Can anybody out there give me some advice on how to find and apply for jobs in Japan? I applied for a position today through TEFLONE.COM but was informed that they only consider applicants with a 120hour classroom based TEFL with at least 6 hours observed teaching practise. I have recently completed the 140 hour course through i-to-i. Will this be the case with most or all jobs in Japan? I've done this course with my heart set on Japan so I really hope I haven't chosen the wrong course. Can anyone advise me?

Many thanks

Dan Morris.

Hi there,

When an advert states that candidates should have a 120hr classroom course with at least 6hrs of observed teaching practice, they are referring to the Cambridge CELTA, Trinity CertTESOL or American SIT TESOL. These are four- or five-week intensive face-to-face courses where trainees are observed and assessed teaching real students (as opposed to their fellow trainees) for a minimum of 6hrs. Regardless of number of hours, an online TEFL certificate does not meet this requirement.

That said, there are plenty of employers who will accept candidates with online TEFL certificates - you just need to keep looking.

Briona

Hi Dan,
The requirements for different jobs vary so please don't be disheartened. There are plenty of jobs in Japan you'll qualify for.

Have you thought about going through our placements service? It's completely free, please feel free to take a look at the Japan opportunity here:

http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-jobs-abroad/tefl-japan.html?source=chlkboardsocial
The following sites may also be of use to you:

http://www.eslpro.com
http://www.tefljobs.net
http://www.jobsinjapan.com/www.ohayosensei.com

Hope this helps but please let me know if you'd like any further assistance.

Thanks,
Erin

Thank you Erin. That is very helpful. I'll take at look at these later on today and tomorrow.

Hello everyone

I'd really appreciate some clarity and advice.

Am I to correctly understand that without a University degree it is impossible to get a teaching job in Japan?

I am level 4 Trinity certified but I do not hold a degree.

Warm Regards Ali

Hi Ali,

Unfortunately, to teach in Japan you need to have a Bachelor's Degree. As this is a visa requirement, short of being on a spouse visa, there is no way around this.

FYI a Trinity CertTESOL is rated Level 5, not that this makes any difference to being able to work in Japan.

Briona

A degree is needed unless you have a valid visa already (spouse visa etc)...

Also, even if you do have a valid visa some companies (such as Interac) also make it a requirement to have a visa for most position.)

Most ALT jobs, working in regular schools don't require any extra qualification. Most private schools, language school etc require experience which can range from Tefl to celta to actual teaching experience in japan