TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, TOEIC.............

[Vinc]

Hello!

All these exams, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, TOEIC, have different usage areas. However, if I were to take only one of these tests, which one of them is mostly "known" or highly regarded if applying for a job in Japan? For example as an English teacher etc. They're quite expensive so do not wish to take more exams than I need.

Anyone has any experience or a good idea which would be most suitable for Japan?

Thanks!


Vincent

 

[Glenski]

Your profile says Gothemburg, so I'm assuming you are Swedish.

TOEFL is for getting into a university as a student.

Japanese take TOEIC more often than any other English exam for jobs from Japanese employers. I don't know about other nationalities like you. If you are looking to be an English teacher here, you might need more than just a good score on TOEIC since you are from a recognized native-English speaking country. For one thing, to qualify for a work visa, you might have to establish that you have had 12 years of your education all in English.

Not sure of the cost of TOEIC in Sweden, but here it's only 6000 yen, which is about US$60. I wouldn't consider that very much at all, especially considering it's overall investment value. What does it cost to take such a test there?

 

[Vinc]

Hello Glenski, and thank you for your reply.
I have not yet found a TOEIC test place here in Sweden. Will have to look into it some more.

When it comes to picking the most suitable test.

The TOEIC test is a test designed for people who wants to "work in an international environment". However, some say that it is easier than for example the Cambridge CPE. With that said, would it be better for a Swede, like myself, to pick the test that is the most suitable? IE, TOEIC, or the test that is considered the "most difficult"? IE, Cambridge CPE?

Of course I could do them both but. For all I know the Cambridge CPE is not that widely used in Japan?

Once again, thank you for your reply.

 

[Glenski]

Vinc,
What job are you really interested in?

 

[Vinc]

Hello Glenski!

I work as a journalist, but it is very hard to get a Japanese VISA/sponsor in my line of work. Especially cause I work as a freelancer.

I want to work as an English teacher in Japan. Seems like a really fun job. And I like to teach too

 

[Glenski]

Probably the best advice I can give is to visit the discussion forums of the ESL Cafe and talk to everyone there. They are either teachers or wannabe teachers.

Journalism jobs, even freelance ones, are not that easy to find here. I will assume you are not very fluent in Japanese unless you state otherwise (because it's typically what we see), so that would mean you are depending on using only English. And that's the problem.

Teaching jobs are a dime a dozen, and pay is low. What experience do you have teaching English? I'll tell you all I know, but I'd like to get that preliminary point out of the way first.