Job Discussion Forums

[marley'sghost]

They didn't pull the bait and switch on us at our branch. There was a meeting late in August, just a few days before school started, but it was on the calendar at the start of the term. Can only hope it was an isolated incident in your case. And pray that the management there discovers the ill will generated is not worth the pittance they managed to squeeze out of the peasantry.
Though come to think of it, it might not be a pittance. If you managed to get 50 teachers to fess up to being unavailable for 2 or 3 weeks they are contracted for, that could add up. Ka-ching!

[Pitarou]

[zues]

In the real world, back home, people would be like... whuhhhhhh... WHAT?!! They did what to your vacation and are not to telling anyone why? or bringing it up at all?

Gaijins in japan don't really count to the big esl companies such as interac, and sadly, nothing can be done. There are no union meetings taking place with esl companies or unions to negotiate our wages and rights. these companies would scoff the request, I'm sure.. and the fresh meat is in line for your job.

Sooooo, if you work for such shady companies, don't work. be the human tape recorder their treatment of you merits. nothing more. nada. Lesson planning? lol!! yeah, how about reading from the book everyday until stuff like this does not occur...

It's insulting. The double standard of company expectation to actual treatment of teachers. They hire people from all over the world, many who have horrible pronunciation, and they pay everyone nearly the exact same salary no matter your experience or education.. no pay raises.. and sketchy stuff like this episode, changing your contract's vacation days after the contract was signed then not even talking about it with the people in the contract. doh! on and on..

New job is much better and have moved on!! Good luck to you all..

[Solar Strength]

Two things to remember. First, you're at the bottom of the food chain. Second, you're working for abusive companies. I agree with the comments about getting out of eikaiwa and dispatch work. They are terrible jobs.

Finally, and as already mentioned by a few people previously on this thread, I do not recommend Japan as a prospective TEFL destination when I talk to friends back home who have indicated interest. I tell them to look at Vietnam or China instead. Even Korea - at least the contract terms include airfare and a free apartment.

Japan EFL teaching is played and has been for nearly a decade. The dispatch companies have taken over thousands of jobs and are scheming with many of the local boards of education and even many universities to erode salaries, benefits and working conditions by hiring temp and short-term contract gaijin teachers. Eikaiwa salaries have dropped and jobs have become increasingly scarce.

You'd have to be insane - or really stupid - to drop everything and come to Japan and try and make it as an EFL teacher here.

[U99A]

[Pitarou]

[Solar Strength]

[Inflames]

[Solar Strength]