Job Outlook and Visa sponsorship

[AlfredAndy]

Hi everybody,

As a college student graduating with a BS degree in May 2011, I have a few questions about working as an English teacher in Japan.
( I have applied for the JET program, but I am looking into a plan B if I don't get accepted as a JET. )

1: Although the peak hiring time for teachers is February - March, will there still be English teaching jobs available in May / June 2011?
2: What is the probability of finding a company in Japan that would be willing to sponsor a work visa after peak hiring times?
3: Is looking for a company willing to sponsor a work visa - while on a tourist visa a good approach to finding a job as a teacher?

My understanding is that it has become harder to get work visa sponsorship, and I want to make sure I can find work legally in Japan.

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A little bit of information about my qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree of Science (Will receive it in May 2011)
• Native Level of English
• Lower-Intermediate Level of Japanese
• 4 Years Intercultural Experience
• 140 Hour TEFL Certification
• 150 Hours of ESL Tutoring Experience
• Student taught 3 Credit Hours of ESL classes at a State University

Thanks for your time,

-Andy