So I called the Japanese Embassy in KL today and asked about the JET program. I was told that the ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) position is not offered to Malaysians. Only the CIR (Coordinator for International Relations) position is available to Malaysians. I was... devastated, to say the least. I had all my hopes up to apply to for the JET program only to be told that it wasn't offered to Malaysians. Lawyer Chick was right. They are a bit prejudiced in that sense. I guess it's not wrong to want to have native English speakers to teach you English. It still blows though. What is worse is the fact that most of the English teaching posts in Japan require you to be from one of these countries: US, UK, Canada, Australia. Basically, if you're white, you're good to go. Damn the skin politics!
I am completely lost right now. I had a plan. But that plan didn't fall through. Didn't even get a chance to execute the damn plan in the first place. So now I have no idea what I'm going to do. I still want to teach somewhere that's not in Malaysia. At least not right now. I want some international exposure first. I so want it to be Japan. I love Japan. Been there, lived there, loved it there. So what do I do? What do I do? What do I do?
6 comments:
Hey
I'm a Malaysian too and i'm experiencing the exact same thing. My whole life i was educated in Singapore and did a B.Sc (psychology) and M.A (English Literature) in Canada. There are MANY eikaiwa (foreign language teachers in Japan) companies here that recruit Canadians, Americans etc... Although I meet their job requirements, I have so much difficulty even landing an interview.
Two companies have called me up for interviews, and asked "pre-qualifying" questions like if i could go to Japan anytime, am i flexible with location blah blah blah. But the moment they hear that I'm Malaysian, they cancelled my interview!!! (WTF!)
You are right that they want white people. People like us, if hired at all, are just to add to the company's idea of tolerane policy ahaha.
One company did confess though, it's NOT them. It's the Japanese authorities... they are incredibly fussy & bureaucratic (and racist too, may I add? Never stand behind a black guy at the Japan airport. Japan would rather sink than accept a non-native counterpart - or rather, "foreign criminal".
Don't be discouraged though! Try applying directly to Japan (Check out the big schools - GEOS, AEON, ECC, Gaba, Berlitz). The only thing is, if you're currently in Asia, you may have to go to Japan for the interiew.
Let me know if you need help! I've done so much research on this that I'm ready to pass out. My email address is nelchen1@hotmail.com
Take care and all the best!
Nel
Sorry about being disappointed. I can understand how you feel. I'm also looking into the JET program, but i'm a little worried about being accepted. I may be American, but i've got too many variables in my background. I hear Japan happens to be very conducive for African Americans, but as far as teaching English, i've heard they can be a little skeptical.
Just like you, I really need this. At 25, I'm clueless as to my next step in life and my options are very limited...extremely limited. skin politics plays a bit part, but so does my own damn need to stand out and alone.
Application opens Sep 18, Wish me luck..If i ever get an interview, I'll pack in the ebonics and speak good 'ole Queens English. You do what you gotta do, right? lol
Anyway, look towards China, Taiwan or S. Korea, You may discover sometime worthwhile. Good luck
heya kingsley. I've pretty much given up hope of finding a teaching job overseas. I figure I might as well get some experience first. Maybe after that I'll consider applying for a teaching position as a teacher in an international school somewhere. I guess we'll see. I wish you luck with the JET program. You'll do fine I'm sure :)
Hi Blodyn, It's Kingsley. Don't give up, not just yet. I did apply to JET as planned, but i also discovered other placement companies out there. Companies like Interac and Teachaway are contracted through the Japanese school system, and have less strigent requirements, especially when it comes to the candidate's background or demographic. Base requirements are 12 years of education in an English-based school system, a degree and some other miscellaneous factors. God knows i think your English is amazing, so i think you're a pretty safe bet.
Now, it's no guarantee of course, because ultimately, the school system still decides, but you do get an avenue to sell yourself i.e videotaped performance of 3 tasks, so it's kinda worth a shot.
Note: I thought you would have posted something new to your blog by now. Must be real busy, huh?
Hahaha. As you can see, I've started posting again :P
Anyways, I'm definitely staying here in Malaysia after I graduate. For now at least. Who knows what the future holds. And maybe the crappy schools here need me more than any other schools in other countries. LOL. One more semester and 3 months of teaching practice left! EEEeeeekKK!
lol...
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