I hold a BA in English and an MA in literary studies, the later I suspect has little, if any, impact on my employability in Japan, but maybe for the fact that I earned a post graduate degree. I have some dusty experience teaching adult education and college and recent experience substitute teaching primary school. I do not have a TEFL certification. Does anyone have general advice you could share? What insight or suggestion might you offer? Would it help me to get a job / better job if I got a TEFL certification?
I hold a BA in English and an MA in literary studies, the latter I suspect has little, if any, impact on my employability in Japan, but maybe for the fact that I earned a post graduate degree. I have some dusty experience teaching adult education and college and recent experience substitute teaching primary school. I do not have a TEFL certification. Does anyone have general advice you would share? What insight or suggestion might you offer? Would it help me to get a job / better job if I got a TEFL certification?
Also, I understand coming to Japan attached to the DOD impacts my visa, the logistics of my working in the community, etc.. If my understanding is correct, due to SOFA (Status of US Forces Agreement), among other things, I will officially be expected to pay near 2/3 of my income in taxes through my obligation to Japan and the USA. I mean, I want to teach for the experience and the fun of it and am not expecting to get rich, but I would like to be able to make a little money to contribute some financially to our household. Can anybody speak to this? Do you know if this is accurate? If so, it would hardly seem financially compelling to work in the community. How is this handled? Thanks All!
4 comments
> BA in English and an MA in literary studies… I have some dusty experience teaching adult education and college and recent experience substitute teaching primary school. I do not have a TEFL certification.
TEFL certification unnecessary for teaching in Japan. However, English “teaching” is poorly paid and like any McJob in the States both in income and status.
> SOFA (Status of US Forces Agreement), among other things, I will officially be expected to pay near 2/3 of my income in taxes through my obligation to Japan and the USA.
That sounds screwy (and likely wrong). Just ask at your local command.
The TESOL certification isn’t terribly hard to get. TESOL and the like certifications prepare you for ALT-like teaching jobs which you seem overqualified for.
I don’t think you can work off base on SOFA status. English teaching companies would have to sponsor you a visa.
> I understand coming to Japan attached to the DOD impacts my visa
Are you the spouse of a military member? Way to bury the lede.
> If my understanding is correct, due to SOFA (Status of US Forces Agreement), among other things, I will officially be expected to pay near 2/3 of my income in taxes through my obligation to Japan and the USA.
As I understand it, on SOFA, you’re not considered a resident of Japan — for tax purposes or otherwise. You basically don’t exist as far as Japanese bureaucracy goes. You won’t pay taxes to Japan. You won’t have Japanese healthcare. You won’t pay into Japanese pension etc.
You should ask this question in a group or sub for spouses at the base you’re going to. They can clarify whether or not you can work off-base. I’m willing to bet any people that do work off-base do things like private English lessons for cash.
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