Can an On-line TEFL Certificate Help You Find Work in Japan?

TEFL Certificates and Getting That First Job in Japan

ESL forums are full of articles from ESL instructors who write that you’ll definitely need a CELTA equivalent course of get any kind of work in the ESL field. This isn’t exactly the case. What is true however, is that an Online TEFL course won’t cut it in hyper-competitive markets like areas of western Europe.

But it will definitely give you a leg up on your competitors in an entry level position in Japan.

In areas of Western Europe, competition is fierce. This doesn’t mean you can’t get a job there, but it probably means you’ll need a bit more fire power in way of qualifications. But as long as you avoid these high-end markets you won’t be in the situation of sending endless heaps of resumes for months on end without seeing results.

So avoiding these high-end markets is key to breaking into your first teaching job in Japan.

Unlike some countries in western Europe and other sought for TESL heavens, Japan, although completely on the radar screen of most job searchers is slightly below the extremely sought after ones. What this means is that an online TEFL course. gives you an advantage in Japan simply because the job market isn’t as competitive.

We’re not saying that finding work teaching in Japan is an absolute cake-walk because there certainly is competition.

(Read: melt-down of western Economies, Wall Street turmoil and collapsing banking system. Graduates fleeing to find work.) And to be perfectly honest this has put a bit more strain on the job finding situation but because of this an on-line TEFL course will give you a bit more pulling power when you send out your resumes and cover letters and because they’re so affordable.

They’re pretty much a no-brainer if you’re looking to get an edge…

Let’s be straight here on one point. On-line degrees can’t match the knock down power of a full blown CELTA but then again you can start and finish an on-line degree from any corner of the globe and it won’t break you financially doing it. So if you’re financially strapped and want to break out into something different like teaching ESL in Japan, then this is definitely an option you need to look into.

So if you’re looking to get into teaching, don’t have the money and credentials for industrial strength competition in the ESL field, grabbing an on-line course and making your first cut into the ESL field in Japan is a pretty safe course of action.

After you’ve built up some experience in the classroom and are worth a higher wage, you can go after more competitive jobs if you’re tired of the teaching scene in Japan.

So the point is that in extremely competitive markets like Western Europe and On-line TEFL won’t cut it. But it will if you’ve set your sights on Japan.