Teaching English in Japan

Japan is a prime location for teaching abroad, especially among recent college grads, terrified with the prospect hanging up their beer bong in exchange for a real 9-to-5 job. As Daunting as the real world is, teaching English in Japan is not really an escape, it’s more of an adventurous stepping stone. You’ll learn valuable cultural and language skills, as well as teaching skills to help boost your resume’s potential when you get back to the states. Teaching English in Japan is a great option for qualified grads with an adventurous spirit and a thirst for knowledge.

In this excerpt from Sam Baldwin’s article, Jet Set and Beyond, from Student Traveler Magazine we get some insight into what goes into scoring a teaching job in Japan:

Japan has long been a prime target for those wanting to teach English in Asia, and the demand for teachers shows little sign of abating. It may not be as lucrative as it was in the 80s before the bubble burst, when an English speaker could apparently waltz into an easy 20-hour-a-week job that would more than pay the bills, but there is still a huge need for English, and native speakers will have little trouble finding work. Though teaching qualifications and experience will widen your options, simply put, Native English Speaker + Any University Degree = Teaching Job in Japan.

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Of course, JET is not without its downsides. As neither Japanese language ability nor teaching experience is required, competition for the approximately 1,500 U.S. positions available each year is fierce. Also, the application process is drawn out over ten months starting in September, with successful applicants not landing o­n Japanese soil until the following July. What's more, although you can request a location, there's no guarantee you'll be placed there. The vast majority don't get their top choices, because famous cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo are heavily oversubscribed, while little-known rural areas tend to get overlooked.

-Sam Baldwin

Next time: How to get your TEFL

Teaching English in Madrid

The demand for English teachers is fairly high, no matter where you go in the world. So if you can get a job just about anywhere, why not head to paradise?

Okay, maybe Madrid isn’t exactly paradise, but it’s a pretty nice place to teach English abroad. Teaching English in Madrid certainly has its perks. The location is amazing, just a short train ride from the sunny coast of Andalucía, and the bustling, non-stop party of Barcelona.

It can actually be hard for Americans to get a job teaching English in Madrid, or anywhere in Europe for that matter. The native English speakers of the UK don’t need work permits to work in EU countries, and Americans do. If it takes more paperwork to hire an American, why waste the time? So you better get yourself certified through TEFL or CELTA – do what you can to make your teach abroad skills shine!

If you’re looking for an teaching job in Madrid, or anywhere in Spain, try checking bulletin boards at youth travel agencies, look for signs, especially around universities, and of course check the web. You may not be able to get a job teaching English in Madrid at a university, but you’ll have an easier time offering your skills as a private language tutor. Make up a flier and post it around various college campuses.

If you’re able to pull it off, getting a job teaching English in Madrid will definitely be a rewarding experience.

Next time: Teaching English in Japan

Teaching English Abroad

Teaching English overseas can be a fun and rewarding way to start your career as a teacher. You’ll be able to experience another culture for an extended period of time, immersing yourself in their language and customs, all while honing your craft as a teacher and making a couple extra travel bucks on the side.

Diving into the world of teach abroad can be a bit daunting. First, there are all these acronyms to deal with – EFL is English as a Foreign Language, or simply English as taught in a region where the native language is not English. ESL is English as a Second Language, or English taught in an area where the native language is English, to someone whose first language is something else.

These are types of English teaching positions available, but the most important acronym is for the certification you will need to begin your teaching. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. You can get a TEFL (also called TESL or TESOL) certificate through one of many available certification programs. Also available are CELTA certificates, or Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. We will go over all the certification options in a later blog.

Once you wade through the paperwork and confusing terminology, if you still want to try your hand at teaching English abroad, jobs can be found just about anywhere in the world. Anywhere there is a need to learn English, there is a need for English Teachers. Your students may be young children, college students, business men, or housewives. Most programs will enroll all ages and backgrounds, so be ready for anything- and don’t forget to have fun!

Next time: Teaching English in Madrid.