On-line TEFL Certificates and Landing Your First Job in Japan
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. But as long as you avoid these high-end markets you won’t be in the situation of sending endless heaps of resumes for months on end without seeing results.
So by focusing on Japan instead of highly competitive markets you’ll be more successfull.
Unlike areas in Western Europe, Japan, although on the radar screen of many looking to find work in ESL field is slightly below the extremely sought after ESL havens. 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 there isn’t competition in Japanese ESL markets because there certainly is.
(Read: melt-down of western Economies, Wall Street turmoil and collapsing banking system. Recent grads fleeing in search of better opportunities.) And to be perfectly honest this has put a bit more strain on the job finding situation but because of this an on-line TEFL course will give you a bit more pulling power when you send out your resumes and cover letters and because they’re so affordable.
They’re pretty much a no-brainer if you’re looking to get an edge…
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 financially strapped and want to break out into something different like teaching ESL in Japan, then this is definitely an option you need to 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 bottom line is that an on-line TEFL course isn’t the right option for hyper competitive ESL markets but will give you an advantage in getting entry level ESL work in Japan.
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