Degree/Certification/Relevancy

[bealuct]

Hello.

I was wondering if teaching English in Japan in either an eikawa, or as an ALT in the JET Program required a Bachelor's degree in English. I've heard from some people that it really doesn't matter what type of Bachelor's degree you have, but just as long as you have one. Is this true and if so, why is that? It wouldn't make sense for a school to hire someone with an Engineering degree if they're going to be teaching English grammar or conversation. Anyway, I'm a little confused as to why that is, so I thought I should post here so you guys could enlighten me.

Also, I've read in another thread about TESOL/CELTA Certifications and was wondering if I should be thinking about getting one if I were to apply to the JET Program as an ALT. And speaking of the JET Program, does anyone know why the overall CIR participant numbers are so low? I can understand why there are practically no SEA participants but... being a CIR can't be that bad... or can it?

Also, I've actually JUST received my citizenship (US) so I was wondering if that will be an issue when I look for a teaching job in Japan in terms of how long I have been a citizen. Before that I was a PR since I was 6 months old so hopefully not.

FYI: I'm actually a college student majoring in both English and Economics so I don't think there there would ever be a problem regarding what type of degree I need to be eligible for the JET Program but yeah... In general I am a little lost on what I should be looking for as well as knowing what's available in terms of getting a job in Japan so I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks guys.

[Taro Toporific]

... I've heard from some people that it really doesn't matter what type of Bachelor's degree you have, but just as long as you have one. Is this true and if so, why is that? It wouldn't make sense for a school to hire someone with an Engineering degree if they're going to be teaching English grammar or conversation. Anyway, I'm a little confused as to why that is.

Japanese salaryman working in areas unrelated to their degrees is the norm in Japan. Likewise, gaijin engrish teachers are not necessarily expected to have full certification---Many engrish teachers just claim they are "certified" after a one week course (or fake certification).

"Why" you ask?
T.I.J.

Engrish education here is a cruel joke for the most part. Additionally, many (most?) of the best English teachers in Japan have no qualifications beyond being a native speaker and being able to be very entertaining/cute/attractive.

[wuchan]

1: Not only in japan but in most countries people end up doing something that they did not study for. We have a saying where I came from; "It is a pice of paper that says you are not a drug dealer. Some choose to pay more for that pice of paper to feel special".

2: JET is a joke. (here comes hate) JETs mostly do the same job as all the other ALTs for the same wage.

3: Japan is not wonderland unless you can't get laid at home...



If you want a visa: get sponsored by some random eikawa, work until you have the visa and then quit.

[dimwit]

Hello.

It wouldn't make sense for a school to hire someone with an Engineering degree if they're going to be teaching English grammar or conversation.

Actually, an engineering degree in not a disadvantage at all. Many companies have English programs specifically catering to technical English that an English major would probably not be as useful given the need to understand the jargon. I have been employed on a number of ocassions to correct papers that had been translated (presumably by ENS's) that misconveyed the authors' ideas because they essentially didn't get them.

[bealuct]

Useful, useful, all useful information.. Thank you!

Please keep the stream of knowledge flowing.

[Samurai_Jerk]

2: JET is a joke. (here comes hate) JETs mostly do the same job as all the other ALTs for the same wage.

Not true. JETs make more money and have better working conditions than most ALTs.

bealuct,

There are fewer CIRs because fewer are needed and fewer people have the required Japanese ability. If your Japanese is good enough you are better off coming as a CIR than an ALT as far as work experience is concerned.

How long you've been a US citizen has no bearing on JET and a BA of any kind is fine. Don't bother getting certification either.

A lot of guys on here like myself have spent more than a few years in Japan and came over as teachers. I think most would agree that you shouldn't do the same. It's a career killer than will get you nowhere and will do nothing for your resume. Not even if you want to be a professional TESOL teacher.

[bealuct]

Oh I see.

The Japanese proficiency requirement for CIR applicants probably have to take the JLPT right? I haven't taken that. Hopefully I will have studied enough to pass on the lower levels if that helps me with my credentials.

and ROFL
@ "T.I.J."

Oh and I wanted to ask if I was overlooking any other alternatives to teaching Engrish in Japan. I've mostly been looking at eikawas and the JET program so if there are other ways for me to go please inform me.

[Christoff]

If you can rock a anime haircut you can get a job as a host.

[bealuct]

I wouldn't mind but it all depends on the pay of course.

[BO-SENSEI]

As a current JET I have mixed feeling about the benefits of being one and can only take SJ at his word about whether or not it helps you on your resume. If you are just looking to get a few years of living in Japan under your belt, then by all means I believe that JET is the way to go. It is way very helpful for getting you set up, better pay, and working conditions can be better in most cases. Unfortunately the current economic crisis has started to take its toll on the English programs in Japan and JET is no exception, with some prefectures phasing out JET or significantly reducing numbers. Two years ago, the number of ALTs in Japan was about 6000 and now it is about 4500, and I promise you, it is going to be even less next year, thus making it even more select in the application process.

While I do not regret my decision to be a JET, as of the moment, I can certainly say I am not going to make a career of teaching English and I am looking forward to going back to school and then get a job doing something that actually matters instead of helping people who can't speak the language teach it to kids who don't want to learn it.

[bealuct]

Thanks for the reply bo. I'll take that into consideration...

Having mixed feelings about it all since taxes will be a pain in the arse. Not to mention my college loans... my monthly cash flow as a ALT would be like -1000 GWs. I wonder if I can live off my muscle mass reserves for an extended period of time... though truth be told, these reserves have been diminishing ever since mandatory PE class during my first years in HS.