Job Discussion Forums

dexqwun · Joined: 20 Sep 2004 Posts: 2

I am currently in a long distance relationship with my girlfriend who lives in Tokyo. I am planning to marry her in the near future and decided to spend some time in Japan first teaching English. I'm planning to apply to GEOS, ECC or AEON. Can someone tell me whether it's a good idea to write this on my application form that I want to teach in tokyo to be closer to my GF OR should I wait till I get hired from them first before making this request. Also, I am Chinese (but lived in Canada all my life), decreases my chance of getting hire from these companies. Thanks in advance.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

I think it would have stronger weight if you said fiancee instead of girlfriend.

Being Chinese shouldn't have anything to do with getting hired under your circumstances, assuming "all my life" means you have 12-13 years of education solely in English.

dexqwun · Joined: 20 Sep 2004 Posts: 2

Glenski, so are you saying I should tell them that I want to be with my fiancee when I am applying instead of waiting till I actually get hire?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

They will ask you for a preference on where you would like to work. At that time, tell them.

Eleckid · Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Posts: 102 Location: Aichi, Japan

I'm a Chinese too from Canada, & I'm working here.

It will be a bit tougher to get hired from bigger companies like Nova, Aeons or ECC, cuz they have so many applicants to choose from. They do have some asian Eng teachers. Actually I was talking with a staff at ECC once while my friend was having her eiken interview at the ECC building. The staff asked me to work there at the time. I think your passion to teaching & relevent experiences are more important. I think at the beginning of your work, they may be a bit hard on you. But as time pass, they'll see your ability & won't mind if you're an asian or not. I know a lot of chinese who taught English in Japan before. They all had a great time~ (I'm having a good time now too, tho I had a tough time when I 1st started)

Another poster has posted this asian teaching in Japan topic, you can take a look at that thread if you want.

Good luck! Very Happy

Li-ka · Joined: 21 Mar 2004 Posts: 52

Don't really know about Nova or Aeon, but I know that with either ECC or GEOS you'll have a good chance of going to Tokyo. ECC may tell you when they inform you that you've been hired, GEOS will take your preferences and tell you where you're placed when they decide. From what I've heard though, most of GEOS' schools are located near Tokyo. Good luck!

(c:

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 3:12 pm Post subject:

I was in a similar situation to you at one time.

Telling them is better, as they will then think you are in Japan for a long stay and won't just do a runner if things don't work out as you have another reason to keep you there.

Tell them you plan to get married within a year, even if you don't actually plan to. They will also like that as they think you will get a spouse visa later on, which makes life easier for them.

They will assume you also have a few insights into Japanese culture, which is helpful.

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

Geos give you no choice. With Aeon you sign the contract after you have agreed on a destination.

BradS · Joined: 05 Sep 2004 Posts: 173 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I don't see why it should be an issue at all. I'd leave it our all together. Confused