Job Discussion Forums

[bluecrush]

hey everyone, i posted a couple of weeks ago asking how difficult it is to get into Japan or Asia in general being from an Asian Background yet growing up, being born, and living life entirely in an English speaking country.
I have just completed, over the past month or so, interviews with the Big schools in Japan (Geos, Aeon, ECC) and to no avail, did not get in with any of them. I felt I have performed excellent in those interviews but I think my ethnicity is definitely holding me back. I keep hearing how some of these schools "Just take anyone, with a degree, fresh out of university", but hey, I'm enthusiastic, have a degree, am fresh out of university? It seems that statement would hold true only if one is a native speaker and "caucasian", correct? Yeah, I know there are many non-whites in Japan and Asia teaching (Heck, I know a few even) but fact of the matter is, the percentages are smaller in comparison and there is definitely an obstacle we must overcome.

So my question is, Are the smaller schools more likely to hire an Asian looking native speaker than the bigger chain schools? I would of thought the opposite is true but from my experience i'm beginning to think otherwise.
Also, anyone have any tips on landing a job in Asia being from an Asian background?
This is getting frustrating now!

thanks for your help everyone,
blue

[Gordon]

Yes, the smaller schools would be a better choice, but you will have to almost certainly come to Japan to interview and they will not pay for your flight.

[Glenski]

Since none of us were there during your interviews, it is only your opinion whether you performed "excellent" or not. I've been to plenty of interviews myself in which I thought things went well, only to have been told "no thanks".

Have you considered the JET programme?

Gordon is dead on with the small school advice.

[bluecrush]

thanks for the replies.

Even though smaller schools would be "easier" to get in to, I am still quite unsure whether to throw a thousand plus dollars for a flight and board + food etc. to an interview that may give me the same response I've been getting here? I do really want to go to Japan and it has been my first choice and goal for a while now but I have to question is this all worth it considering that I may not get the job????

Glenski: You're right, in my opinion i did very well at the interviews but who knows what the qualifications were that they were looking for.
With regards to the Jet programme, they were my first choice initally and still is probably my first choice. However, I have not sent in my application to them since I started applying which was in JUly after I graduated, reason being because I want to go ASAP and Jet won' t depart their teachers until next August. Considering how things are going right now, I'm really considering sending in an app. just in case i find myself stuck in toronto in the middle of next year.

[Glenski]

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

Is it ONLY Japan you are interested in? Maybe it might be cheaper to start off trying out a Korean school (but don't go if they won't let you talk to people teaching at the particular branch right now!!! ESPECIALLY in Korea) because they'll pay for your way over. And then you could come to Japan for vacations or at the end of the contract to look for jobs.

It's a slow, slow way to get to Japan, but the costs of going from TO to Japan and hanging out for a couple of months to look for a job (plus there may be a lower chance of a smaller school paying your key money) might be prohibitive.

[sojourner]

Bluecrush,

Apart from Japan or Korea, have you ever considered China ? Many FTs of Asian descent (eg Indians,Fillipinos (sp?), o'seas-born Chinese) are working in universities here - although, it should be pointed out,that such people are sometimes paid less than what caucasian, native English speakers normally earn for doing the same sort of work.Many people who work in language schools,especially those run by the 'big 4' will often comment on the stressful nature of their daily work regimes - by comparison,teaching in a public university in the PRC is usually regarded by many FTs as pretty relaxed,in spite of large classes,because of short working weeks (14-18 hours pw) and considerable freedom to devise your own syllabus.

The next university/college term in China will probably commence in early or mid February. Start applying for jobs from December.With most jobs, you'll be provided with your own fully-furnished flat. Also,your employer will reimburse your airfare. During the uni holidays you can always fly over to Japan to check out the job scene there.In the eyes of many potential employers,having had some teaching experience from working in China may give you an advantage over the newbies - in spite of your ethnicity.

Good luck.

Peter

[bluecrush]

thanks for the replies everyone... Very informative information given! Ok, I have all this info now. Now it's a matter of translating it into a success story!

Thanks glenski again.

sojourner, GambateBingBangBOOM: yes, i have (or will) broaden my search to include other countries including both Korea and China so hopefully the offers will increase as well!

anyways, i can never have to much information, so if anyone else has more advice, please let it out!
thanks
bluecrush

[BluePinay]

Filipinos, this is the correct spelling.

Nice to know that they are indeed hiring teachers from the Philippines. I'm interested to teach in China myself. Though right now, I'm still groping my way around. Just getting more infos about everything. I'm also thankful for all the tips, warnings, encouragements.. etc... given here. Helps a lot.

Keep it up! Cheers!

[tefltravel]

Have you tried NOVA yet? They are also a big language school and recruit overseas. I worked there for about a year and a half right after university. Here is the website.

http://www.teachinjapan.com/

[BluePinay]

Thanks much!!! I will try to check that site!