I don't have a masters degree but have taught in universities here in japan. It helps to get you through the door, but not always a requirement. I know several others here with Masters degrees and they can't get any higher than the usual ALT or Eikaiwa level, no matter how hard they try.
Indeed. There are a few teachers in my department who do not have an MA, but they are part-timers and don't have long-term contracts. There might be other exceptions, too, but if you want to teach in the universities, the MA is the best way to do it. Of course, as you suggest, that doesn't guarantee anything. Publications, experience, Japanese ability, etc are perhaps just as important.
I really enjoyed this interview. Thank you for posting this! I'm currently studying for an MA in TESOL and it's very helpful to see what my options are upon graduation.
Dave thanks for asking my question! I got a lot of great feedback on this. I'm likely to get my masters after I start working in Japan with my bachelors. Hopefully the being in my 30s won't make it too difficult. It should give me a few years as an alt in the public schools before I decide if I want to move up to that next level. Good video your channel is growing in quality! Just to kinda throw this out there if your interested. I've been looking for a good video on how the trains in Japan work. I'm trying to educate myself on what I had trouble with on my visit to Japan last year and that would prob be a big one for me.
Salty P! Are you sure it's what you want? I think a Master's is for people who want jobs which require a Master's. Are you sure you wouldn't like a jobs at a highschool, the JET program, or something similar? It's a big investment you know. I personally decided not to go for it and work after I get my Bachelors. After a year or two of teaching I can always go back to get a Master's and then teach again.
You know, even for regular studies, I've been hesitant about studying online, but I might look into that. No college in my area has classes that teach Japanese and it's hard for me to stay motivated on my own. However, I push myself harder when I know something is for a grade, lol.
+Letters from Japan I overall prefer to sit down in a classroom so I can speak with the teacher in person as opposed to writing an email, but as I get older (I'm 27 now), it seems very hard for me to find jobs that will allow me to juggle work and driving to school. It's part of the reason why I keep starting and stopping, thus I don't have a degree yet (though money and changing my Plan A major without a backup Plan B major certainly didn't help, lol) The last job I had that let me go to school, I had to fight, punch, kick and all but scream to be allowed to go and it's getting hard to find those flexible jobs in my area. Unfortunately, I need a paycheck first and foremost so...everything goes on the backburner until I've secured that :) When I do finally start school again, I'm going to try my hardest to physically attend classes. I was mainly considering studying Japanese online because nowhere in my area offers it and if it's just that one class only, I should be okay.
Why do you want to study exactly Japanese? Are you heart-set on that? What do you want to do with it? Do you want to teach English in Japan? If yes, exclusively at university, or? I might have an idea for you, but I'm not sure how much it would help.
Great video! I've been a lazy sub lately and not keeping up with videos @_@ I was wondering, just for curiosity's sake, what it was like to be a professor in Japan, so it's quite interesting! On a side note: I'm waiting to hear back from the Interac placement office, now! :D So here's hoping for Sapporo area.
Aw, I was hoping to get some of my questions answered. Maybe next time. Still, good video! Hope to see another interview with the unicorn. As for online TESOL programs, the reason you want to do an offline one is that a good offline program will provide practicum opportunities. This is especially good for teachers who don't have previous teaching experience going into it.
This is a good point. Practicums are a valuable part of your education. However, it really depends on what your situation is. There are a lot of people in Japan, for example, who probably wouldn't benefit much from a practicum because they teach all day in their regular jobs.
Of course, it does depend on your situation; and for Dave who already has a few years of experience, it probably won't be so useful. I just think it needs to be said that practicums do exist, and newer teachers would benefit greatly from them. Part of the reason for getting a TESOL degree is that you don't make the same mistakes as people who have a degree in anything and start teaching. Practicums help with that.
That was great! Although now I have a handful of questions. Should I direct them at Daniel or towards you for a possible follow up video? Also, next year is my 30th birthday so I guess I better start looking into this soon.
13:47 Non native speakers, two from Africa, one from the Philippines. He might be right but there are many people in Africa and the Philippines that speak English as their first language, or maybe they hear about an equal amount of Tagalog and English at home but all of their whole education was in English. If you talk to a Filipino that did all their education in English their accent might be a little different but the difference between Educated Filipino English and American English is less than the difference between the queens English and Irish English.
Thank you so much for doing this, Dave (and Daniel)! So, if you have a TESL (and the required Bachelor's degree of course), is that enough to teach English at Universities in Japan?? I thought you had to have a Master's. Another quick question: you mentioned that it's pretty much impossible for a non-native English speaker to go to Japan (I'm assuming with JET/Interac/etc) and teach English at the level that you currently do (below Uni level). Is that true?? I'm a non-native speaker, with native-like fluency (most people don't believe me when I say I'm not American), and I also have a CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) from Cambridge. Please don't tell me that's true!!
A TESL and Bachelors is not enough to teach at a university. You must have a Masters. It is not impossible for non-native speakers to to go to Japan. Non-native can teach with a humanities visa in a private English school. Non-native speakers cannot teach in Japanese public schools. Non-Native speakers with a masters can teach in universities.
DaveTrippin Gotcha, thank you! That's a shame, I kinda had the public schools in mind. I guess Eikaiwa's are okay too. So does that mean I cannot come in with JET or Interac? I thought all they required was for you to be a U.S. citizen (for the American JET, at least), and I am.
To the best of my knowledge you must be a native speaker if you wish to work for JET or Interac. But Eikaiwas are a fantastic alternative option if you are basically native fluent in the language.
Hi Daniel... Great video, I've been looking in to this as I'm wishing to move to Japan... Currently, I'm finishing my Master's of Applied Linguistics (TESOL Major), I'll be finishing the rest of this online. Considering coming over soon to work at an Eikaiwa and finish my study part time, after which, looking at working in the University area. My hopes would be to remain in Japan permanently, any advice you could provide?
Excellent video, as a student just starting down my Bachelor's path, I have a few questions, I hope I could possibly get a reply. I'm planning on attending an american university that has a campus in Japan, obtaining my Bachelor's in International affairs with a minor in Japanese. After obtaining this Bachelor's would it be possible to then obtain a master's in English or TESOL?
Absolutely. Finishing a B.A. basically sets you up for whatever Masters it is that you want to pursue provided you meet whatever university's qualifications you apply to.
Awesome! Thank you for the quick reply! I really enjoy your videos man, I just subscribed. Was lucky enough to spend a few months in Japan last year, can't wait to get back.
okay, heres my dilemma, im in the states, but born in europe. got citizenship and been for for 13 years now and about to graduate from BA. given that, technically NOT born in the states, but a citizen, can i then work in public schools or nah?
Having a masters in rehabilitation counseling, what kind of Visa do I need to both teach at university and have a potential for side counseling? Hikikomori
I have a B.S. in biology and was looking at masters degrees in teaching English as a second language however I can't find any online grad schools (here in the states) that allow me (not having a regular degree in teaching) to enter. Is it just that i'm not looking hard enough or do I have to go back and earn a regular teaching degree before moving on to a masters?
Rose Singer hello. I think I might be able to help with your question. I'm not sure if this is the same for all schools but most schools have different faculties. so for instance you are in the science faculty. the teaching degree and masters for English comes from the arts/ humanities and social science faculty. you would need a qualifying arts degree to obtain an arts masters. for example I'm doing a history degree with a minor in law. my degree qualifies me to do the 1 year teaching degree program if I do that then I can go try for the English teaching masters. however it's unnecessary and I'll go for my masters in History. but as I have an arts degree I do not meet science faculty masters requirements.
meaning yes you will most likely need to re-qualify yourself for the arts faculty stream. you already have credits in the school system so you should be able to do the fast track teaching program if it's available to you.
I'm doing a masters in TESOL with USC (I graduate in May 2018). My BA was in History. They would like people who have degrees close to TESOL, but they're also open and want folks from diverse backgrounds. I'm sure you'd get accepted. It's expensive, but definitely one of the top notch online programs out there. Very quality stuff! They treat you like any other USC student and have many resources to help you with jobs and what not.
Im planning to enrol for MA in Professional Development for Language Education which is validated by university of Chichester will I be able to teach at a japanese university with that.
I have a B.S. in biology and was looking at masters degree in Biology. My main questions about joining the graduate schools are about the research proposals and the entrance exam. I was told that foreigners do not have to take it, is that true?
Fiddlesticks. After teaching English, the next step would be that. A lot of people have given me good information since posting this, but thanks for letting me know. If you do come across information, just please let me know!
I haven't yet been to Japan, but I research a lot on the topic and tbh if you're a native speaker, if you've got the right passport to prove it, if you've got a Bachelor's - I'd say get some kind of a TESOL certificate, I think the CELTA is the most prestigeous one and you can certainly count on Cambridge to monitor the quality of it, and you're more than set. If you're now doing your Bachelors's, use the time to get some teaching experience - volunteering is good too, something you can write on your resumé. Then you're all set for a highschool, a JET program, an Eikaiwa (private schools, but a different kind of privates than what we know as Westerners) position with a nice pay and nice hours. In my honest opinion, it's wise to do at least a year of teaching abroad and THEN if yoh want, get a Master's degree. A Master's is a huge investment. Why not see if you really like teaching before investing so much of your time, money, and salary you _could_ have been getting? Plus, some experience would surely aid you during your Master's and let you understand the material in a different way once you can link it to the practical stuff, to your experience of applying different methods, etc., in the classroom. You could save up a little during that year, too.
DaveTrippin No, I was actually talking to your interview guest (who's name for some reason I thought was Daniel) . I know it's kind of a pointless post at this point but as a blue Yeti owner I had to speak up. Lol Love all your content Dave keep up the amazing work, you're an inspiration.
I wonder if it's worth it, in regards to the pay the university professor get. I wonder what's the difference from PHD compare to having your masters. Do you get paid more for having a PHD compare to having your masters.
though i'm not saying you can't land a full-time position with just the MA. I did my MA TESOL a couple of years back, and it has personally been worth it for me (despite the time/money it took to finish it)
Just to add a bit more. Just the MA alone is no magic bullet for securing a university job here (even though it is usually a requirement). The two other big ones are Japanese ability, and publications. Some positions require that you have a certain proficiency with the language, as well as 2 or so publications - though like any position here, this does not mean that you cannot secure a job without the specified requirements.
You do not need a doctorate you can teach in Japanese universities with a Masters. I would imagine limited in some cases to which courses but you can do it.
I went to a relatively small university in Canada. While they prefer to hire people at the doctorate level, there may not be anyone available. The guy teaching our astronomy class had a Master's degree and was hired to teach it as a sessional instructor. He would never get tenure, even if he stuck around for many years, but they still gave him the job.
I don't have a masters degree but have taught in universities here in japan. It helps to get you through the door, but not always a requirement. I know several others here with Masters degrees and they can't get any higher than the usual ALT or Eikaiwa level, no matter how hard they try.
Indeed. There are a few teachers in my department who do not have an MA, but they are part-timers and don't have long-term contracts. There might be other exceptions, too, but if you want to teach in the universities, the MA is the best way to do it. Of course, as you suggest, that doesn't guarantee anything. Publications, experience, Japanese ability, etc are perhaps just as important.
Have any tips on how to get there without a masters?
Thanks Dave and Daniel: this was a very useful video! :)
Cheers Robert. Daniel certainly is a wealth of information for those looking to head down this path.
I really enjoyed this interview. Thank you for posting this! I'm currently studying for an MA in TESOL and it's very helpful to see what my options are upon graduation.
That's great news so glad to hear it was useful. Cheers.
Dave,Your vids are inspirational. I'm still working to find a position in Japan. Hope to one day meet you there!
this is a great video, very informative. major porps to you both!
Good interview. You're putting together a really interesting channel.
Really fantastic video. Thank you both Dave and Daniel.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
Dave thanks for asking my question! I got a lot of great feedback on this. I'm likely to get my masters after I start working in Japan with my bachelors. Hopefully the being in my 30s won't make it too difficult. It should give me a few years as an alt in the public schools before I decide if I want to move up to that next level. Good video your channel is growing in quality! Just to kinda throw this out there if your interested. I've been looking for a good video on how the trains in Japan work. I'm trying to educate myself on what I had trouble with on my visit to Japan last year and that would prob be a big one for me.
I didn't start until I was in my 30s, so I wouldn't worry to much about it.
i learned alot here there are some things that i didn't know, masters is the way to go i might as well start working towards my BA.
Salty P! Are you sure it's what you want? I think a Master's is for people who want jobs which require a Master's. Are you sure you wouldn't like a jobs at a highschool, the JET program, or something similar? It's a big investment you know. I personally decided not to go for it and work after I get my Bachelors. After a year or two of teaching I can always go back to get a Master's and then teach again.
Very informative video! Dave’s videos are so helpful
Great video! Very informative.
This video was very helpful for me, thank you Dave!
Yes, get him back soon, what a great chat!
You know, even for regular studies, I've been hesitant about studying online, but I might look into that. No college in my area has classes that teach Japanese and it's hard for me to stay motivated on my own. However, I push myself harder when I know something is for a grade, lol.
I'm the same lol
Choose an online degree only if you think it works for your situation. It works for some subjects, but it doesn't for others.
+Letters from Japan I overall prefer to sit down in a classroom so I can speak with the teacher in person as opposed to writing an email, but as I get older (I'm 27 now), it seems very hard for me to find jobs that will allow me to juggle work and driving to school. It's part of the reason why I keep starting and stopping, thus I don't have a degree yet (though money and changing my Plan A major without a backup Plan B major certainly didn't help, lol)
The last job I had that let me go to school, I had to fight, punch, kick and all but scream to be allowed to go and it's getting hard to find those flexible jobs in my area. Unfortunately, I need a paycheck first and foremost so...everything goes on the backburner until I've secured that :) When I do finally start school again, I'm going to try my hardest to physically attend classes. I was mainly considering studying Japanese online because nowhere in my area offers it and if it's just that one class only, I should be okay.
Why do you want to study exactly Japanese? Are you heart-set on that? What do you want to do with it? Do you want to teach English in Japan? If yes, exclusively at university, or?
I might have an idea for you, but I'm not sure how much it would help.
I start my PGC TESOL in two weeks (Feb 26, 2018). When that's finished I can do my masters if I so choose.
Great video! I've been a lazy sub lately and not keeping up with videos @_@ I was wondering, just for curiosity's sake, what it was like to be a professor in Japan, so it's quite interesting!
On a side note: I'm waiting to hear back from the Interac placement office, now! :D So here's hoping for Sapporo area.
Aw, I was hoping to get some of my questions answered. Maybe next time. Still, good video! Hope to see another interview with the unicorn.
As for online TESOL programs, the reason you want to do an offline one is that a good offline program will provide practicum opportunities. This is especially good for teachers who don't have previous teaching experience going into it.
This is a good point. Practicums are a valuable part of your education. However, it really depends on what your situation is. There are a lot of people in Japan, for example, who probably wouldn't benefit much from a practicum because they teach all day in their regular jobs.
Of course, it does depend on your situation; and for Dave who already has a few years of experience, it probably won't be so useful. I just think it needs to be said that practicums do exist, and newer teachers would benefit greatly from them. Part of the reason for getting a TESOL degree is that you don't make the same mistakes as people who have a degree in anything and start teaching. Practicums help with that.
That was great! Although now I have a handful of questions. Should I direct them at Daniel or towards you for a possible follow up video? Also, next year is my 30th birthday so I guess I better start looking into this soon.
Fire away!
13:47 Non native speakers, two from Africa, one from the Philippines. He might be right but there are many people in Africa and the Philippines that speak English as their first language, or maybe they hear about an equal amount of Tagalog and English at home but all of their whole education was in English. If you talk to a Filipino that did all their education in English their accent might be a little different but the difference between Educated Filipino English and American English is less than the difference between the queens English and Irish English.
True, but are they white? Unfortunately, this is what some BOEs what as opposed to someone that has a higher degree than a BA.
if you are non-native english speaker all you need is a degree from an english speaking country, i dont think you need masters
Thank you so much for doing this, Dave (and Daniel)! So, if you have a TESL (and the required Bachelor's degree of course), is that enough to teach English at Universities in Japan?? I thought you had to have a Master's. Another quick question: you mentioned that it's pretty much impossible for a non-native English speaker to go to Japan (I'm assuming with JET/Interac/etc) and teach English at the level that you currently do (below Uni level). Is that true?? I'm a non-native speaker, with native-like fluency (most people don't believe me when I say I'm not American), and I also have a CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) from Cambridge. Please don't tell me that's true!!
A TESL and Bachelors is not enough to teach at a university. You must have a Masters.
It is not impossible for non-native speakers to to go to Japan.
Non-native can teach with a humanities visa in a private English school.
Non-native speakers cannot teach in Japanese public schools.
Non-Native speakers with a masters can teach in universities.
DaveTrippin Gotcha, thank you! That's a shame, I kinda had the public schools in mind. I guess Eikaiwa's are okay too. So does that mean I cannot come in with JET or Interac? I thought all they required was for you to be a U.S. citizen (for the American JET, at least), and I am.
To the best of my knowledge you must be a native speaker if you wish to work for JET or Interac. But Eikaiwas are a fantastic alternative option if you are basically native fluent in the language.
DaveTrippin Thanks again!
For Middle East no on line degrees whatsoever are accepted. They check and its part of the visa rejection reasons.
solid video
Cheers Alex. Thanks for checking it out and taking the time to comment.
Hi Daniel...
Great video, I've been looking in to this as I'm wishing to move to Japan... Currently, I'm finishing my Master's of Applied Linguistics (TESOL Major), I'll be finishing the rest of this online. Considering coming over soon to work at an Eikaiwa and finish my study part time, after which, looking at working in the University area. My hopes would be to remain in Japan permanently, any advice you could provide?
Yes!
Excellent video, as a student just starting down my Bachelor's path, I have a few questions, I hope I could possibly get a reply. I'm planning on attending an american university that has a campus in Japan, obtaining my Bachelor's in International affairs with a minor in Japanese. After obtaining this Bachelor's would it be possible to then obtain a master's in English or TESOL?
Absolutely. Finishing a B.A. basically sets you up for whatever Masters it is that you want to pursue provided you meet whatever university's qualifications you apply to.
Awesome! Thank you for the quick reply! I really enjoy your videos man, I just subscribed. Was lucky enough to spend a few months in Japan last year, can't wait to get back.
okay, heres my dilemma, im in the states, but born in europe. got citizenship and been for for 13 years now and about to graduate from BA. given that, technically NOT born in the states, but a citizen, can i then work in public schools or nah?
Yes certainly you can. You have a degree so you're fine.
Having a masters in rehabilitation counseling, what kind of Visa do I need to both teach at university and have a potential for side counseling? Hikikomori
thank for your information, it is use full for me, i want to ask you, how about master education opportunity in japan?
I have a B.S. in biology and was looking at masters degrees in teaching English as a second language however I can't find any online grad schools (here in the states) that allow me (not having a regular degree in teaching) to enter. Is it just that i'm not looking hard enough or do I have to go back and earn a regular teaching degree before moving on to a masters?
Rose Singer hello. I think I might be able to help with your question. I'm not sure if this is the same for all schools but most schools have different faculties. so for instance you are in the science faculty. the teaching degree and masters for English comes from the arts/ humanities and social science faculty. you would need a qualifying arts degree to obtain an arts masters. for example I'm doing a history degree with a minor in law. my degree qualifies me to do the 1 year teaching degree program if I do that then I can go try for the English teaching masters. however it's unnecessary and I'll go for my masters in History. but as I have an arts degree I do not meet science faculty masters requirements.
meaning yes you will most likely need to re-qualify yourself for the arts faculty stream. you already have credits in the school system so you should be able to do the fast track teaching program if it's available to you.
I'm doing a masters in TESOL with USC (I graduate in May 2018). My BA was in History. They would like people who have degrees close to TESOL, but they're also open and want folks from diverse backgrounds. I'm sure you'd get accepted. It's expensive, but definitely one of the top notch online programs out there. Very quality stuff! They treat you like any other USC student and have many resources to help you with jobs and what not.
Im planning to enrol for MA in Professional Development for Language Education which is validated by university of Chichester will I be able to teach at a japanese university with that.
What r the opportunities for a masters in economics in Japan ?
will have to learn japaneses to work
Would you recommend a non-native english speaker to obtain a Master's before applying to teach in Japan?
I have a B.S. in biology and was looking at masters degree in Biology.
My main questions about joining the graduate schools are about the research proposals and the entrance exam.
I was told that foreigners do not have to take it, is that true?
Unfortunately Martin that`s a topic I know very little about so I can`t really comment on it.
Fiddlesticks.
After teaching English, the next step would be that.
A lot of people have given me good information since posting this, but thanks for letting me know.
If you do come across information, just please let me know!
Any Master's degree will do? I am also planning to get Masters degree in Computer Science, can this help me land a university teaching job?
Is there any age limit for self funded grad school prospective students? Like they would not accept you if you are above 35 or 40 ?
It doesn't sound very fun to prepare for publications. Anyways isn't an actual masters degree more favorable than a master certificate in tesol?
It's not fun at all. Working on publications/presentations is my least favorite thing about teaching. Some people like it, though.
I haven't yet been to Japan, but I research a lot on the topic and tbh if you're a native speaker, if you've got the right passport to prove it, if you've got a Bachelor's - I'd say get some kind of a TESOL certificate, I think the CELTA is the most prestigeous one and you can certainly count on Cambridge to monitor the quality of it, and you're more than set. If you're now doing your Bachelors's, use the time to get some teaching experience - volunteering is good too, something you can write on your resumé. Then you're all set for a highschool, a JET program, an Eikaiwa (private schools, but a different kind of privates than what we know as Westerners) position with a nice pay and nice hours.
In my honest opinion, it's wise to do at least a year of teaching abroad and THEN if yoh want, get a Master's degree. A Master's is a huge investment. Why not see if you really like teaching before investing so much of your time, money, and salary you _could_ have been getting? Plus, some experience would surely aid you during your Master's and let you understand the material in a different way once you can link it to the practical stuff, to your experience of applying different methods, etc., in the classroom. You could save up a little during that year, too.
profeSSor
Sigh ;p haha.
Daniel, I know this video is a year old but you're using your Blue Yeti wrong. You want to be talking into the logo on front not the top of the mic.
+Rob Strange HI Rob. If you're talking to me.. I don't actually have a blue yeti. I have an audio technica at2020
DaveTrippin No, I was actually talking to your interview guest (who's name for some reason I thought was Daniel) . I know it's kind of a pointless post at this point but as a blue Yeti owner I had to speak up. Lol
Love all your content Dave keep up the amazing work, you're an inspiration.
I wonder if it's worth it, in regards to the pay the university professor get. I wonder what's the difference from PHD compare to having your masters. Do you get paid more for having a PHD compare to having your masters.
I think a PHD will help you in regards to finding a full-time university position - a lot of university work these days is part-time.
though i'm not saying you can't land a full-time position with just the MA. I did my MA TESOL a couple of years back, and it has personally been worth it for me (despite the time/money it took to finish it)
Just to add a bit more. Just the MA alone is no magic bullet for securing a university job here (even though it is usually a requirement). The two other big ones are Japanese ability, and publications. Some positions require that you have a certain proficiency with the language, as well as 2 or so publications - though like any position here, this does not mean that you cannot secure a job without the specified requirements.
oh, and experience in Japan is a big one as well (even better if it is at the university level).
Poop. I have an M.F.A and 30 years of work experience, including publishing of books, articles etc. But that means I'm in my 50s. Well, that sucks.
I was under the impression that to teach on any University one needs a doctorate level. Am I wrong on this?
You do not need a doctorate you can teach in Japanese universities with a Masters. I would imagine limited in some cases to which courses but you can do it.
I went to a relatively small university in Canada. While they prefer to hire people at the doctorate level, there may not be anyone available. The guy teaching our astronomy class had a Master's degree and was hired to teach it as a sessional instructor. He would never get tenure, even if he stuck around for many years, but they still gave him the job.
Thanks for asking for me. This is a bit disheartening for me. Guess I'll be a great Tourist.
+Chinaski Oh my god, that's a good quote! Definitely gonna need to remember that one!
ahhh I missed it :(