Job Discussion Forums

JackOtaku · Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Posts: 3

I've read about OTC and Phoenix, Simul. Other than at Phoenix can anyone tell me about their experiences teaching company classes in Osaka and environs and which outfit they recommend working for?

Why I am asking: I am an experienced ESL instructor, have a masters, currently teaching IEP in San Francisco. I lived in Japan about four years ago and am interested in going back. I want to do this the smart way. I don't want to work for the big four and would appreciate intel/suggestions/advice/word-on-the-street from you, my fellow EslCafe'ers.

Also, can anyone tell me a little more about OTC? They seem to have some connections in Kansai but I can't find their website or any info on them.

Thanks! Exclamation

gt37 · Joined: 14 Oct 2004 Posts: 39 Location: Osaka

OTC does have a website if you can read Japanese

http://www.otc-otc.co.jp/

OTC is excellent to work for. Most of their business is in Kansai and Kanto. Their HO is in Osaka. To be a full-time teacher in Osaka you have to teach company AND school(JR/SR high)classes b/c the economy in the Kansai region still sucks. However, in Tokyo you have the option of either teaching only company or a combo of company and school classes.

The pay and contracts are also different for the two regions even though they are the same company(Tokyo pays about 900yen more/hour).

JackOtaku · Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Posts: 3

Thanks for the info. I checked out their website and found a reference to where they post ads (Kansai Time Out). I might send them a note with more detailed questions.

How about other corp. English places? And how about reviews? Anybody taught corp. English in Kansai and want to share their experiences? I for one am interested in hearing what you have to say. Cool

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

Most business classes in the evenings are gobbled up by people teaching a little extra to earn a little extra money. None of the companies are going to hire someone from overseas, as most just have part-time work available. You're best bet is probably going to be working various part-time jobs, filling your schedule and that will take time. You aren't going to find much other than a conversation school in the middle of nowhere from overseas.

sidjameson · Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Posts: 629 Location: osaka

ECC have full time corparate class teachers. The deal there is pretty reasonable. Bog standard 250k a month but they consider your travel to the class as part of your 30 hours a week so the teaching load is less than half your hours.
I worked for them for a couple of years and really enjoyed my time there.

JackOtaku · Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Posts: 3

Thanks. I used to work for ECC the eikawa. They did farm me out on occaission for company classes but hadn't realized they have a division for corporate lessons. I'll look into that as well. I still have contacts there.

What would be a standard work load then, ECC aside? Are they splits, or lots of shuttling between office buildings, etc?