who has been there and hasn't loved it!

Emma x

Hi angbabz,

I hope japan works out ok for you, Ive just started studying TELF myself and id like to teach in japan but like yourself I dont have a degree. If you get a chance let me know how you got on!

Tanks very much and good luck!!

Hi,

I went through a similar worry about TEFL courses because there are so many out there all offering similar.

    Some sites that ive been on just didn't give a good vibe or weren't clear in what they offered. I also had doubts in whether I should give up the that I had here.

    I took some advice from my mum though and that was "If your thinking about it you probably want to do it and if you dont do it you will wish that you had so just go for it...and if you doesnt work out there is always a home here or many other countries you could try."

So, without hesitation I signed up for the 120hrs with i-to-i, then called my mum moments after, to which she said "Well Done!"

    For me the 120hrs offered the best value for money. The weekend course is a must though for meeting others!

    If your wanting to gain experience then have a look at the China and (i think) Thailand work placement. I know its not Japan BUT at least its an option and with experience under your belt might help get a job in Japan.

    Another option to consider is do an online BA course linked to a recognised university. That way you can work whilst study and have that valuable degree. Do you have any other qualifications such as a Diploma, occasionally that can help or you might be able to do a top up course as a degree is about 1 level up then a diploma

   Just some things to consider...let me know if you have any questions

Ohio gozimez Ang, (Good morning)

Genki desuka? (how are you?)

In general you do need a degree in order to obtain a working visa. However, it is not impossible to obtain one without a degree. Most teaching companies or schools will consider teaching experience instead of a degree, although he did advise that you would usually have to have at least 5 – 10 years under your belt. As companies sponsor your visa application you could technically find one, but that would be dependant on the company being willing to hire you without a degree or teaching experience.

When I was there, there were lots of opportunities for private lessons and getting a job was easy as a young female - but honestly, with the collapse of the biggest school over there (NOVA) I'm not sure what the job situation is like over there.  But if you go to Osaka (my fav) or Tokyo I'm sure you'll have no problems!

I'd say do it!!  But do your research first.  Contact schools and see if they will take you on without a degree - go to http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/groups/8-Japan/discussion/53-interested-in-hearing-from-tefl-teachers-in-japan?page=1#posts-1663   and follow the job links I put on there :-)

Let me know if I can help further!

Emma x

Hi Ang,

I read that you are interested in teaching English in Japan. I am actually moving out there on the 3rd April to do just that. So if you have any questions then please dont hesitate to ask cos im more then happy to lend a hand

Hey Ang,

Welcome to Chalkboard - that's great you want to head to Japan, but you may find you have problems getting a visa to work there without a degree - the only way you can really get around it is if you have 3 years of teaching experience - which you might have if you've already worked in childcare.

I'm no expert on Japan though, so you might want to chat to Emma, who's taught there before to get her take on things: http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/emmafoers

Best of luck with it all and hope you make it to Japan!

Hi Everyone! This is my first time on here so dont really know what I am doing :) but i really wanna talk to some people, who have gone to Japan to teach English, independantly, with no degree BUT with the TEFL Course...so anyone who can help me, please let me know :) I just need some advice, because I am not sure how to go about things.