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Working in Japan and Teaching Certificates
TEFL Certificates and Getting That First Job in Japan
ESL forums are full of articles from ESL instructors who write that you'll definitely need a CELTA equivelent course of get any kind of work in the ESL field. This isn't exactly the case. What is true however, is that an Online TEFL course won't cut it in hyper-competitive markets like areas of western Europe.
But it will definitely give you a leg up on your competitiors in an entry level position in Japan.
It's common for language schools in more competitive markets (like some countries in Western Europe) to demand higher qualifications and succeed in getting them from their candidates. Key to ending the vicious cycle of sending piles of resumes out without results is picking targets like Japan that are easier to knock down.
So by focusing on Japan instead of highly competitive markets you'll be more successfull.
Unlike some countries in western Europe and other sought for TESL heavens, Japan, although completely on the radar screen of most job searchers is slightly below the extremely sought after ones. What this means is that an online TEFL course. gives you an advantage in Japan simply because the job market isn't as competitive.
We're not saying that finding work teaching in Japan is an absolute cake-walk because there certainly is competition.
(Read: melt-down of western Economies, Wall Street turmoil and collapsing banking system. Graduates fleeing to find work.) And honestly, this has made finding ESL work a lot more challenging. But exactly because of this situation, an on-line tefl course will make your resume stand out more and because they're so affordable.
It's pretty much a quick and effective way to give yourself an advantage and push-out your competition...
Let's be straight here on one point. On-line degrees can't match the knock down power of a full blown CELTA but then again you can start and finish an on-line degree from any corner of the globe and it won't break you financially doing it. So if you're a recent graduate and wish to try something different like teaching English in Japan, then this is an option you might want to take a look into.
So if you're trying to find work teaching aborad and don't have the cash and a strong enough resume to compete in the tougher job markets and on-line TEFL course is a smart move.
After you've built up some experience in the classroom and are worth a higher wage, you can go after more competitive jobs if you're tired of the teaching scene in Japan.
So the point is that in extremely competitive markets like Western Europe and On-line TEFL won't cut it. But it will if you've set your sights on Japan.
Mumford & Sons - Hold On To What You Believe