Gap year!

[g0b]

I have read somewhere that you need a degree to teach English (as an assistant) in Japan? Is this true? If so all my dreams are about to crash :(

I'll only be getting A-levels and a TEFL... what are my options for a working year (or longer) in Japan?

[magevampjoe]

I don't think that you need a degree to teach English in Japan. I believe that anybody can take a small training course in teaching, and teach there. You don't actually need to know any Japanese, and in many english teaching schools it is actually forbidden.

Have a search around this forum. You should be able to find many threads with this or similar questions.

Gambatte.
joe

[Mikawa Ossan]

The degree in necessary to obtain a visa, not to get the job per se.

But the short answer is, yes, it is necessary.

[g0b]

So, for lack of a better term... I'm screwed?

[Mikawa Ossan]

Look into getting a "working holiday" visa. As a British citizen, you are eligible. I think they're good for a year, although you should check the Ministry of Justice's webpage on visas for more information.

This might be of some help:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/

[Glenski]

Please read the FAQ, especially the part I wrote.

You do NOT need a degree to teach English here. A work visa (usually the Humanities Specialist/International Relations type) specifies a degree OR 3 years of work experience. This is not the only type of work visa for teachers, though.

You can also teach with other types of visas that do not require degrees:
spouse visa
dependent visa
student visa
cultural visa
working holiday visa (not for all nationalities or ages)
PR status (not a visa)

magevampjoe wrote:
I believe that anybody can take a small training course in teaching, and teach there.Wrong. The requirements are in the link Mikawa provided plus this one.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html