Job Discussion Forums

AbeCross · Joined: 21 Jun 2012 Posts: 191

Westgate, Aeon, Gaba, JET, and Interac: it seems that these organizations have been recruiting for years. Also, there have always been a fair number of much smaller schools recruiting teachers for jobs teaching infants to adults. And the pay has even dipped a little in some cases. It used to be that 250,000 was standard, but I now see ads paying less. In general, though, it seems the country is in a bit of a time warp in regards to its EFL industry.

Today, what English-language providers are considered the best in terms of pay, professionalism, housing, and working conditions for EFL teachers? I'd be interested in hearing from any teachers who are in or have recent experience in this beautiful nation.

Black_Beer_Man · Joined: 26 Mar 2013 Posts: 453 Location: Yokohama

The ESL biz in Japan has taken a hit in recent years. The most notable example is the bankruptcy of NOVA, formerly the largest language school chain in Japan.

The high value of the Yen was another draw for teachers all over the world. However since the yen has dropped down to near par with the dollar, I think the teachers who come to Japan now are coming less for the money than for the cultural experience.

I have friends in South Korea who say that that country has also been hit hard by the weak international economy. They say that they`re not looking for raises or anything like that. They just want to hang on to whatever salary they`re presently being paid.

So, poor economic times explains the dip in esl salaries in Japan and elsewhere.

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

It is for younger teachers with little experience.
It is for highly qualified teachers too, and the gap between the two has widened a lot. People in the middle are getting squeezed.
So I mean people with 1kyu in Japanese, a doctorate or a MA with publications and presentations, or people who are certified in their own country or in Japan, or can teach IB classes.

If you want money, go to the Gulf.
In Korea, you can get a free apartment.

It depends what you want.

stumptowny · Joined: 29 May 2011 Posts: 310

no, its for anyone they need at that moment.

the hr person doing intakes does not care about you. if you show up on the right day, at the right time, you're in. hr has so many places to fill on that day, so they are going to try to role in as many newbies as possible. they don't like hiring piece-meal as it's cheaper en masse.

age, experience have little effect as you will get the same pay as everyone else (give or take 5,000 - 10,000y a month)... your education, experience, age, have little bearing. and you gotta be here, in japan, to get swept up with these waves... this is regarding large employers only

its the hard truth. trying to dissect credentials, reasons, and other hiring variables is complimenting these large companies for no reason. as if they looked at new hires individually.... welcome to the world of esl in japan. it's not home..

Solar Strength · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 557 Location: Bangkok, Thailand

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

As was said it is mostly inexperienced lower level and people with lots of credentials up high. And almost nothing in the middle.
And as we see the lower end has a massive attrition rate

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

If you know the right people, network.

Frankly, at this point, publishing is just treading water to get the next job with a limited contract. If you publish a lot, and are good at research you can get a good job.
Some universities really want a researcher instead of a teacher.

Where I work, I would say 90% of applicants get initially rejected. If the CV is kept, there could be an interview later. It is not impossible, but boy, is it tough.

I know two teachers that have a Ph.D, and they are on limited contracts.

If you really want to work in Japan, you have to be persistent.
I got a university job in February one year when a teacher suddenly quit.

Solar Strength · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 557 Location: Bangkok, Thailand

stumptowny · Joined: 29 May 2011 Posts: 310

[quote="Solar Strength"]

Nice work, stumptowny.

But it's not ESL, it's EFL.

Get it?[/quote]

lol. S = second... you ding dong..

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

No, just a contract.
Tenure only happens to people who publish a lot.
By that I mean 2-3 papers each year, plus in serious journals, not just in house.
I don`t have the inclination.

Some people move around and some buy a place to live and commute really far to one job or up to 4-5 part-time jobs.

To get tenure people have to publish a lot plus having 1kyu of Japanese helps.
At least ten published papers or more. Universities seem to prefer research to quality teaching. Some want both.

These two I know with doctorates aren`t good at Japanese. Hence, no tenure I guess.

High schools don`t tend to advertise so it depends on who you know to find out if any position is open.

Cool Teacher · Posted: Wed Oct 16, 2013 2:26 pm Post subject:

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

Join JALT, then look at the different SIGs.
Join one that appeals to you.
All of them put out a journal or newsletter.

Pitarou · Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Posts: 1116 Location: Narita, Japan

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

Of course they are.

Solar Strength · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 557 Location: Bangkok, Thailand

JALT has a conference, I don't know for sure, you can go to JALT and give a talk (and I believe they may publish most of those talks ins some kind of journal).

Mitsui, is that correct?