Things I Wish I'd Known : Before Teaching In Japan
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- čas přidán 10. 10. 2015
- I have been looking for more teaching jobs in Japan. In doing so I have definitely come to understand some very valuable truths. In this video I share my thoughts on some important things to realize if you are looking to evolve teaching into something more than a single year spent in a foreign country. I touch on a number of topics and compare the behaviors of bigger companies versus their smaller counterparts. Hopefully this video can not only save some people time but also direct them towards a more fulfilling experience in they are thinking of living in Japan for the long term.
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Ive seen a lot of people saying how living and teaching in Japan is terrible. I qualify to give a response and I've lived here for 2 years now. It doest suck at all. Sure loads of things annoy me about Japan, but things at home in the UK annoy me too. Teaching can also sometimes be annoying and the moneys not great, but its enough to enjoy life with my wife and save a bit each month, and i get to enjoy living in a country where i know my wife is always safe traveling back from work alone, we always have access to good food, and most of all, this place is BEAUTIFUL!
If you having a blast, who are we to judge!_ Glad to hear you having a great life here in Japan.
I'm in China at the moment, teaching at a public international high school.
Any chance I could move to an international high school in Japan?
@@TTailled you could try the JET programme and other programmes similar
I think a lot of people who move are either really spoiled or have unreasonable expectations.
A positive outlook like this is literally all anyone needs, people get bogged down by small issues because they perceive them as insurmountable obstacles.
Whatever job you decide to do over there isn’t the be all and end all of your time in Japan, the whole reason you went there was to experience a new and beautiful country, the job is only a means to that end. Nothing more.
We Japanese must think about teachers from overseas more and more.
They wish we and our surrounding should give them good experiences.
But our negative attitudes have made them depressed.
And your pronunciation is very clear.This video will be my textbook(textvideo??) ;-)
Many moons ago, about 16 years ago, when I first came here with NOVA, a few weeks in, another guy came, got his visa then left for a job driving forklift trucks in Osaka. I would suggest anyone who really doesn't want to teach English here, use these companies for the visa then leave if you have an offer to work elsewhere. But make sure you have a job to go to first, can speak some Japanese and understand the culture. Otherwise you'll wind up in dire straits. If the company says they want their visa back, they can NOT take it from you. Only immigration can do that.
Good to know!
They can't. There is no take backsies 😅
@@DaveTrippin So glad to hear that! I'm now comfortable and confident about it. Do you know of some of these companies that have asked people for their visas back?
Never ever heard of that.
It's illegal.
Just starting university... but I'll remember this for when I graduate in four years! Thanks!
i wouldn't go
and change your major something medical or engineering if you want a job out of college
In Your Legends
Hey, I am telling this person the reality...
Hey guys, thanks for the input. I'm currently a dual-major in Japanese and Economics, with a minor in political science. My scholarship also demands that I complete my Master's degree within 3 years of graduation (which I plan to get in econ).
My plan is to teach for a while, then land a job at a large corporation or perhaps in the government. Do you think this is possible?
+SoulReturns is there an option for you to have a double degree on accounting? that'll make you more competitive. dont get me wrong, teaching is a good and rewarding profession, but if you aim for a career in the company, i would start with internships and get into the company after you graduate. Because they want people with experience in that field. Always remember that.
So many Jvloggers make videos like this but I swear this is the best one. You break everything down in a highly efficient and informative way! Thank you so much!
+fightclub1100 Highest compliment I could ever get. Thank you so much for the positive feedback.
And that's exactly why he's a teacher. Good show, mate!
David, you're definitely saving me 2 years of my life. I just graduated from university and was contemplating whether or not I stay in my country 2 more years to earn experience in teaching - worrying too much that there's no opportunity for me in Japan if I go "empty-handed". Turns out I am not. This is giving me so much reassurance which I really needed and was desperately looking for credible info. My family is already settled in Japan. I have now decided to go on with my papers, process my COE and I'll definitely be on my way searching for these smaller companies or try it out even for direct-hire in BOE. Will also work on my driver's license and other matters that you've dicussed. Thank you so much for these videos! So grateful.
I intend to spend the rest of my life in japan once i get my BA in english, i hope to meet somone special during my teaching career
Did any of that happen?
This is absolutely the most useful information about teaching in Japan. Thank you!
Thanks for another great video! I too have always thought that experience was the most important thing for finding jobs!
I'm about to become a teacher myself. Watching your videos help me greatly. Thank you so much.
this is the most useful teaching in japan video i've come across so far. most people just push their own agenda - negative OR positive - on you, but your videos are just pure unadulterated objective advice. kudos, mon frere canadien !
I'm almost done with my 5 year teaching education. This is solid advice that I will have in mind!
thank you very much for this information Dave. Exactly what I was looking for!
I'm sure I'm not alone with thinking this, but thank you very much for such an informed video. Some of the points you brought up hadn't crossed my mind but are of importance to me.
+Veno Mania That's incredibly kind of you to say. Thanks so much for the support.
Thank you for your perspective. Keep the good videos coming
Well said and totally true.. Accurate and bang on..the head of the nail! 2019 July it's exactly as Dave said! Hat's off to Dave
Thanks so much, this video is really intuitive and will help me a lot in the further years to come!
Even though these videos are years old, I find myself coming back to recall bits you’ve mentioned and I’ve been keeping notes for when I move there next year! 🙌🏼 thank you for making them ^^
That's really awesome to hear. Best of luck on your adventure!
Thank you. I found this helpful and informative. I am in my 40s and getting my TEFL certification on top of my B.A. in Anthropology/sociology is specifically, for me to live in Japan and have a teaching career in the private sector. It is my " retirement" to have the freedom to live and work in Asia with the second half of my life. I appreciate the wisdom of your experience. Arigato gozaimashita!
Super helpful and well constructed video, thank you!
Solid advice, Dave. I definitely learned some good information here.
John Smith Great to hear John. Glad it was useful.
Thank you sir. This gave me an important insight. Thank you.
This has certainly given me a heads up on how to strategize when I get to Japan next spring since I do plan to stay longer than a year. Solid and clearly shared experiences and great incite, as always. Blessings.
+Stacy-Ann Hyde Thanks so much for the positive feedback Stacy-Ann. So glad to hear that you found it useful.
Are you in Japan now Stacy-Ann?
Hello
It's nice to hear actual advice and not just an ambiguous opinion that most others post.
This needs more views
Thank you so much!
You're really nice
I know not much people would give the advice or give it as sincere
Right on Alfonso. So glad to hear you found it useful.
Super helpful, thanks for making bud.
Thank you so much for this video! It definitely helps me, as I plan to apply for the JET program and create a career out of teaching in Japan
Right on. So glad to hear you found it useful. Thanks for checking it out.
Awesome video, you confirmed many of things I already suspected about the teaching gig in Japan, but it's good to hear it from someone in your position.
Awesome so glad you found it useful.
Another great video Many thanks!
This really put my mind at ease for accepting a Borderlink ALT job in April 2020. Thank You
Very interesting story! Thank you! Good luck!
Glad you enjoyed it!
i've seen this video 4 times that i can remember and i know i will come back for more, btw love your videos :)
Perfect advice. Doesn't only apply to Japan, but any country. As soon as you're legally allowed to work there, and you're not on a sponsored visa, finish your contract and get something that works for you.
I'd also like to say that pay tends to be lower in cities. They're where foreigners want to live, and the laws of supply and demand are definitely at play here. If you go into the towns, your rate of pay increases (I've seen threefold increases), your cost of living decreases (for rent) and people are generally nicer, too. There's more of a community feeling. You may not meet so many ex-pats, but your knowledge of local language, culture and history will be far greater. And what's the point of moving abroad to be at home (viz. Brits abroad on the Costas).
Good luck to all of you starting out on your EFL teaching career. It's hugely rewarding, and while you work you also get to travel the world and meet some amazing people.
+Jablička All excellent points. Thanks for checking it out.
Y'know, I qualified 12 years ago and still watch these vids. Glutton for punishment, I think. :)
One of the things that I really found difficult when I started out EFL teaching was that my own language usage started to degrade. I wasn't spending as much time on t'internet because lesson planning was taking *so* long there wasn't much time left over. As time goes on, you start to re-use lesson plans, and refine them, which leaves you more leisure time. I strongly advise teachers in areas where you don't have much contact with native speakers to spend time on the internet engaging in conversations with people who use whatever flavour of English you're teaching - it'll remind you how lang is used naturally, and you'll start remembering words you'd forgotten.
We all learn, fairly early on, how to have complex discussions with a vocab of 500 words. Those words work very hard; and when you're not teaching, and all those people at the pub want to talk Eng with you because they want the practice or to show off, we tend to tailor our breadth of vocab to our audience. It's important to remember, too, that you're not there to give free lessons. The teaching time costs you dearly, especially at the beginning, with planning taking far longer than your paid 15 minutes.
OTOH, you can make some great contacts for private lessons - just don't give too much away.
Although - I'm replying to your reply here, Dave, and you know what you're doing. Or at least, I'd hope so! :)
Can I ask - have you stayed in one location or have you travelled/worked across the country/other countries? If so, what differences have you noticed in various places - working conditions, pay scale, community acceptance, living costs and conditions, opportunities. Lastly: have you gone native yet?
Cheers,
Lesley.
Jablička I've worked a few places. Two different prefectures to be exact. The formula remains the same in the sense that it always changes. Each schools got their own dynamic and I learn to roll with whatever that is.
Any cities in particular that anyone can recommend for higher wages? I am much older than most teachers who plan to teach overseas, and I'm looking for the higher end of wages.
DaveTrippin ever felt a strange thing in your career in Japan?
Good video. You make some really good points and insight into how things work in regards to eikaiwa's.
+JustMeShaun Really appreciate the support Shaun. I should mention as well I was not only talking about eikaiwas but corporate jobs as well training Japanese company staff in English.
Good video this will help a lot of people.
Hey Dave great videos, I've subscribed and have been watching a lot of your videos lately and they are very informative. Keep it up.
+Joe Wong Thanks so much for supporting the channel and taking the time to comment Joe. I really appreciate. More vids to come. I'm just finishing a cool shrine tour.
Thanks for your advice!
Hey Dave! Been watching a lot of your videos lately. You are giving a lot of great information. Keep making these videos. :)
+Alexander Headley That's awesome feedback thanks so much for supporting the channel.
No problem, it is not easy to find information and hear personal feedback. I plan to apply as an ALT for either JET or Interac. Now I have a better idea of how to prepare and plan ahead.
Hey man ! Thank you so much. Since I followed you, I've learned a lot
Mc Harold Delalamon Awesome. Thanks for checking it out.
Great advice! Hope everything works out for you in 日本🇯🇵 !
Definitely useful information. Thank ya
Right on Crystal. Glad to hear it was useful.
this a informative video dave. thanks alot.
Awesome. So glad you found it useful. If you ever have any questions never hesitate to write. I'm here to help.
great advice! nice video!
Good stuff. Senior in uni right now, looking to go back to Japan, fell in love during my study abroad over my gap year. Hoping to maybe get a post-grad degree there as well.
I am giving this video a like immediately because of what you said at the beginning, talking about who this video is directed to. People like you make the internet much better.
Appreciate the kind words lampshade. Thanks for checking it out.
Really useful and well spoken info. Thanks
Awesome Silvia thanks for checking it out.
I don't even teach or anyting and I found this so interesting and valuable info sharing
+Selene Van Der Nix sweeet haha ;)
just what i wanted to hear, clear precised and relates to me
Josh owoh Right on glad to hear it was useful.
Some very smart points
Great advice!!
I'm hoping to be in Japan next July or so. It's cool to know that their number one requirement at smaller schools is more basic than just having experience. I wouldn't have thought that, but it really does make sense. Thanks Dave!
+son1cprogrammer Cheers thanks for commenting.
thanks dave this will help.me when.i plan my long term stay in japan in about 4.years right now im in college in america and am planning a short trip but hope to.stay long term in future.your videos all go towards that so i dont end up royally screwed in japan.
That's awesome David so glad you found it useful.
A wonderful piece of advice
I was kinda expecting this to be a bashing video about being an English teacher , but very happy it was not. I’m trying to go in about 2 years with a bigger company, and it never really crossed my mind on what to do afterward. Great advice and something for me to think about. Thank you!
Good thoughts!!!!
I've lived in Japan 4 years now, and I watched your video before moving here, and the "As soon as you get a job in Japan, start looking for another job," bit is so true. Places that'll hire you from abroad value their lawyers who know the immigration laws and can deal with hiring people from abroad. And then their biggest asset is having a global hiring pool when tons of people would love to simply move to Japan. That way, they can treat you like s***, and if you don't take it, you're out and they'll hire someone else. There's a reason they're always hiring on every site. Start looking for a more local job that'll value you as soon as you touch down. Seriously.
that destiny one in the back round brings back good memories
Thank you for this information, it's very valuable to someone like me who is interested in the teaching field in general. I've always wanted to go to Japan and have thought of teaching as a means to do it after college, but have always wondered if being in Japan first would be more valuable. Now I know :) Thanks to your info I can make a more smart decision in the future.
Basically you need a degree to teach in the public school system. So if that is something you desire to do then getting the degree is the sure-fire route.
I have one year left in my teacher program in Sweden. I'm a double subject teacher (English and Spanish) so I hope to find a place where I can teach both. But I will absolutely have this in mind when I'm jobhunting!
Great advice, thanks.
Cheers Heath thanks for checking out the vid.
Thank you for this video. I would never have thought about looking for work after 6 months if I was alrady working. I already knew about the myriad jobs that want you to already be in the country. Thats a given that you would most likely get the job versus someone who would have to buy a plane ticket and get their own visa.
+Mike The Gamer Cheers Mike. So glad you to hear you found it useful.
Great information ! 本当にありがとうございます。from Singapore. Pls do make more such video. That's related to working anywhere in Japan.
Hancho Barbi Right on thanks for checking it out.
Great video! Great information as always! Thank you :)
Now I must sleep @_@ 4am and I noticed a new video... and had to watch it right away, naturally. LoL
+Kayleona Lol as always thanks for the support Kay.
This was very helpful I’m looking into moving to Japan after about 3 years of college (I want a degree in teaching and ICT so I have some more options and yes I will be able to afford it even though I’ll have to work my ass off lol) and you gave a lot of helpful advise! Thank you!
Hi Dave.
Thanks for another informative video. This should be very useful to me in the long term.
+Abhi Rao So glad I could help. Thanks for the positive feedback.
Very well made video. A lot of people from my orientation group have no financial problem and are able to save quite a lot of money because this is their first year in Japan. However, as I have been here since 2012 (for university), I have so many for other bills to pay (such as city tax, pension and health insurance). After paying those bills, sometimes, I am in the red, even though I don't go out all that much (once a month). Utilities, rent and groceries can be cheap depending on one's location. I am located in Tokyo, so I have to live near by and that drives up the costs. I will definitely start looking for a new job soon, even though it will be sad to say goodbye to the students…
thank you for being efficient.....
thanks for information bro
take care
Thanks for this!!
10x The King Mufasa Was No worries. Thanks for. Checking it out.
You are so clear!
great video, thanks
I am your 1000th like on this video. Nice job!
+David Prado Cheers David. Appreciate it.
This was incredible
I had a feeling this was the case. Shop around. Don't settle for what you already have. I have a good mate who started out working as an English teacher and now he works for a huge PR firm translating.
Absolutely perfect!
Thanks Stitch. Glad you liked it.
I'm a bit late to the party, but great advice man. Hope Japan's still treating you well.
dahun lee always appreciate the support. Thanks for checking out the vid.
Destiny behind you! You play destiny that's awesome!
Good to know. Gotta remember that, for the next 8 years that is.
I'll be starting with Interac in Japan in March 2016 and plan to stay in Japan longer than a year. Watching your videos is really preparing me on what to expect and a guideline direction I can potentially follow :) Thank you so much! Keep up the excellent work and looking forward to more of your videos
+Naveed Ahmed Just make sure you read their contract completely. I have heard some horror stories about Interac.
+Mike The Gamer horror stories ? :( could you please elaborate
Naveed Ahmed Oh you know, all the stories about horrible schools and horrible children and bad branch offices and being treated like trash. I do believe Interac also expects you to pay for your plane ticket. Unless I'm wrong about that. I might be confusing that part with another agency.
Also them changing the amount you get paid once you are already there.
Yes, I had to pay for my own ticket. I think horrible schools and children are relative to placement ? but I don't know anything as yet >< I'll be starting this coming Monday,but I will take your advice and look around asap. Hope you're well mate :)
Great advice you are mentioning about the smaller companies. I will definitely remember that. Though I wonder how would a teacher already in Japan know about them?
I am an esl teacher in China, going on my 4th year here, I am thankful for this experience, the salary here is great, apartments paid for, cost of living low, savings high,work environment great depending on company.
How did you apply for it? :)
@@patriciamaelacson1679 I was recommended by someone, if you are searching please drop your wechat. I can recommend some good and reliable recruiters
@@zainabismail3281 could you help me get in touch with your company?
@@Shinchan-hr4wv hi where are you from?
As the school only hire native English speakers
If I'm not mistaken that is destiny in the background. I first found this channel today while playing destiny 2. Either way love the content so far very informative
+daryl butterfield You are correct sir. Thanks for checking out the vid. ;p
A very clear accurate account.
Thank you for this video. It is very helpful.
Right on Joseph. Glad you liked it.
What was your experience with the average weekly working hour rate please?
e.g 50 hours per week
In a company like Interac they paid roughly 230,000 Yen to 250,000 Yen per month. It's a so-so wage for starting in the country.
SOrry I mean the amount of hours worked.
Standard is 40hrs.
I always had ambitions to teach in Japan but the problem is academically I'm not good enough, I have no University degree and to attend University I'd need to resit High School/Secondary School tests to get a better grade in English which these days I find hard to have the patience for, I kind of regret not putting in the effort when I was younger in the education environment but at 28 and with other real life issues to deal with now I guess I'll settle with seeing others on youtube who made it work instead, very informative video you produced.
Wow, great video :) Easily the most informative video of its kind that I've seen on yt and still hasn't been bested over the past five interceding yrs. Have any significant changes occurred in the field since releasing the video though?
Good question. I'd have to re-watch and assess.
If that's Destiny in the background, that brings back such memories. I miss the first game, was the best out of both in my opinion
It was the better one, I agree.
Really great video! If things go right I should be living in Tokyo in December.
+Vex Doppel Sounds great Vex I wish you luck on your journey.
Good luck, i am going to live in Japan one day.
Dude, this is was more helpful than most of the videos on YT about English teaching. Most everyone else just complains about how horrible life is in Japan and tells you not to come there while failing to offer you with any practical advice.
Thanks for checking it out. It's that old story sex violence and sadness gets the clicks. So you'll see a lot of those videos.
Very interesting!
Cheers.
Good insight.
Cheers.
Thanks man xx
man.... i love you sir.... thx tho I'll remember this!
Cheers man. Glad to hear it was useful.
Awesome info
Glad to hear it was useful Tiger. Thanks for checking out the vids.
Thank you. Did you start on JET or with a larger company when you first arrived? Would you still recommend taking this approach when starting with JET, where you get higher salary and good hours and can re-up so easily? Would love to hear what you think :)
One of the best videos I've seen on prospective teaching in Japan, thank you! You're one of the the best I've found on really good informative content, not only for a person aspiring to teach english but also for moving and adjusting to the country in general. You can get a good amount of the same sort of info in other videos, but you manage to do a good job of explaining the subject matters. Subbed! :)
By the way, 2 questions; I'm looking at applying through Interac too...Is it smooth sailing with them? Also, how is internet in the rural area? cheap, data allowance, good performance? etc..
Cheers again,
Nath
+Firks 91 Hey Nath, thanks for subbing. Interac is a great stepping stone to get into the country and setup with a Visa. I wouldn't recommend staying with them beyond a year though. Rural internet is fine and if you go with interac likely case is you are placed in a leopalace which bundles internet with the cost of the house.
Thanks for the reply. Yeah i went on to watch a quite a few of you're other videos, sorry should of watched more before asking. Definitely will aim to look at other opportunities once I'm settled in.
Ah ok well that makes things easier. from what I've seen, its a bit of a pain to set up internet etc.. in the initial few days of arriving. i'm also looking at ALTIA too after seeing your recommendation to check them out.
Bro, there are eaaaasily some of the more useful and informative videos on teaching in Japan that I've come across. So good! Just curious how much the pay one can expect if you have say 3 years or 5 years or 10 years experience. If I did this it would be for 1 year with the intention of simply having a new experience as I'm burnt out on my current job and have been wanting to do this for as long as I can remember. That said, if I really like it, and want to stay longer, it would be good to know what kind of compensation potential there is in the future. Where it tops off at, etc.
+stvsueoka1 Dave's stuff really is genuinely good. He's very honest concerning his experiences and beliefs, and communicates well with the community. Keep at it Dave.
+Andrew Schumacher agreed!
Best video I've seen on this subject! Thank you. What about teaching requirements? I graduated Le Cordon Bleu as a pastry chef so I don't have a Bachelor's degree (only a certificate). So far every program says you must have a Bachelor's degree to qualify for teaching. However, I had a friend tell me that her friend went to Japan and got a job as a teacher with no degree at all. She said as long as you are already in the country they don't care about any teaching background or degrees. Is that true?
I don't want to have to prolong the time it takes me to get to Japan simply because I have to stay in the US to go through college again in order to obtain a degree. Plus the expenses it would incur on top of it all. I don't want to spend my money on more college when I could be saving it for plane tickets instead.
Thank you for your video "Things I wish I'd know:Before teaching in Japan. I live in Japan and in the process of getting an ALT job. I will love any tips. Thank you. If possible, I will like to discuss with you one on one
Good advise