I've started to study Japanese and have come to really like the culture and wish to teach English in Japan

Question

Is it true that i need a degree to be able to teach there? can i work there with out one? Anything else that would help me in regards to this would be appreciated.

Answer 1

The JET program is a great program that brings English speaking people to Japan to help teach English in public schools. It's a great way to go and live in the culture. You do not necessarily need a degree in teaching, but you do need a bachelor's degree. Check out the website.
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JETProgram/jobs.html

Answer 2

From what I've seen when I oversaw English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, all of the instructors have either communications or language degrees. The requirements are less stringent for assistant instructors though. Most of the assistant instructors need only have a college degree or an undergraduate degree in languages or communication. Try looking up various ESL teaching websites and you'll see the qualifications for instructors. It varies from school to school.

The question here is the ability to certify your students in ESL. That's where having the right credentials come in. I would also advice against going freelance in Japan. It's also worth considering that certified ESL instructors earn a lot more and you'll eventually need that to live comfortably in Japan.

Good luck and I hope I helped you even a little.

Answer 3

In order to stay/work in Japan, all you need is a visa. There are many kinds, but I believe the most convenient kind is the working visa. In order to procure a working visa, a company has to hire you. 99% of companies will not hire you if you do not have a degree of some kind. Note I said "some kind." Most English conversation schools do not care what kind of degree you have, as long as it's a bachelor's or above. However, as already noted, most REPUTABLE schools (junior high schools, high schools, universities, serious language schools, etc.) will not hire you without some kind of education degree. Most foreigners wind up working at English conversation schools, living very relaxed lives, but with little chance for advancement. The public school system and universities offer a chance for advancement.
You can come to Japan with other types of degrees. For instance, if you marry a Japanese person, you automatically receive a spousal visa. If you come for some kind of special traning, such as for aikido or ikebana, you can get a cultural visa. All of these will permit you to stay and work in Japan, but with certain restrictions (you are only permitted to make a certain amount of money; you have to renew every year with a cultural visa). I have been in Japan about six years myself without a work visa, but only because I have family here.

Answer 4

Any reputable school will require you to have a degree.

As an alternative, you could try to freelance, as many do, and risk getting caught by Japanese immigration. Japanese immigration isn't like ours. They boot you out fast and there's no endless appeals process.

You really need to consider the enormous cost of living before making any decision.

Answer 5

I've heard a lot of good things about the JET program, so definitely check that out. I did a study abroad in Hiroshima and I wish I could have been there longer, it was the best experience of my life. You will come back missing it!

Answer 6

I believe you could private tutor w/out a degree. You just cant lie & say you are certified or have a degree. Sounds exciting, good luck.