Bubble Metropolis
Member
I was reading the OP, but I failed to see exactly what prerequisites or certificates are required to teach in Japan. Do you need extensive college or other additional courses, or does it boil down to references and general work experience? As a tradesman myself who's always dreamed of working or living in Japan most of my "teaching" and references would obviously come from that field. Any advice as to how I could accomplish landing a teaching gig with construction background?
For the JET program, the only requirement is a college degree and that you be a good, enthusiastic person. No official ESL/EFL certification, work experience, or Japanese ability is required, though it may help. I've a few friends over there now who don't (or didn't, rather) speak a bit of Japanese. Work experience is whatever—the JET program is advertised as a 'fresh out of college' job, and you're only over there five years maximum, so going on about how loyal and reliable you've been in your previous work experience isn't really relevant.
But this is all only applicable to the consulate in my state. I recommend you look into a JET information session somewhere (a Japanese culture expo, or anything they might show up at) to get a feel for the people who work there.
Other companies like INTERAC have similar if not looser qualifications, as far as I know.