Teaching September 2006...

[rich45]

Hi all...

First off, I'd like to say what a great message board this is with a lot of valuable information. It's particularly helpful for me to clarify what I want to do, as at the moment I have a thousand ideas running through my head!

Anyway, my situation is as follows:

I graduated from Lancaster University summer 2004 with a Degree in English Language and Linguistics. I went travelling a few months after that, and I'm still in New Zealand until February 2006. So, I've been thinking about what I want to do when I get back home, and I've decided I want to teach in Japan, partly because I've always wanted to teach anyway, and partly because I want to travel and see other cultures rather than be stuck in England.

At the moment, my plan is to go home for 6 months, earn some money and maybe do a TEFL qualification, if only for my own peace of mind rather than for any advantages it may or may not bring.

I hope to go to Japan next September for at least a year, but this is where the confusion kicks in. I've met many Japanese people in NZ and Australia, and I've been researching a lot, and I've decided I want to teach in Kyoto or Osaka. Is this realistic?

Obviously there are mixed reports about Nova, and I didn't fancy the Jet programme as I want to be based in a city rather than in the middle of nowhere.

At the moment it's all ideas in my head, as I can't concentrate on it 100% until I get back home in February. But I'd like some ideas about where to start. How long before I hope to start should I start applying for jobs? Is it better to go there first before looking for a job (obviously more risky)? Do any of the other 'big schools' have a better reputation than NOVA?

Sorry for rambling and all the questions, but I'm sure anyone who is teaching/has taught can relate to how I'm feeling. I'm really interested in Japan and it's all I seem to think about (even though I'm still in NZ!).

Thanks for any replies...

Rich :-)

[mr.sumo.snr]

You say you don't want to do JET because you'll be out in the country. This is not necessarily the case. Sure you can be miles from civilization but most times the JETs are in rural cities close to the major urban areas.

Furthermore, since it's a government program, you get a more than generous salary, subsidized and in many cases free accommodation. Good vacation time and of course a support network of other JETs.

You only get a crack at JET once. It's comfortably the best introduction to teaching English in Japan. With your degree plus the CELTA qualification you should have no difficulty in securing a place for next year.

I would apply for JET anyway, and should you get offered a place you can then decide whether to turn them down. A bird in the hand and so forth...

--