Where should I go?

<p>Okay, I got three questions but first let me just tell you what I'm planning. Okay, my plan is to do a double major and major in Japanese and Teaching. With this being complete, I would like go to Japan and teach English there. While in Japan, I would go to a college and learn French, and work towards a degree in Psychology (I know, it's a lot). That way, I can go to Japan and teach, then if something happens, or I want to go back home, I could teach French of Japanese, and, should I want a higher income, I could possibly try to become a Psychologist. </p>

<p>Now, for the questions:
1. Does this sound like a good plan, or am I killing myself with all of these classes?
2. Is what I'm studying stable enough?
3. What is the best college to learn Japanese?</p>

<p>I was thinking either UCLA, University of Wisconsin, University of Washington, University of Indiana, or Penn State. University of Hawaii is out of the question.</p>

<p>All responses are helpful, and thanks for replying!</p>

<p>Can you afford all those OOS schools? What about Ohio State? [The</a> Foreign Language Center - Language](<a href=“http://flc.osu.edu/language/default.cfm]The”>http://flc.osu.edu/language/default.cfm)</p>

<p>Pitt has a very strong program.</p>

<p>Do you know anyone who has done this? It may not be easy for you to be admitted to a university in Japan, and you may not have enough time for classes if you are working there as an English teacher.</p>

<p>It isn’t necessary to know much Japanese before you take a job as an English teacher, but it will make your life a lot easier. In addition to Japanese classes, I would recommend that you take some coursework in TESOL so that you are specifically prepared to work as a language instructor. If your college/university doesn’t offer TESOL, you can look for courses offered through a community college or community services agency. You also could consider enrolling in [Cambridge</a> ESOL: Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA)](<a href=“http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/teaching-awards/celta.html]Cambridge”>http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/teaching-awards/celta.html) which has programs at various locations around the world.</p>

<p>There are a number of organizations that place native-speakers in teaching positions in other countries. One of the best programs for Japan is [The</a> JET Programme–Official Homepage of The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme–](<a href=“http://www.jetprogramme.org/]The”>http://www.jetprogramme.org/)</p>

<p>If you want to master French, it may be better if you start studying it in the US. That way you would have a solid foundation before you graduate college. If you want to teach in public schools in the US, you need to be certain that whatever you study will be able to count toward your teacher’s certification. Coursework taken overseas might not. Be sure to find out what the specific requirements are for the state(s) where you would like to work.</p>

<p>To go to a university in Japan, you must take the EJU which is administered by JASSO. It basically tests your Japanese, math, and science skills. The only kicker is that it is NOT administered in the US. You have to go to Japan or a country in Asia that administers the test to take it. Temple University might be a good option for you, but you would probably still have to take the EJU unless you attend Temple University in PA and study abroad to the Japan campus. Finding a school that has English classes isn’t very hard. There are many universities of foreign studies that teach in English. But, this would most likely be a Japanese degree, an American degree will get you farther in the long run.</p>

<p>What state do you live in? Poi is right, Pitt does have an excellent program, if not the best program. However, Pitt is a huge school with a lot of competition. I applied and was accepted to Pitt but I was not awarded any scholarships. As an OOS, it was just way too expensive. OSU is also an excellent school and has a great program. But once again it is a huge school with a lot of competition for admission and scholarships. If you prefer a big school then either of these would be great for you.</p>

<p>When I was searching for colleges, I looked for schools with Japanese and Teaching, so I might be of some help to you. Feel free to private message me with any questions.</p>

<p>The JET Program is very good. However, I have heard RUMORS (not sure if they are really true) that it will be canceled in the next 5 years or so. I hope this doesn’t happen, it really is a nice program.</p>