What undergraduates can do to become university faculty in Europe?

At first

Nice to meet you. I am an undergraduate student who wants to become a university faculty member teaching linguistics in Europe. In this article, we will explain what you can do to become a university teacher from the undergraduate stage. Becoming a university teacher is not an easy task, either in Japan or in Europe. This is because the number of university faculty members is small. This section is explained in the field of linguistics. Since there are many universities in medicine, there may be a slightly different approach.

1 Study abroad and get a degree abroad.

Having a degree obtained abroad proves that you have internationally accepted skills. Many of the Japanese professors who have become university teachers in Japan have PhDs in the United States and other countries. Studying abroad can broaden your world and make you know new teachers and friends, but communication with those teachers can be advantageous for becoming a university teacher. If you are lucky, you may receive a letter of recommendation from a university faculty member or a job introduction. You may also get an attractive job offer from a teacher at your study―abroad destination. Even if you work in Japan rather than overseas, you will definitely make use of your experience studying abroad. This is because it is not only a direct benefit, but also a perfection of character. The Fundamental Law of Education of the Japan stipulates that “Article 1 Education shall be conducted with the aim of perfecting one’s character and fostering citizens who are physically and mentally healthy and possess the qualities necessary to form a peaceful and democratic nation and society.” By studying abroad, you will be exposed to diverse values, which will greatly contribute to the perfection of your personality.

By studying abroad for a long time while you are an undergraduate student, you will be exposed to the atmosphere of overseas (European), make connections, and be stimulated by new values, which will definitely be useful in your career as a researcher.

2 Obtain a PhD degree.

In order to become a university teacher, regardless of the country, a doctoral degree called a Ph.D. is required. It is very difficult to become a university teacher without having a Ph.D. When you finish your undergraduate studies, you can get a BA (Bachelor of Arts), and after completing a master’s program, you can get an MA (Master of Arts), and beyond that is a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy).  The etymology of the word philosophy, which means “philosophy”, is “love to know.” This phrase is very important for researchers and is necessary to work in a university that plays the role of a higher education institution.

So, what do you study in an undergraduate degree to get a BA? It is the foundation of scholarship. Higher education is provided at university, but in order to become a university teacher, it is only basic education. In the master’s program for MA, students learn the basics of research, and many students write papers. In the doctoral program for obtaining a PhD, you will learn more serious research methods. By valuing each step, you will lead to a career as a researcher.

At the undergraduate level, students need to take a solid basic education as a researcher with the goal of obtaining a PhD.

3 Enjoy learning.

Researchers have the privilege of being exposed to scholarship 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you don’t enjoy that privilege, you won’t be a good researcher. On the other hand, if you like to research at any time, you are very suitable for university faculty who are researchers. A university faculty member I know stays in the laboratory (a laboratory is a private room or other room in a university faculty member) until 1 a.m. every day to conduct research. If such a thing becomes painful, then you will not be suitable for university faculty. As a basis for this, it is important to fully enjoy studying at the undergraduate level of the university.

At the undergraduate level, it is important to enjoy learning while being exposed to the latest research by touching on your favorite classes and various subjects that you find interesting, and reading papers in that field, without deciding on a specialty too deeply.

4 Learn English

Even if you are going to spend time in Japan country, even if you are going to a non-English speaking part of Europe, knowledge of English is a must. The large number of papers written in English is also a reason why you should learn English. In addition, English has retained its position as a second foreign language in non-English-speaking countries in Europe. In addition, the United States, an English-speaking country, has a world-class position not only in linguistics but also in research in various fields. The United States of America is a research powerhouse. Therefore, knowledge of English is necessary to read papers written in the United States.

At the undergraduate level, it is important to hone your knowledge of English by studying abroad in English-speaking countries and interacting with international students who have come to the university.

5 Do not participate in job hunting

At Japanese university, one of the things I hate the most is job hunting. University classes (we pay almost 10,000 euros a year!) Some faculty members have said the ridiculous thing that they can participate in company interviews even if they are absent. In order to get a PhD, you can’t afford to spend time looking for a job at all. You should seriously study for graduate school entrance exams, study English, and study the field you want to specialize in. Job hunting is nothing but a waste of time. College students should concentrate on their studies.

At the undergraduate stage, it is important not to work part-time or look for a job.