[songsengnim]

I can't say that this is a fact, just that I heard that this was the latest trend.I've heard of two universities that want prospective teachers to have Masters and not just a degree in any field.please make a thorough check.thanks.

[fishead soup]

Most Universities require a Masters. If you've got lots of experience its possible to get a University job in the sticks with just a B.A. Beware some University jobs are actually Hoegwan jobs in Disguise

Example

Sogun University requires three teachers immediatly

World language institute will be hiring several new teachers who will be teaching University students.

They'll give you some hours at the university for that they get a big cut. Then they bus you over to their little Hoegwan to teach kids.

[Eric]

Additionally, at a lot of universities summer 'vacation' is really time spent in extra classes or camps or both.

[fishead soup]

Quote Oreamnos

Additionally, at a lot of universities summer 'vacation' is really time spent in extra classes or camps or both.

You can make money on top of your already existing salary for this; and still have some time to go rock climbing in Krabbi.

[Eric18]

Great quote!

[HUE]

As of October, 2007, I would stay out of Japan for the next few months to one year. A major English school chain with 50% of the market closed (NOVA), flooding Japan with upwards of 5000 English teachers. A lot of companies, both English-related and outside the industry, have been wading through applications. My company has been getting more than fifteen a day, and a friend of mine in the headhunting business has been getting twice that number on average.

What does this all mean? Although it's too soon to tell, it's definitely an employer's market at this point. If you don't have a lot of experience, or a lot of qualifications, then I think Korea and China offer much better opportunities for the teacher/ traveler looking for a few years overseas. To put this into perspective: I've been teaching for ten years here, and I wouldn't bet on landing a job myself if I chose to enter the market.

[Eric18]

Thank you for that detailed, illuminating, and slightly depressing update.

I guess the idea of earning yen as the dollar collapses will have to wait until the chaos ends in the language market. By the way, why did NOVA go under?

[HUE]

NOVA filed for court protection from its creditors, as it's roughly 44 billion yen in debt. These figures are from June or July, so the debt is likely greater. At this point, they're shopping around for a major corporation to bail them out.

There are a lot of reasons for NOVA's demise. The final blow came over false advertising. NOVA advertised lessons at any time, but couldn't provide the service. And when students asked for refunds, the company either said "no," or claimed that the points were less valuable than when they were purchased.

It is very depressing, especially for the teachers who are here. A lot have no jobs, no savings, and so have no choice but to return home.