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lothes19
Joined: 05 Apr 2005
Posts: 3
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 Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 1:52 am Post subject: Alternate Paths from JET |
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Hello,
My girlfriend and I applied as companions to the JET Program this year. We received word today -- she was offered a position, I was not. We both still very much want to go to Japan, and I have begun researching alternate paths. The "Big Four" private language schools of NOVA, AEON, GEOS and ECC had caught my eye when I was researching JET. I have already begun revisiting them, and they seem like viable alternatives, although I am not without some reservations and concerns.
I would appreciate any ideas or advice that any of you may have about any of those programs, as well as any other paths I might consider.
Very best regards,
Scott Lothes
Lakewood, Ohio |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 2:11 am Post subject: Re: Alternate Paths from JET |
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| lothes19 wrote: |
Hello,
My girlfriend and I applied as companions to the JET Program this year. We received word today -- she was offered a position, I was not. We both still very much want to go to Japan, and I have begun researching alternate paths. The "Big Four" private language schools of NOVA, AEON, GEOS and ECC had caught my eye when I was researching JET. I have already begun revisiting them, and they seem like viable alternatives, although I am not without some reservations and concerns.
I would appreciate any ideas or advice that any of you may have about any of those programs, as well as any other paths I might consider.
Very best regards,
Scott Lothes
Lakewood, Ohio |
Scott, your question is a little big vague to merit a comprehensive response, and you will probably get a vague reply. You need to address exactly what it is that concerns you about these schools.
For the newbie there is really very little alternative to the big schools if you are applying from overseas, and they pretty much offer the same package. For some one that has never taught before they all offer pros and cons, so it really depends on what your individual needs are, what you are looking for in a position. Some are better than others in some respects, and there is an informal ranking of the larger schools. that said, a big school like NOVA has over 4000 teachers on its payroll, has 250 branches around the country and they can usually manage to accomodate teachers requests for location etc.
For more info on NOVA go to
http://www.vocaro.com/trevor/japan/nova/level_up.html
Pros and Cons of JET vs NOVA
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=1360&highlight=pros+cons+nova
Most of the big schools will provide you will a full time teaching schedule, accomodation, some basic training, some offer health insurance and pay for your transportation. Most basic needs are provided for the person new to EFL and arriving in the country for the first time.
That said after a few months on the job teachers seem to grow weary of the routine and mechanical nature of their classes, once the novelty of being in Japan has worn off. Classic culture shock sets in. Relations with co-workers, your trainers and management can have a bearing on your enjoyment working for the big schools as well. Im not saying its necessarily the company's fault but alot has to do with how you deal with adversity and working in a foreign country where the work culture and customs may be alien to you.
I have just posted in the Stickies about what to ask employers when looking for a job, so its perhaps best to sit down and think exactly what kind of job you are looking for, where you want to work and what you want to get out of the experience. Only then will you start getting constructive advice from veterans on the board. We cant tell you what you need to know unless you tell us what your concerns are.
Also: do you want to apply for a job from outside the country or apply for one of the big schools while you are in your home country? There are a lot more schools to choose from if you come here and look for a job, but you dont have the security of a job in hand when you arrive. No one is making you get a job with the big chain schools, so a lot will depend on your comfort level with no job lined up, and I guess you may also want to find a job close to where your girlfriend is going to be working. There may be no big chain school in that area, or no current vacancies, so you have to allow for there being no openings, or having to settle for a "second choice". Do you have any things you 'won't do', or any particular conditions that are 'unconditional' when looking for a job? What is most important to you in seeking a job? Some things to consider
work hours and overtime
vacations/time off
insurance
training
accomodation/housing
salary
professional development
opportunities for learning Japanese
socialisation with students (banned at NOVA)
Location: city or country? big or small school?
Nightlife and local attractions.
Non-teaching related duties (materials development, paperwork etc) |
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lothes19
Joined: 05 Apr 2005
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 2:34 am Post subject: |
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PAULH,
Many thanks for the prompt reply. I'm sorry for being a bit vague -- I'm still a bit rattled after today's news. I have two major concerns with the big private schools. The first is that their schedules seem to be more evening-oriented, while JET is more of a traditional 8-5. If that's an inconvenience factor that we have to deal with, so be it, but if other options are available, I'd love to find them.
My second concern is what I perceive as the "business aspect" of the big private schools. I am concerned that I will be asked to try and sell teaching materials to my students and have very little flexibility in how to teach my classes. I would like to find out if any of the big private schools are better or worse in that regard.
I am also intrigued by the idea of simply going to Japan and finding a language school after I get there, though also a bit perplexed by how to begin researching that option. Any advice or directions to existing resources would be much appreciated.
Thanks again,
Scott |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 2:53 am Post subject: |
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| lothes19 wrote: |
PAULH,
Many thanks for the prompt reply. I'm sorry for being a bit vague -- I'm still a bit rattled after today's news. I have two major concerns with the big private schools. The first is that their schedules seem to be more evening-oriented, while JET is more of a traditional 8-5. If that's an inconvenience factor that we have to deal with, so be it, but if other options are available, I'd love to find them.Scott |
Teaching on JEt and teaching in a conversation school are two different kettles of fish. Your girlfriend will be working as an ALT as an assistant to the japanese teacher in a regular high school. Work hours will be from 8 or 9 in the morning till 5 in the afternoon. She will be working with junior high school students with Saturday and Sunday off.
Conversation school teachers work for private commercial language schools. Students range in age from kids to grandmothers. A majority are working folk, with housewives students, businessmen who study after work or after school, so evenings tend to be the peak period. generally speaking you are working when the rest of japan is off work, as that is when they want lessons. After work, weekends and public holidays. teaching at an eikaiwa is a service industry. You are not really teaching in the strict sense of the word, but servicing your employers customers, which are what you students are- fee-paying customers studying English.
| lothes19 wrote: |
PAULH,My second concern is what I perceive as the "business aspect" of the big private schools. I am concerned that I will be asked to try and sell teaching materials to my students and have very little flexibility in how to teach my classes. I would like to find out if any of the big private schools are better or worse in that regard.
Thanks again,
Scott |
To my knowledge there is no real hard sell to sel teaching materials as you probably dont have the language skills to close a deal with a non-English speaking student. That is usually left up to the sales staff where you work. The life blood of the company is students, and cashflow. that means getting students to buy more lessons, renew their contracts and keep coming for more lessons. There may be some pressure from the management to get students to renew lessons, and this will come about as a result of your teaching, what students think of you as a person and as a teacher, rather than any hard sell. in a sense by your mere presence you are selling English as a product. bad teaching will mean students will ask for another teacher or not renew. Students also being able to get the time slot or the teacher they want will play a role as well, as many students book 2-3 months in advance for lessons, and not being able to get a lesson plays on the mind of students as well, for they may not be able to change their schedule easily.
| lothes19 wrote: |
PI am also intrigued by the idea of simply going to Japan and finding a language school after I get there, though also a bit perplexed by how to begin researching that option. Any advice or directions to existing resources would be much appreciated.
Scott |
Many people often ask how to get a job that is not through the big schools but while they are still in Canada.
My answer is that without a face to face interview with an employer your chances are approximately zero. An employer will not sponsor your visa, arrange accomodation and meet you at the airport, when you are 5000 miles away and there is the chance you may not get on the plane, muck him around by kicking the tires at other schools.
what you can do is contact schools, tell them you are coming to Japan, show then your CV and arrange to contact them when you get here, Employers want a warm body in japan, not some faceless name on a CV and they will tell you to contact them when you arrive. Once your g/f knows where she is going, draw a 50km circle around where she is going to be and then start researching schools in that area. You may need to commute or even consider living in a different city. Contact schools, check the job sites and start making enquiries. If she is going on JET that means she will be here in August so i suggest you start setting the wheels in motion 2-3 months before that. You can contact the big schools but i would consider contacting local employers in Japan and tell them you will be here in August, you have a degree and you can start work. Your chances of getting hired will be much better once you arrive in the country. |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 3:10 am Post subject: |
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| lothes19 wrote: |
PI am concerned that I will be asked to try and sell teaching materials to my students and have very little flexibility in how to teach my classes. I would like to find out if any of the big private schools are better or worse in that regard.
Scott |
95% of people who come to Japan who work at the big schools have little or no formal training or certification in teaching EFL. After arriving in the country they are in a classroom with students 3 or 4 days as soon as their feet have touched the ground. the schools curriculums are designed so that a person who has never been in a classroom can be brought up to speed on basic methodology.
A person who has a teaching licence, previous experience and their own ideas about teaching may find that working at a big commercial school with their own texts and methodology may go against everything they believe in. Abig school like NOVA or GEOS dont like prima donnas and people who try and re-invent the wheel with the employers students. You can be flexible and creative with your students, as long as you work within the guidelines that the school has established. If you have teachers going off and doing their own thing and 'winging it' in a lesson, the whole thing breaks down. Some schools like you to be creative etc, but they tend to be smaller, and the lessons are more personalised to each student, not a large commercial operation like NOVA is. |
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canuck
Joined: 11 May 2003
Posts: 1921
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 3:43 am Post subject: |
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I think going with your girlfriend on JET and you working in a conversation school is a recipe for disaster. Firstly, she'll make more money that you do, have better hours and less work. You'll be forced to find a job in her town or nearby. You'll most likely be working different schedules. You'll have to pay for your own plane ticket. She'll have more holidays than yourself.
An inequality like that, along with the stresses of being in a new country etc can be very hard. Good luck with what you choose. |
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wintersweet
Joined: 18 Jan 2005
Posts: 345
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
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