Job Discussion Forums

Shiggy · Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Posts: 86

So, I wasted a few bucks to purchase my transcripts and wasted a few hours filling out the application only to learn I wasn't offered a position with the JET Program. I can only assume it was because of my grades. I majored in English and have been a substitute Educational Assistant and ESL teacher for over two years. Yeah, it must have been my grades. I suppose I'm walking proof that grades do matter to JET...maybe not walking, but definitely talking proof. At any rate, now what do I do? I applied to JET, because I'm heard they're the best. Well, who is second best? Any advice would be appreciated.

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

Cheer up... JET ain't the be-all end-all of Japanese language-teaching employment.... Even though they sometimes act like they are.

BTW, for what it's worth -- I don't necessarily think it was your grades that lost you your JET option... They (like all employers I've known) have a weird system of choosing applicants.... In my life, MOST of the "perfect" jobs that I was "suited to a 'T' " for -- I didn't get -- with a standard PFO letter (that's: Please F*** Off letter) for my troubles that apologized, saying that they found a "better qualified" candidate... Even though I had been doing the same job at another company for 3 years.... I suppose they must've wanted someone with 4 or more. /sarcasm

If your heart's set on Japan, there are definitely other options open to you. Of course, there's the Big 4... They may not be great, but they pay a reasonably standard wage, and they open the door to Japan for you... Otherwise, there's a variety of privately-acquired positions.... Eikaiwas, jukus, private schools, international schools, dispatch companies, etc, etc, etc... Applying from abroad may yield limited results. Coming to Japan to look for such a job is cool -- but only if you have the financial means.

FWIW, my wife and I came to Japan two years ago without employment. We came from Canada with WHVs. We found work at the same eikaiwa about two weeks into our stay. After working there for a year, we both went on to work elsewhere. My wife now works for the YMCA (loves it) and I work for the local BoE teaching at two junior high schools (also love it)! My salary, incidentally is respectable too... I was jealous of the JET kids until I realized that I NET what they GROSS.

The answer's out there.... Just depends on how far you're willing to go to achieve it....

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

Have you considered any of the Big Four eikaiwas? Aside from them and JET, there are very few places that come to your home country to recruit teachers and sponsor visas.

If you can't come to Japan to line up interviews with other places, that's about your only option.

Shiggy · Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Posts: 86

I apologize for not responding sooner. I'm not aware of many business, companies, programs that hire ESL teachers, except for JET, NOVA, and AEON. I would appreciate it if one of you could provide a link or more information regarding the businesses you have mentioned, specifically, the Big Four. I'm still very much interested in teaching in Japan. I recently read an article in National Geographic regarding the "palace" and/or "royal family..." -something along those lines-, and it managed to increase my interest and curiosity about Japan. However, I'm hesitant to accept any position offered me, because I have heard all the horror stories and would rather not experience one. Thanks for your help.

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

Shiggy · Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Posts: 86

Yes, I know. I've been called and emailed a few times already. Thanks for the suggestions.

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

Shiggy,
If you can't spend the money to come here and look for work, you are limited to the very few places that recruit from overseas. About a dozen.

If you are looking for web sites that show ads, regardless of such recruiting, go here.
www.gaijinpot.com
www.eltnews.com
www.ohayosensei.com
www.jobsinjapan.com
http://www.japanjoblink.com/japan/index.asp
http://www.kansaiscene.com/classifieds.shtml
http://www.teaching-english-in-japan.net/
http://www.eol-japan.com/
http://www.kfm.to
http://www.kto.co.jp
www.kansainow.com
http://www.fukuoka-now.com/forums/forum.php?forum=tech

To add to Paul's listings of places that recruit from overseas, consider Altia. www.altia-jp.com

If you are so afraid of taking a job because of horror stories, you are going to have to learn to get over that fear because many people, as Paul explained, complain about situations. Got a question about a particular employer with an offer? Post a query here about him or about the contract items, and perhaps someone here can give you some inside info. No sense in just saying "no thanks" to a perfectly good offer.

Shiggy · Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Posts: 86

You're correct. I had originally considered JET, because I am unable to pay what it costs to travel to Japan, or anywhere else for that matter. I'll do some research and post my findings and/or questions. Thanks.

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

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