General questions

[Ikemen-of-d00m]

2 years from now, I am most likely done with my education. At that point, I will be a 23 year old Norwegian male, with a bachelor degree in "East Asian Studies", from one of the best and strictest universities in Europe.

My degree will look something like this:

Japanese Language: 50%
Japanese Society: 25%
Media Science: 25%

I will also have an extra year where I study Japanese(near Tokyo) deeper. But this year will not be a part of my degree, since a bachelor degree in Norway, usually takes 3 years to accomplish. Nevertheless, this year will be supported, and I will earn credits.

As a result of this education, I will have lived in Japan for almost one and a half year, and I will also have reached level 2 on the JLPT. I am at the moment somewhere between level 3 and 2. I think I am closer to level 2..

Here are my general questions:

1. Since English is not my first language, will it be hard to find a job as an English teacher? If "yes", are there any qualification tests I can take to prove my proficiency?

2. At what level may I teach English? Elementary School? Middle School? High School?

3. Should I ever get tired of teaching English, will any Japanese companies consider hiring me?

4. Is personal qualities and looks imporant as well?

5. Should I also learn a forth language, just to make myself more "special"? At the moment I'm only fluent in Norwegian and English, but I could easilly pick up German.

6. Is it possible to secure a job from my computer in Norway, and then move to Japan? Or do I have to "take a risk" and just travel to Japan and hope for the best?

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I would also be grateful if you gave your personal opinion of what you think is CRUCIAL for me to do, before moving to Japan to work.

[AssKissinger]

Try to make your connections while you're there.

[Taka-Okami]

Since your a non-native speaker of english, you may be able to pick up a gig in engrish, but you wont get paid as much.

Face the facts. Japan's economy is tanking, why would a Japanese company hire someone with no skillz? And can barely speak the language? Why would they hire you over a similaraly 'qualified' Japanese person?

I think your better off going back to University while your still young enough and do a real degree, lets say in medicine or engeering.

Another option if your smart enough is to start your own company in Japan.

[Ikemen-of-d00m]

My goal is not to become rich or anything.. An avergage salary is just fine, as long as I'm happy with what I am doing.

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Why will I earn less than the teachers with English as a first language? Is it because the best schools wont hire me?

I thought companies in Japan only focused on two things when they hired people: age and the name of the school where the applicant got his/hers degree? What you studied in particular had little to do with getting the job or not, since you start at the very bottom and learn over the years. At least that's what I thought :P

In my country, you need straight A's in high school if you want to be an engineer or a doctor, so that ship has sailed. I began to study Japanese because it interested me. And when I first came to Japan, I really fell in love with the country, and unlike many other foreign students, I did not want to go back home. That is why an average job like teaching English is OK with me, as long as it is in Japan. Besides, I really think I would love teaching.. In fact, I would probably end up in teacher-like job no matter what I did with my life, considering the type of personality I have...

[Mulboyne]

You've developed a speciality in Japan and seems like you are on your way to having a good command of the language. That's all entirely unnecessary to get a job teaching English. Since you've taken the time to develop those skills, you may as well investigate how you might best leverage them.

As most here will tell you, not many businesses will hire you just because you know more than average about Japan. If however, they have dealings with the country, and you seem like a competent, enthusiastic candidate, then it might be seen as a bonus.

I'd first look into what opportunities might be open to you specifically as a Norwegian. Norway exports huge amounts of seafood to Japan and some basic commodities but companies like Elkem also sell high added-value manufactures. If your aim is to be based in Japan, you could think long term and get yourself a position with someone who might eventually send you there. If some other professional qualification would help you, then consider taking the time to get one.

The government will also have cultural and trade relations with Japan. Check the Norwegian Embassy website to see what kind of organizations and departments deal with Japan and then look to see if they have any openings. I'm sure they do more than just field enquiries about a-ha.

If the Norwegian trail goes cold, broaden your outlook to international companies and organizations. You'll be up against greater competition but, if you come from one of the best universities in Europe, then there's no reason why you shouldn't give it a go.

By and large, though, to get the best out of your Japan qualifications, you are going to have to present yourself to employers as someone who cares about more than just Japan. That means finding out as much as you can about their business, their objectives and overall activities to see how you might fit in.

[Ikemen-of-d00m]

Believe me, I will check out the other possibilities before I jump into the world of English teachers. I am planning to have some conversations with the embassy when my studies are ending.

But as you wrote, if the Norwegian trail goes cold, I would have to look for international companies. This is where it gets tricky, for I suppose the embassy wont help me out here. Where should I then look for international companies in Japan?

It is not that easy to get a job in Norway with the type of bachelor I get. There are basically four opportunities:

1. Take a masters degree(but this is really not that much help, unless you really love theory)
2. Study Japanese on your own, until you are good enough to become a translator
3. Become a Japanese teacher(Most likely private afternoon courses... High School if you are very lucky)
4. Be creative(start on another degree, start a businiess, move to Japan etc)

I am 100% sure that I want to live in Japan in the future. At least in my 20's. I realize that it seems "wasted" to make this much time and effort at school, and only become a English teacher, which I could have become without a degree or Japanese proficiency. But the way I see it, knowing the language is very important if you want to live in the country, so I really don't feel like it is a waste of time. I met other gaijin in Japan, who had lived there for many years, but couldn't speak, write or read Japanese properly. If I can live in Japan, have a normal salary, and be happy with what I do, I really don't see how I should not try teaching English, if that is a safe opportunity?

I realize that you want me to avoid teaching English, since it will "ruin" my reputation, and is not that much of a job. And I really appreciate your concerns! But, since none of you have answered that clearly on question 1 and 2, can I safely assume that I can find a job as an English teacher without that many problems? Even at regular Japanese schools? I only need to know that I have this safety to lean back on, if I don't find any better jobs

[Taka-Okami]

[quote="Ikemen-of-d00m"]Believe me, I will check out the other possibilities before I jump into the world of English teachers. I am planning to have some conversations with the embassy when my studies are ending.

But as you wrote, if the Norwegian trail goes cold, I would have to look for international companies. This is where it gets tricky, for I suppose the embassy wont help me out here. Where should I then look for international companies in Japan?

It is not that easy to get a job in Norway with the type of bachelor I get. There are basically four opportunities:

1. Take a masters degree(but this is really not that much help, unless you really love theory)
2. Study Japanese on your own, until you are good enough to become a translator
3. Become a Japanese teacher(Most likely private afternoon courses... High School if you are very lucky)
4. Be creative(start on another degree, start a businiess, move to Japan etc)

I am 100% sure that I want to live in Japan in the future. At least in my 20's. I realize that it seems "wasted" to make this much time and effort at school, and only become a English teacher, which I could have become without a degree or Japanese proficiency. But the way I see it, knowing the language is very important if you want to live in the country, so I really don't feel like it is a waste of time. I met other gaijin in Japan, who had lived there for many years, but couldn't speak, write or read Japanese properly. If I can live in Japan, have a normal salary, and be happy with what I do, I really don't see how I should not try teaching English, if that is a safe opportunity?

I realize that you want me to avoid teaching English, since it will "ruin" my reputation, and is not that much of a job. And I really appreciate your concerns! But, since none of you have answered that clearly on question 1 and 2, can I safely assume that I can find a job as an English teacher without that many problems? Even at regular Japanese schools? I only need to know that I have this safety to lean back on, if I don't find any better jobs ]


What you could do is start working at a crappy eikaiwa and then get privates, then quit eikaiwa.

To be honest, I'd rather make cash that way rather than slave like a Jap in a Japanese company. Best is to get the Fat Cat Expat Package, but that wont be easy. I'm an Engineer in Oz, but I'm thinking I had a much easier/relaxing time during my teaching days, but the pay was MUCH less. But you dont need too much money if you live out in the Boonies, you can buy a great house for less than 10million yen.

I'm still in touch with a few of my old students, I reckon I could set up back again easily! WOOT!!

[dimwit]

But you dont need too much money if you live out in the Boonies, you can buy a great house for less than 10million yen.

If you mean you can buy land in the boonies for less than 10 million you are correct, the house that accompanies it would be in the real estate jargon 'a fixer upper'. It will be too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter, leak everytime it rains, and have any number of unspecified problems to boot.

I know of a number of Norwegians done very well in the seafood import busniess. Looking at trading companies is a possible option you might want to pursue.