Job Discussion Forums

migo · Joined: 04 Jul 2004 Posts: 201

double post

joncharles · Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 132 Location: Beijing

Paul,

Somehow I managed to beat the usual type of hire by Nova.

Zzonkmiles · Joined: 05 Apr 2003 Posts: 309

Because there are well over 500 branches throughout Japan, NOVA's a mixed bag. Some branches are really laid back. Some have a gestapo-like environment. Some are really busy and impersonal. And some are tight-knit families. NOVA's rules are also not consistently enforced at each branch (such as the no-socialization policy). Your experience at NOVA will largely depend on your own attitude, your fellow teachers, and the Japanese staff at your branch.

Like Paul and some of the other posters said, there are many reasons people come to Japan to teach. And these reasons often give some indication on as to what kind of personalities you'll be dealing with. For example, people who have never had a regular full-time job before who stay in Japan for a year or two may be promoted to assistant trainer or something. Suddenly, they feel they have loads of power even though they have no sense of proper management techniques. As a result, they may go on a power trip and make your lives miserable. That's just an example. Be prepared to let crap just roll off your back. Taking things too seriously will make you quite dejected and miserable quickly.

Obviously, not "everyone" is going to have a positive or negative experience at NOVA. You really have to think about what NOVA's purpose is for you. For some people, it's a stepping stone to a better job and they just want to use NOVA for its visa. Some just want the cash to pay off their student loans or to support their boozing habits. For others, they want to stay at NOVA because of the job security it provides. NOVA's the largest eikaiwa in Japan, so you likely don't have to worry about branches closing and not being paid on time, etc. If you remember why you came to Japan in the first place, it'll be easier for you to stay focused when you're feeling beat down by the grind that is eikaiwa.

I am personally having a generally positive experience working at NOVA. I've worked here for about a year now. The job is quite easy and I'm paid well compared to the average Big 4 eikaiwa teacher. I have learned how to play the game well enough to use NOVA's "formula" well-enough to keep the higher-ups happy while employing enough of my own "teaching style" into my lessons to maintain my sanity and to make my lessons more useful for my students. Yeah, there's a lot of crap that goes on here, but I think the bulk of this is related to the teachers themselves and not NOVA itself. Fortunately, I try not to take things so seriously. This has helped immensely.

If you are stuck with bad coworkers, just keep to yourself and use your downtime to study Japanese or read a book. While you are being brought to Japan to WORK, remember that your job is only one part of your life in Japan. Don't make your job your everything in Japan. Making friends, learning the language, and pursuing other creative interests should also be on your agenda. By doing this, you won't be so miserable if you are indeed placed at a miserable branch. At least you'll have something to look forward to when the final bell sounds.

nawlinsgurl · Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 8:45 am Post subject: re

Just couldn't resist it!