Hi, I'm Esther!

[Esuteru]

こんにちは！

Finally joined after seeing this forum come up on Google!

My name is Esther, I'm a 20 year old female who was born to Chinese immigrants in California. I am currently studying for my BA degree in English and planning to move to Japan to teach by 2017. One of my friends already lives in Tokyo. I understand the culture is vastly different and I will be required to learn at least some Japanese.

From what I've already seen and heard, it's much easier to find a job over there than it is here. It's also much easier to move up.

What I'm planning to do is make one trip to Tokyo before I move. Also, study to at least an intermediate level of Japanese.

I graduate college in two more years. HELLO, JREF!

 

[Mike Cash]

What do you mean by "move up"?

 

[Esuteru]

What do you mean by "move up"?

I heard that through word of mouth. Supposedly, you can get promoted easier since there exist less competition for these jobs. Compared to America, Japan's population don't have many capable in English/Journalism. Plus the university system in Asia is different (some of my relatives still live there) so to them, even an AA degree is equivalent to a PHD depending who/where you are. Education is hard to come by, unlike America who accepts just about everybody.

 

[Mike Cash]

So you're planning to get a job teaching in university here with your BA?

 

[Esuteru]

I'm planning to get a job teaching in Japanese elementary schools. Either that, or middle schools.

 

[Mike Cash]

I'm planning to get a job teaching in Japanese elementary schools. Either that, or middle schools.

You mean like a regular school teacher here?

 

[Esuteru]

Well, yes. Do you have any experience in this field? Care to enlighten me, Master? :122:

 

[Mike Cash]

Well, yes. Do you have any experience in this field? Care to enlighten me, Master? :122:

No, I'm just trying to make sure I'm clear on what you're planning.

I'm pretty sure that what you have in mind isn't possible unless you pass the licensing exam for teachers here (in Japanese).

There is a program for foreigners to visit classes and assist the regular teachers, but from what I hear you're essentially just a human tape recorder and there is no career path for you to move up in.

Few "teachers" here are teachers in the sense of the word you're used to.

 

[Esuteru]

I'm pretty sure that what you have in mind isn't possible unless you pass the licensing exam for teachers here (in Japanese).

There is a program for foreigners to visit classes and assist the regular teachers, but from what I hear you're essentially just a human tape recorder and there is no career path for you to move up in.

If this is my only option, I could consider giving it a shot. Studying a new language proves to be very difficult but it works out for the devoted. I'm not sure how advanced that test is.

What is this program called? Would you happen to have any more information on that last piece?

 

[Mike Cash]

The program that visits schools is the JET program. I think we have some members here who are participants and can tell you more about it.

It is not your only option, though. The bulk of people who come here to teach English do so at private English conversation schools. It isn't something that people typically make a career out of.

 

[Esuteru]

It is not your only option, though. The bulk of people who come here to teach English do so at private English conversation schools. It isn't something that people typically make a career out of.

I have seen the JET website so I know what you're talking about...

I may have to supplement with another career on the side, like becoming an author or journalist.