Job Discussion Forums

[BenJ]

Gday all,

I'm an Australian ESL teacher trying to organise a job for my partner and me this year in Japan. I am not too concerned about finding a job for myself but rather one for my other half. She is a childcare worker of two years but does not have a university degree. Of course as an Aussie she can get a WHV. The issue is she would, if at all possible, like to work in a childcare centre/creche/kindergarten in Japan. Checking through the job ads recently, we have found one such job in Okayama (specifically after childcare workers as opposed to esl teachers) and are interested if anyone knows of other such jobs/companies around that we could apply to? Most kindergartens we have written to are after university degree holders so any information on other centres we could coldcall or write to would be appreciated.

Ben

[Sherri]

Ben
Here is a listing of international schools in Japan, including kindergardens and the like. I can't say that I have knowledge of the working conditions of the schools, may it may be worth a shot.

http://www.tokyowithkids.com/fyi/international_schools.html

S

[BenJ]

cheers, very helpful

[MissusFish]

Have you ever heard of Gymboree? I know they have some programs like this in Japan. If your partner can't find one & wants to teach that type of class I suggest just starting her own-or finding a small cram school that willing to try a new program. I think Japanese parents are really open to the idea of starting English at a young age so once you get there she should be able to find "students" easily.
Just come up with an idea of what exactly she wants to do & then let people know.
Also, just because the kindergartens advertise that they want a degree holder doesn't mean they won't make an execption for the right person. A good school will realize that young children should have a teacher who is experienced in taking care of their needs. So, she sould still contact schools that sound good to her.
I used to teach 2 yr olds in Japan & now I teach 2 & 3 year olds in Taiwan. The focus of the class is English, but it's a lot different than a typical ESL class. You can PM if you want ideas/details.

[BenJ]

thanks for the input - finding students once we get to Japan will be something we look into. But for 'newbies' it's a little daunting going to a new country without work lined up so we will try to get a job organised from Australia first.