Hello, first time poster...
I've been planning on working abroad for some time (1-2 years, maybe even more - I never had the chance to travel and I hunger) and have read a lot about teaching and generally being a foreigner in Japan, and at this point have some grasp of what to expect in terms of hours and pay. What I can't find particularly much info on is the perks of actually having a related degree, as most positions require a BA at most. I have a Master's (linguistics) in English, as well as the fairly prestigious teaching qualifications of Finland. I've little experience to speak of yet, however.
From what I can gather, the degree I have technically qualifies me for teaching at university level in Japan, but the positions are difficult to land. If I wanted to teach university-level, it seems the best (read: only) way would be to try and land part-time positions initially, but it might be doable. Here's the problem I have - as I try to enter university-level English instructor positions, I would have to get my experience in positions where the requirement is a BA or nothing at all. This means a lot of children (which I have no problems with but would quite frankly rather educate young adults), as well as relatively poor pay.
If anyone read this far, I would like to hear more knowledgeable people's thoughts about how I should go about teaching in Japan with my educational background. Does anyone know more about how my qualifications would help me as I enter English teaching in Japan?
EDIT: typos, its late...
I've been planning on working abroad for some time (1-2 years, maybe even more - I never had the chance to travel and I hunger) and have read a lot about teaching and generally being a foreigner in Japan, and at this point have some grasp of what to expect in terms of hours and pay. What I can't find particularly much info on is the perks of actually having a related degree, as most positions require a BA at most. I have a Master's (linguistics) in English, as well as the fairly prestigious teaching qualifications of Finland. I've little experience to speak of yet, however.
From what I can gather, the degree I have technically qualifies me for teaching at university level in Japan, but the positions are difficult to land. If I wanted to teach university-level, it seems the best (read: only) way would be to try and land part-time positions initially, but it might be doable. Here's the problem I have - as I try to enter university-level English instructor positions, I would have to get my experience in positions where the requirement is a BA or nothing at all. This means a lot of children (which I have no problems with but would quite frankly rather educate young adults), as well as relatively poor pay.
If anyone read this far, I would like to hear more knowledgeable people's thoughts about how I should go about teaching in Japan with my educational background. Does anyone know more about how my qualifications would help me as I enter English teaching in Japan?
EDIT: typos, its late...