Job Discussion Forums

polaris · Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 5

This is my first post, so please, help me out if you can!
Let me start by introducing myself, So let me start by introducing myself. I am a 3rd year Econ major at the University of Alberta in Canada, and I would like to teach English in Japan this summer.

Now, I have seen and read about a lot of companies that does this already, companies such as GlobalTESOL, Nova, Westgate, and the JET program. And then I stumbled on to this forum and figured what better than to ask the people that is doing or have done this already. So I was just wondering, if I apply now, which company would I have the best chance of getting a job come May, when this semester ends and I can head over there? I also see that a lot of the xxxTESOL companies offer guaranteed jobs after completing their course, but the course itself costs a varying amount of money, without prospects of a salary that will cover all the living costs, travel costs, etc.

I also have another problem, my family is from Hong Kong, and even though I have been educated here(since Gr.3) and I speak/write perfect English, the sticky post on this forum says that my Asian origin would pose a problem, how true is that? Thanks!!

spidey

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

do you have a Canadian passport? If so, no problem.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Language schools here hire native speakers with a degree and non-natives with 12 years education taught in English. Tell employers you are a Canadian resident with a Canadian passport. No need to make things difficult by saying you were born in Hong Kong and are not a native speaker.

Language schools do not require a TESL certificate and thousands get hired here with no certification whatsoever except a degree. Some of these TESL companies in US and Canada make money by telling people they wont get a job with no TESL and they will introduce companies overseas once you graduate, but its basically a big scam, with the cert providers and employers in Korea etc living off each other. Schools need warm bodies that providers get for them in the US and they get people signing up for their courses which provides them with a profit. Some are good courses and worth doing but you have to shop around. You get what you pay for IMO. You pay peanuts and you get monkeys.

Doing a TESL cert is a good idea if you want to consider teaching as a career or stay more than a year. They will give you some basic theory and teaching tricks you can use but only recommended if you are serious and plan to be here for the long haul. Employers here ask for a degree as you need it for the visa. TESL certs are icing on the cake here as far as employers go, and in some cases can make you over-qualified

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

polaris · Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 5

Thanks for all the replies guys!

I see...so working there over the summer this year seems to be out of the question then. But I am Canadian, with a Canadian passport, schooled here for more than 12years, taught in English.

So what are some reputable companies that recuit in Canada and pay a decent wage so I don't get scammed? Do all companies offer housing and travel costs? What are some companies have you guys worked for or am working for (other than JET)?

spidey · Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 3:38 am Post subject:

If I may...

I would suggest that you do a search on this website. There have been countless posts commenting on the good and bad schools here in Japan.

I little legwork required on your part. Sorry. Sad

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

polaris · Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 5

I see, I guess I should spend some time tomorrow looking over this board. But a couple more questions, is a even a chance that I can land a job if I apply now for the summer? And how do taxes work when you are working aboard, another member mentioned a 20% income tax, that is collected by who? The Canadian gov't or Japanese? Do I get any rebates later on that?

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I think Westgate has a short-term program that runs from April through July.

d

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

For what it's worth, I have a friend who did something similar -- he got a working holiday visa and came to Japan for the summer. He got a job with Berlitz. Thing is though, he extended his stay to 1 year before going back home and finishing his university program (at the University of Lethbridge).

As for looking Asian, I wouldn't worry about it. You are Canadian, right?

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Another question--do you have your heart set on Japan, or are you more interested in just teaching for the summer? I know China has several summer programs (I did one myself a few years ago), and I've heard that Korea might as well. Don't know what the degree requirements are, though.

d