Moving to Japan: Various important questions

[Mochiron Milkshake]

I've decided that I'm going to move to Japan in about 4 years for various personal reasons. Right now I'm in an associate's degree program, but I will be transferring into a bachelor's degree program at a University in about 2 years. The thing is, I'm taking most of my classes online because of my crazy schedule. I will most likely do this all the way through. So, you could say I'm acquiring my bachelor's degree online. The colleges/degree programs are both accredited in every way they should be. And as far as I know, I get the same exact degree everyone else is getting. Maybe it might say I acquired it online or something, but it's still a real bachelor's degree from an accredited University. So, will this be acceptable to the Japanese government and what not? I'm just making sure. Also, I have a GED..but I doubt that matters since I'm getting a full degree right? When I move I want to go somewhere very specific, so I don't really want to settle for NOVA or JET 'trying' to accommodate my needs. There is no guarantee. So, is it a better idea for me to search for other ways like GaijinPot or should I go directly there and search? Finally, I want to get some sort of certification such as TEFL. I heard there are different types of certification, but does it really matter? Sorry for all the questions but they have been on my mind for a while. Any other additional advice or tips would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[KirinMan]

For immigration the bachelors degree should do it for you. A degree is a degree when it comes to coming to Japan to teach English. Immigration, I have "heard" checking up on the "degree-mills" so getting your degree from an accredited institution should be fine. If you aren't satisfied with that then I would suggest contacting the Japanese Embassy or checking out the Ministry of Foreign affairs website here;Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa FAQ's


I would recommend JET first as the work conditions and pay/benefits are worlds better than NOVA, GOES or any other eikaiwa. With an eikaiwa you ARE probably going to be working weekends and holidays, not with JET, plus the networking that you can do with JET can assist you in getting a "real" job afterwards.

 

[Iron Chef]

When I move I want to go somewhere very specific

Not always possible whoever you work for. Both JETs and Eikawa instructors can put in their respective preferences during the application process but there's no guarantee you'll land the assignment you're hoping for.

As far as your academic credentials are concerned, as long as it's an accredited four-year degree you should be fine regardless of whether you were in a traditonal classroom setting or acquired it online. If a question arises at some point re: legitimacy, they (being your potential employer) may ask for your CV or transcripts but doubtful. As long as your CoE is in order, shouldn't be a problem there on out.

 

[Glenski]

If you want to go somewhere specific, best bet is to come here and look, but you may also find something on places like GaijinPot.com or ELTNews.com, so play the percentages until you have enough money and time to come here and look around. It'll take 1-2 months just to find a job if you come here; depends on your interviewing ability and the time of year.

TEFL certification is not necessary for work here, but I recommend it if you want to make this a long-term venture. Don't take any that is online; get something that is better than a weekend thing, too.