EduCareer StaffBlog"Rinjin Blog" | "EduCareer"Supporting your career in English teaching in the Japanese school system

Continuing Education

2010/11/24

Many people come to Japan to teach with just a bachelor's degree and no special training. For some, Japan is a one-year holiday, but others find they really enjoy teaching in Japan and want to continue it as a career and eventually gain a stable direct-hire position. If you want to advance in your teaching career but your degree is in Engineering or Biology, what can you do?

A popular option is distance learning. Many universities offer courses online, and you can get your masters in Education, Linguistics, or TEFL. If you can find an accredited program this can be a great way to get your degree while continuing to work full time.

There are also a few options in Japan- Temple University has a continuing education program that offers certification specifically in teaching English to Japanese learners, and several other foreign-based universities offer masters programs in English. These might require more class time and thus be harder to balance with full-time work than online classes, but can be a good option for those living near a campus.

Just make sure you research a program thoroughly before registering- you don't want to be halfway through and find out it isn't accredited or there are hidden fees! Getting recommendations for former/current students can help you make sure you're getting the most out of your schooling.

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