Hi all, I’m wanting to become a JET or ALT (still not sure if they are the same thing or not, I’ve been struggling to find definitive answers) I’m from South Africa and have been considering doing the TEFL qualification.
I’ve heard from other South African JETs that I would need a bachelors degree and or a TEFL qualification. The issue I’ve heard is that because the South African school system is so bad is the Japan won’t consider you without a bachelors. I however have been homeschooled and have a American highschool diploma rather than a South African matric certificate.
Can someone please advise me on where to start, what the process is and where I can get started?
Thanks so much in advanced! ❤️
8 comments
I can’t comment much on the South Africa part, but the Bachelors is a requirement for every country because it’s what’s needed to get the instructors/work visa for Japan. Nothing to do with South Africa’s education system.
Tbh beyond that, I can’t help with your question.
Incoming JET from South Africa. A bachelors is unfortunately mandatory.
I recommend going through UNISA and getting them to convert your certificates and help you do your BA through them (I had to do that with my IGCSE certificates). Unisa is cost effective and accepted by JET.
Good luck 🍀
You need one for every country.
I’m a South African JET, cutrently awaiting my move in July. While a TEFL certification isn’t mandatory (I opted to get one for added security), having a university degree in any field IS required. A diploma (even in teaching) is not sufficient. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree.
The primary concern is demonstrating your educational background and a proficient grasp of English at an advanced level. Also, if this is something that you’re genuinely interested in doing, I would recommend starting to learn some Japanese in the meantime.
So have a look at TEFL (It’s really simple and can be beneficial), but also start applying at universities in South Africa. Find something you’re genuinely interested in, and just go for it. Good luck!
JET is an Japanese government organisation that handles the recruitment and distribution of ALTs (as well as CIRs and SEAs). ALT is the job JET is the organisation that organises the jobs.
You don’t need a tefl. I didn’t and don’t have a tefl and many others I know don’t. It Amy aid your application but not greatly.
You need a university degree because that is what is required for the visa, it has nothing really to do with the standard of education. You will need a degree from a reputable institution, there is no other way. South african public and some private universities will be fine. The big public universities are better just because the degrees hold more value, jet and being an alt is something that should probably done for not too long a time.
Good luck.
“The issue I’ve heard is that because the South African school system is so bad”
I can’t stop laughing at this, who told you that?
I’ll try clarify some of these things for you.
> JET or ALT (still not sure if they are the same thing or not, I’ve been struggling to find definitive answers)
JET is the organisation you apply through. ALT is Assistant Language Teacher. So, you will be working as an ALT through JET.
> I’ve heard from other South African JETs that I would need a bachelors degree and or a TEFL qualification. The issue I’ve heard is that because the South African school system is so bad is the Japan won’t consider you without a bachelors.
To keep it simple, you need at least a full bachelors degree to qualify for the visa. Nothing to do with the school system of South Africa. Although, it’s hilarious that someone told you that lol.
TESOL/TEFL will certainly help your application (I’m unsure if it’s enough to qualify for a visa without the bachelors).
> have been homeschooled and have a American highschool diploma rather than a South African matric certificate.
I honestly don’t know. Best bet would be to contact JET and ask them directly, instead of asking here. I’m fairly certain a high school diploma will not be enough and that you would need a bachelors or equivalent to qualify for the visa. The subject of the degree doesn’t matter.
Best place to start would be the official JET website and to thoroughly read through all the information and FAQ stuff.
Best of luck!
You need a degree regardless of where you’re coming from, it’s a requirement from Japan’s immigration. Tefl certification just makes you a more competitive candidate but you don’t need it to qualify for the job.
The SA school system thing is a straight up farce. Essentially you just gotta get a degree in any field and then apply. There are other ways to become an ALT in Japan through Interac, joytalk or any other dispatch companies, but JET has the best conditions.