Teaching English in Japan?

Question:

I have a few questions please, and just so you know I'm a native english speaker

1. If I know fluent Japanese is my chances of getting a job teaching much more likely? (I'd like to be a proper english teacher, not just an assistant) I am already pretty good at Japanese at the moment.
2. I don't have an American/Canadian accent so will that make getting a job harder or not really make a difference? I am female by the way.

Thanks :)

Answer:

Having good Japanese will definitely make it more enticing to recruit you as Japanese ability is important. Some schools prefer American/Canadian accents but it is not too important as long as you are a native speaker.

In most cases in order to work full time in Japan you need to have a University degree and you also require the backing of a company in Japan to sponsor your visa.

Most recruiters for English jobs in Japan will require the following:

1. Native English Speaker
2. Full Bachelor Degree (in any field)
3. Basic Japanese Ability

The market is really competitive now so they also prefer teaching experience and qualifications such as ESL, TEFL or CELTA.

Salary is usually around 240,000 - 255,000 yen per month depending on experience and qualifications.

Working in Japan
http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2010…

P.S. Vinegar Taster - Japanese is very important in the classroom for understanding what is being said by the students and being able to communicate with your fellow teachers and staff who might not know any English. How can you live in Japan without speaking Japanese. It is a requirement that most if not all recruiters to Japan will consider.