Teacher Discussion Forums

lionsarch · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 1 Location: London

Hello,
I am considering applying to work for a company called the 'Heart English School' in Mito, Japan. Has anyone worked for them before or know anything about them? I would be very grateful for any information. Im not sure if they are entirely above board.
Kind Regards,
Lion.

I am sorry if this topic does not fit properly into this section.

Stan · Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Britain

I worked there in 2002 for a while, as an English teacher.
The work itself, as with most of its kind, was interesting and rewarding.
I would not work the company again, however, as I do not feel that I was treated honestly.
Without writing too much, or something that could create any legal reprisal, what was asked of me after signing the contract is not what was asked of me beforehand, so I left.
I went up the road, literally, and worked for a man at the top end of the "good to work for" ladder, a small independent school owner.
What a coincidence that I was searching for schools in Japan again, having been back in the UK for 4 years, and saw your post.
If you'd like to give me your email address, I'll tell you about Heart, and about Mito city.

Monkee · Joined: 29 Jul 2006 Posts: 2

This might be a little out of date and no use to you but I'm currently working at Heart in Mito and find it very dishonest. They treat ALT's poorly with little support and the pay is laughable. I advise all not to go near this school. There are many better schools to choose from and I'll be leaving Heart.
Good luck and stay away for your own sanity! Laughing

rpbooth1 · Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Akita

Also a former ALT; loved the work but not the employer; I felt that they were not entirely honest. They are quite up-front about the low pay but seem to be less-so about other things. I left rather than deal with it. Crying or Very sad

Monkee · Joined: 29 Jul 2006 Posts: 2

I can't stress enough NOT to get employment from Heart School. The Labour Standards Bureau and Nambu (union) are all too familiar with his shady practises. Take some more time and get a job from somewhere else it will save you a lot of hassle and stress. Since my new job I feel much better, I almost left Japan because of it.
anyway, avoid, avoid, avoid!
the pay IS the worst in Japan, and the conditions suck while the boss is a crook.

Lupin the 3rd · Joined: 15 Jan 2007 Posts: 1

I might have a job there Shocked

are there other schools which will accept teachers without degrees that pay more or are just better (we have a holiday visa)

otherwise we may just take the job and leave if it is no good... any advise would be great Confused

Paul Robinson · Joined: 10 Apr 2011 Posts: 1

I would urge anyone who wants a decent job or a decent apartment NOT to work for Heart School because the owner is a ruthless money grabbing tyrant and his manager Kent is almost the same. They only care about business and money. There are plenty of real English schools that care about the teachers and students. I can't stress this enough, Heart is a BAD company.