Does the field I go into to get my bachelors matter?

Hello all! I’m 26 years old, currently pondering my what I want to do. The only thing that has truly interested me is going to Japan to teach. I want to be able to teach the next generation of people and English is something I feel confident and passionate in.

So here’s my question. I know that you don’t necessarily need a bachelors in English, but will it significantly decrease my chances if I choose something else. I haven’t yet gone to Uni, but i am considering choosing something that isn’t English just in case this path doesn’t pan out.

Second question. Kind of an side point. By the time I finish uni I will he into my 30’s part of me worry’s that I’ll be too old and it’s best to pick something safer. Just hoping to get some opinions on this. Also any experience teaching in Japan any of you want to share is very much appreciated.

Thank you very much!

Edit: removed the usage of the word career, since I know this isn’t a career, but I’m more so pondering future plans and juggling my options.

3 comments
  1. I think you’ve got the wrong impression about a few things.

    You used the word “career” in your post, which already shows you might not have the basic research on the topic done. To have a career in teaching, in any subject in most nations, you’ll need a mix of the following: A content BA, an Education BA/cert, a license, completion of student teaching/assessment, and observed classroom hours. You may not need all of them, but you’ll need most for a career.

    The jobs in Japan that only require a BA in whatever are assistant teaching jobs, or private tutoring businesses, neither are career paths for most. They are usually unskilled entry level jobs without advancement or transition to much else.

    If you would like to experience Japan for a bit, they’re great to get in and live as a young single person for a few years. If this is a career path for you, you’ll need to plan much more and do some research on what it would take to get in to actual long term teaching positions here.

  2. If you want a proper job as an English (or any other subject) teacher in Japan, get an education degree and license in your own country. I had a coworker who came as an ALT and was offered a proper teaching job at the school because he had a license already and they were starting an international program.

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