Good evening everyone I am a 22 year old male who's currently looking into being an interactional school teacher in Japan. A little backstory, I studied Music and Performance at Columbia In Chicago for 2 years, got a lot of Gen Eds done and a bunch of core classes, however I realized that music just wasn't gonna cut it for making a living. I realized I just wanted to be a preforming artist, however the chances of it happening are slim(Doesn't still mean i'm not trying :D) However, I decided to make a back up plan for myself. I was wondering if this might be the right way into being completive in Japan and being considered for an International school.
– Finish a degree in ELA Teaching with a minor in Music Education(Hopefully teach music as well in the school?)
– work for 2 years in America then apply to an international school in Japan after my first year?
I know it's not super descriptive and Im willing to answer more questions as well. The only teaching qualifications I've had so far in my life are teaching piano lessons for a company and I did that for a year (made me realize working with young kids is difficult) However I enjoyed teaching the middle to high school kids. Does this path seem plausible? Is there more to think about? I'd still love to do freelance music on the side, maybe even for a big company like Nintendo or Sega.
Id also like to know what your guys teaching days look like? Do you enjoy what you do? what makes your job hard? What do you hate most about your job? I know that Japans work life is far different then Americas, however the teachers get paid far more in Japan then they do here in America. I want to know if this is right for me, And at this point in my life im having a tough time deciding. Is there something in here that might make me competitive as a teacher at a GOOD International school in Japan. I have skills that I feel would help me as I have a Knack for picking up languages, Im fluent in English and Spanish, and I'm at least N3 in Japanese (Still studying) Would something like picking a different major like science make me more competitive? Im looking to be happy with what I do and not dread every day feeling like I made a mistake. Thank you so much and if I messed up anything or this isn't allowed please feel free to take this down and let me know.
TLDR: Is my pathway listed a good way to get to Japan in an international school or is there something that can make me more competitive? Do you like working in Japan?
by PurpleRaccoonR
4 comments
What you describe does not look too competitive, I’m afraid, although I myself have not worked at an international school. I work in the university world.
I am not sure about what your information about salaries is telling you, but a younger sibling who recently retired as a primary-school teacher in rural California made roughly double what I do as a university teacher.
These plans and goals are perfectly reasonable, if you aren’t borrowing for the degree.
ELA and EFL are saturated. I’d highly recommend specializing in sciences or math.
Also teachers getting paid more in Japan than the states? Hogwash. Salaries in Japan are low as hell. I make a decent amount at a mid tier international school, but I’d be making much more in my home district.
Only two years of experience won’t make you competitive, especially when aiming for the good schools and in a saturated subject like ELA (even with music alongside – there are fewer music teaching positions). Japan is a still a popular location for international teachers so you should look to get more experience (and perhaps in IB teaching). You can always apply with less, but don’t expect to be competitive.