Non-native biliningual English teacher

I am a non-native English teacher from the EU and would like to spend a year or two teaching in Japan. I am fully bilingual - I started speaking English before I was four years old so there is virtually no difference between my proficiency and that of a native speaker (I speak with a British accent). However, I understand that since my passport is not from an English-speaking country I will be in an unfavourable position when it comes to finding work. Is a TEFL certificate even worth pursuing? They forewarn applicants that their non-English status is a liability. My situation is unique and I would like to hear about experiences of those who managed to find work despite being non-native speakers.

There are four French and two German working as ALT as at July 2016.

I, too, know some non native ALT, including me from Asia (lol).
TEFL/TESOL/CELTA may help you, not dispensable though.
http://ishijls.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-561.html

You situation isn't unique and comes up all the time. I have read multiple times from others in your same situation that yes your non-English background does look unfavourable at first glance. But once they confirm your English is on par is regular English bachground teachers, you'd be fine.

I agree your situation isn't unique, I know a number of French teachers who are employed as English teachers.

I doubt it's worth it, basically in the cases where it matters a TESOL certificate means about a 10,000Y difference in monthly salary when you can find it. As soon as someone interviews you, they will know if your English is good enough.

TESOL is a qualification for teaching, NOT to measure English level.
It may helps to get a position especially for not native, but it is not always required.

TESOL or TEFL are often reccomended for no-native candidate and those who have teaching experience but no degree.
Not many employers know about CELTA.
By the way, I am working for a company, which dispacth ALT to schools.

*PsyGuy, don't blame on the others, you are a troller otherwise, thank you.

Hello,

I'm German and I used to work as an English teacher in Japan for 7 years.
It's not that you cannot find a job, but the visa requirements state that you have to be educated in English for at least 12 years etc. (instructor visa).

In order to avoid visa application issues, a lot of schools look for people from countries where English is an official language.

If you bring your own work visa, e.g. the working holiday visa or a spouse visa, then finding a teaching job as non-native is not impossible as long as your skills are good enough.

I did hire in Japan and we never just ignored someone because they were not a native speaker. :)

It's a complicated topic.

Good luck! :)