Job Discussion Forums

[seklarwia]

[Inflames]

[fluffyhamster]

I think it still leaves the big big problem that you can arrive and only then find out that in fact there isn't a COE ready and waiting.

[seklarwia]

[Inflames]

[fluffyhamster]

@Sek: I doubt if the MOJ could give two stuffs about alleged doctored "promissory" scans or photos being sent to teachers. They'd probably only get interested if quality printed forgeries were somehow passing muster at embassies, but assuming the embassies do their job and quickly check back with Japan or access a COE database or something prior to actually issuing the visa, it's hard to see how such a scam could work.

[taffer]

Is ALS "any good"? That was the question.

I spent my TEFL career abroad going from one place to the next. That was until I came to ALS. I had a great time working with them so I stayed quite a long time.

Here's how it went: My teaching visa was handled very soon after arrival. They arranged for a modest studio apartment which was fine. There were opportunities for training workshops a couple times a year and I was also able to observe fellow teachers to gain ideas and familiarize myself with the students and program. Head teachers were there to guide me when I needed support. The Head Office was staffed with experienced teachers who were more than happy to lend support when I needed it.

I kept renewing my contract because it was a good job. The fact that Japan is a great place to live was certainly a big part of the equation. Any good? No. Very good.

That is all.

[fluffyhamster]

ALS may be a perfectly fine employer, once one's actually started working for them Taffer (obviously I wouldn't know, not having ever worked for them). As a general rule of thumb though (if you don't mind the "off-topicness" of that), most people on this forum can only really recommend that people trust a COE in their hand rather than the word of the prospective employer or somebody on the internet (and in most situations there probably isn't even that word on the internet forum to help the jobseeker make their choice, so they end up taking risks that simply getting the COE would help them avoid entirely); then, if for whatever reason e.g. school's burnt down, there still turns out to be no job waiting even with the COE > visa in hand, well, the jobseeker will be able to immediately seek and more importantly start work elsewhere. And speaking from my own personal experience, the first job I ever had abroad (way back before the internet took off, which meant I had almost zero information and advice) didn't work out in the end due to the employer having cut corners visa-wise ("Get a 6-month business visa on a short stopover in Hong Kong and we'll change it to a proper work visa after you arrive in Shanghai"), not having the "juice" (guanxi, the right 'connections') as it turned out, meaning I and several other good teachers had to endure months of visa runs once the initial visa and its renewal or two were up, before finally being refused permission to remain working certainly in Shanghai. So it's kind of understandable why I personally usually advise a bit caution, that people "get their ducks in a row", because they're then covered more should the "unforseen" happen.

[RMC604]

For those who are interested in American Language School and thinking about applying and joining. I will give a fair perspective to the job.

A little background info on me. I have been teaching ESL for 5 years. 3 years in Canada, 1 year in Korea and 1 year in Japan. CELTA certified.

Pros: Job is good for entry level teachers who have little or no experience. It is even good for those who just want to make money to pay student loans.
They have extensive teacher training for all NEW TEACHERS. So, this job is recommended for those who want to travel and get their feet wet. Also, it is a good place to start your teaching career if you don't have training or no experience.
Pay is competitive. It is within the market and I think it is more than enough for the workload asked for. The work schedule ranges and varies between schools. Lessons are super easy. They have their teaching guides and material for you to follow. Training makes sure you know their program. As long you stick to their program, do it enthusiastically, your job is safe. So the job is easy enough for anyone to do it.
They always pay on time and there is never a problem with paychecks.
They take of the housing arrangements so you don't have it

CONS: This company is NOT A GOOD one OR A BAD one. Their approach is very minimal. They say they will do everything in their power to help but it is limited. For example, Training and Visas: Training is provided but it is unpaid. Visas, You do everything, application, travelling to the office and fees are on you. So if you are working during that week, you go in on your own to city office/immigration.
All teachers start on a tourist visa. You have to wait and work while for your COE and visa is being approved. This process takes 2.5 months. If anything goes wrong, you are on your own, the company takes minimal risk. They will advise you but won't do anything more. Remember, it is also illegal but chances of being caught are low.
They are a cheap company. Renting. They make money off the teachers in rent. If the apartment is advertised at the rental agency for $290. ALS charges $400.
Like any company, they will try max out your work hours without hitting overtime. But sometimes business will be slow and it will be an easy work schedule with long breaks in between.
Training/observation/feedback: It is very limited and slow. It may take 2-3 months after your observation before you get the feedback. Also, keep in the mind, the "head teachers" are "teachers" with seniority and worked for the company for a LONG time. They MAY have teacher training or certificates but I suspect that they don't.
Respect: Teachers don't have much say in anything. You do what head office tells you to do. Remember, this job is easy so therefore anyone can replace you. I have had 2 incidents with the company. Even if you are doing your job correctly and the best way possible, you can be wrong. This company will NOT stand up for you EVEN IF YOU ARE RIGHT IN THE SITUATION. So no matter how much bitching there is, they won't make changes.
Honest: Not very. I give them 3/10. A lot of cloak and dagger
For those who are experienced and want a challenge, this job isn't for you. For me, it was down right frustrating and degrading at the same time. You will get paid the same wage as the Crazy teacher. Your qualifications and the additional quality you provide will be not acknowledged properly. So any teachers who are doing minimal will be the same as the teacher who tries his/her best.

[dynastar]

Ｉ　ｈａｄ　ａ　ｍｕｃｈ　ｄｉｆｆｅｒｅｎｔ　ｅｘｐｅｒｉｅｎｃｅ．　Ｉ　ｉｎｔｅｒｖｉｅｗｅｄ　ａｔ　ｔｈｅ　kugayama　ｂｒａｎｃｈ　ａｎｄ　ｗａｓ　ｏｆｆｅｒｅｄ　MORE a ｍｏｎｔｈ　ｂｅｃａｕｓｅ　Ｉ　ｈａｖｅ　ｅｘｐｅｒｉｅｎｃｅ　ｔｅａｃｈｉｎｇ　ｋｉｄｓ　ｆｏｒ　２　ｙｅａｒｓ．　Ｉ　ｓｐｏｋｅ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｏｔｈｅｒ　ｔｅａｃｈｅｒｓ。I did a trial day and found it to be MUCH more relaxing than my current job and other Eikaiwas I have subbed at. But it all depends on the individual branch...

Best advice would be to just go an interview. Ask all the questions you need to and chat with the other teachers。

[kah5217]

[RMC604]

Dynastar: you are right. Each Individual branch is different. Which makes things inconsistent and unfair. I did work at a franchise school and branch. I loved working at the franchise school because the owners were kind to me. They provided me with a higher salary, good work hours,a BIG apartment and transportation (I got a scooter). I was lucky to have them but unfortunately the business changed for the worst and I got switched to branch. The information and conditions I listed are for Branch teachers. I didn't share my franchise information because the network of schools in ALS are mainly branch schools. The chances of getting a GOOD franchise are low(there can be bad ones) and most job postings for ALS are usually for branch positions. It would be unfair to mention how great my experience was based on a franchise experience. That experience was like a lottery pick. I was lucky and chances of me or anyone else getting those benefits are low BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT STANDARD in all ALS schools. The conditions I gave are ones that ALL teachers have in ALS. I listed the conditions neutrally. Job applicants can read it for themselves and decide if the conditions are good for them or the risk is too much.

P.S: I even had to work on a tourist visa when I was a franchise school teacher. (Yes, it is NOT A GOOD thing)

[Vince]

[Evilcows]

I'm currently working for them as a franchise teacher. I've taught before in Japan as an ALT and as a PT private tutor going to kids' houses and such. Here's what I've noticed so far:

Pros:
- One week of in dept training that covers lessons from really small children to adults, also some info on living in Japan. Although training isn't paid they do give you free housing in their Yosukaido(chiba) guest house and reimburse you for the travel expenses from Yosukaido to their head office in Minami Funabashi.

-All training is done by native speakers who also give you a ton of paper work about the training.

- There is an English line at head office. So if you have a problem or are sick you're talking to someone who 100% understands what you're saying.

- Likewise you have the email addresses, office numbers and cell phone numbers of all the head teachers and administration. So they're very easy to contact.

- One week paid observation of the teacher(s) you're replacing

-You get a 250,000 yen base salary which goes up every year you work for them. This salary includes set vacation days (2 weeks winter, 2 weeks summer and 1 week during golden week).

-All transport is reimbursed.

- The text books are super easy to follow and use.

- Housing is provided so you don't have to worry about where to live. Likewise, you don't have to pay key money just your rent, bills and a 2000 yen monthly maintenance fee.

- Additional money if your transport is over an hour (on the train/bus/etc itself)

-Paid over time

Cons:

- You come over on a tourist visa and get a document telling you what to tell the airport if you're unsure (you're visiting a friend)

- They'll take their time getting you the visa while you're working on the tourist visa. Then you have to to go immigration own your own and get it. You will however be paid you paycheck in cash.

- Not all the managers at the schools speak English. This can make communication difficult if you don't speak Japanese (there's not much incentive to learn).

- Not all the schools will give you copies of the books to take home and plan your lessons so you may need to show up at the schools early to plan your lessons for that day.

-The salary does not include sick days and ALS will actually take away your money and give it to the sub if you call in sick. Thus they don't have a good sub system and they may require you to call other teachers to ask them to sub for you.

- The housing provided in yosukaido area is not very good. This is actually the old ALS school that was converted into apartments, cheaply, but you're still paying the 55,000 yen per month plus the maintenance fee.

- You, according to the contract, have to live in ALS housing. "The use of this apartment is an integral part of this employment contract".

Over all I think they're fine and the job is super easy most of the time. The training is over whelming but offers a lot of great info and a great time to ask questions. The observations are great and you really get a feel for it. It's great for those who are new to Japan and/or teaching. Most class sizes are small and the books (let's go, connect, interchange) are easy to follow.

[Vince]