So I’ve been doing endless research into the steps I need to take in order to move to and work in Japan. Originally my goal was to complete my TEFL certification within the year and look into teaching opportunities so I can get a work visa. I have a bachelors degree and job experience teaching children in the US so I think with the certification I’ll have no problem finding something to fit my needs. But I only have a base understanding of the language that is self-taught through books and videos. I was thinking before I look into working, maybe I should apply for one of the language courses they have in Japan. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the programs and it seems like something that would work well for me. I’m worried my lack of knowledge on the language will make it harder for me to adjust to working and living there.
I guess I’m trying to figure out the best order to do things in. After I get my TEFL certification should I apply for a student visa and take a language course before looking into jobs? Would it be difficult to get a work visa afterwards? Idk maybe I’m too hung up on not knowing the language very well, but I do think life there would be much easier if I knew the language better.
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This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.
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**Should I look into getting a job before or after taking a language class?**
So I’ve been doing endless research into the steps I need to take in order to move to and work in Japan. Originally my goal was to complete my TEFL certification within the year and look into teaching opportunities so I can get a work visa. I have a bachelors degree and job experience teaching children in the US so I think with the certification I’ll have no problem finding something to fit my needs. But I only have a base understanding of the language that is self-taught through books and videos. I was thinking before I look into working, maybe I should apply for one of the language courses they have in Japan. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the programs and it seems like something that would work well for me. I’m worried my lack of knowledge on the language will make it harder for me to adjust to working and living there.
I guess I’m trying to figure out the best order to do things in. After I get my TEFL certification should I apply for a student visa and take a language course before looking into jobs? Would it be difficult to get a work visa afterwards? Idk maybe I’m too hung up on not knowing the language very well, but I do think life there would be much easier if I knew the language better.
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Wanna get a job in Japan? Get a degree in something employable, get some experience and then look for jobs.
If your goal is just teaching English to young children, you don’t need TEFL certification or Japanese language, as there are plenty of “international kindergartens,” which don’t require much beyond a degree and native English level.
But as to your question if knowing the language will make it easier for life in Japan— yes, of course it will be easier if you speak the language of the country you’re living in. Is it absolutely necessary? No, many people move here without the language, but that can certainly make things more stressful, and of course lonely. It’s really a personal thing as to whether or not that would make things too hard in terms of adjustment for you.
It really depends on how much you want to study. If you want to study full time, it will effectively be impossible to do that and work full time, you’d end up neglecting your work, studies, or sleep bc of the lack of time (and you may even need something other than a work visa to be a full time student). If you’re really serious about studying Japanese, be a full time student who has a part time job. If you’re less serious, I’d recommend just getting a private tutor for a few hours a week and working full time.