Job Discussion Forums

Vince · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 559 Location: U.S.

Which of the major eikaiwa would you suggest for somebody with previous EFL experience in Japan? Please don't say "none of them." I know why you might say that, but I'm just looking for a quick entry point and wouldn't stay past the first contract.

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

Don't know. Look at Gaijinpot to get an idea.

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

Depends on where you want to live too.

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

Yes, it does. There is Ohayo Sensei too.
It is hard to know.

Maybe Berlitz, but not Coco.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

Yes that would be Westgate but the work is just for 4 months, which may be OK if you can get another job by the fall.
But with them, work is either around Tokyo or in Nagoya.

moviefan1987 · Joined: 23 Nov 2015 Posts: 25

I worked for the COCO. They treated me fine, and followed my contract to the precise letter. It was ok for 1 year. But your experience all depends on your branch manager. I haven't worked for any other eikaiwa, but GABA could also be ok for a year. Good luck.

Vince · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 559 Location: U.S.

Thanks for the replies, and apologies for asking a meaningless question. Whether somebody is an experienced EFL teacher is beside the point.

Here is what I want from an employer, whether an eikaiwa or ALT agency.

I'd like a company that is reputed to respect its teachers as adults and professionals. It doesn't matter that we don't have advanced degrees related to TESOL. If we're showing up on time and doing the job in a professional manner, we're professionals.
I'd like a company that is grounded enough to pay its people on time and be upfront about its responsibility to provide legally required benefits based on the hours that the teacher works.
I'd like a school that doesn't play management-versus-expendables or Japanese-versus-gaijin games with its foreign teachers.
I'd like a school that allows capable teachers some reasonable latitude in lesson planning.
I'd like a school that will support any of its teachers who are unfairly treated by students.

I worked at ECC over ten years ago and found that it mostly met those criteria. If it's still like it was back then, it would definitely be on my list.

Do you know of any others?

I've read mixed things about COCO. My main concern is that its website says full-time teachers make 195,000 - 255,000. What factors determine that big range? I'd of course want to be at the top of it. Is there the possibility of teachers moving into HQ positions (trainers, foreign HR staff, etc.)?

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

Well,
Coco did collective bargaining back in 2014.
I can't remember, maybe the parent company is Benesse.
They are trying to save money.

I think it is easier to move up in Berlitz.

Maybe ECC would be better.

timothypfox · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 492

Consider working at a private high school or a private junior high school. It sounds like your qualified.

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

I would just use the eikaiwa as your entrance into Japan and not worry too much about the conditions. They are all pretty poor for different reasons. It does depend a lot on your location and manager, too. Later on try to snag a job at a private high school.