Job Discussion Forums

serendippity · Joined: 12 May 2005 Posts: 2

Hi Guys,
I�ve done a search, of course, but couldn�t find anything that exactly fit.

My question is whether it possible/ likely to get a shorter teaching contract in Japan as a newbie, e.g. around 6-8 months.

Bit of background: I am Australian, Female, 28, recent science graduate, no TEFL but willing to get one, no teaching experience (apart from some community computing classes, which I enjoyed). I have travelled fairly extensively o/s. I am keen to see if I like teaching or not, as well as the obvious cultural experience.

Anyway, the main reason I don�t want to commit to a full year is that I have met the guy of my dreams, and with his job he isn�t able to come, although he is supportive of me. I think that being apart for 6 months would be OK for us, especially if I could fly him over at some point, but I�m not too thrilled about the idea of leaving him for an entire year. (besides which, I may not be cut out for teaching)

It seems that the main employers of new teachers want you to commit for a year, and although you can always break your contract, I�d rather not screw my employer over, especially so if I want to continue in teaching later. I would also consider other countries such as Korea, but I am most interested in Japan and I like the sound of having a guaranteed place to stay, etc.

So any advice on shorter contracts, or what happens if you break a longer one,
would be highly appreciated!

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

Practically every employer has a contract for 12 months. There are a few rare exceptions, but not many. The main reason, I think, is that school terms (even for conversation schools) run for a year, so having the same teacher in that time is advantageous. Plus, visas are either 1-year or 3-year in length.

One thing you might consider is to get a working holiday visa. That doesn't even require a degree, and as long as you fit the age bracket (18-30) and financial requirements, you can come for 6-months stints (3 in your case, if you like). I mention the WHV because you could come here without a job in hand and as soon as someone chose to hire you, you could start working, rather than wait for a work visa to be processed. You'd have more opportunity to find work if you come, of course, instead of staying at home relying on the very few employers who hire from abroad.

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

check out ohayosensei.com

They were advertising for a few summer positions in their latest issue.

worlddiva · Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 2:59 am Post subject:

This is coming from someone who left her BF of 7 years to come to Japan
1 year is a looooooong time to be away from the one you love.

I also wanted a short contract, but signed for a year. I am leaving Japan after 5 months. Broke my contract.

You should really think this through.If you want to PM me I can give you more details.

ps: I don't recommend breaking your contract, it makes everything 'muzukashii', difficult!

Westgate offers shorter term contracts but I think you need some experience or a TEFL certificate, you could still apply though.

Good Luck.

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

Here is one of the ads from ohayosensei.com
TEACHERS.
Positions located in Tokyo. Teaching experience
required. Six-month contract. Positions begin
ASAP. "Qualified candidates will be contacted
immediately."Apply on-line. Forum Corporation. http://www.forum-corp.com

Looking at the web site, it is no surprise to me that they write the following caveat:
If you would like to be considered for employment and meet the following criteria, click on the link below, complete the Application Form and "Submit" it to us.

University degree
Minimum 3-4 years work experience, especially within a corporate environment.
Minimum of 2 years teaching experience.
Certified language teaching qualifications such as TEFL, TESOL, RSA, etc.
Any experience teaching business courses such as presentations, negotiations, and meeting skills, are a plus.
Please note that only applicants residing in Japan will be considered for employment.

Here is another position from ohayosensei.com
NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER.
Short-term position: three months. 2-3
hours/week, Mon 9:00-11:55, Wed 9:00-11:55, or
Fri 9:00-11:55. 5000yen/hour. Teach English
grammar and technical writing to adults who are
studying J-E translation. Proper visa, BA, native
English speaker and basic communication-level
Japanese speaking ability required. TESL/ESL
certification preferred. APPLICANT MUST CURRENTLY
RESIDE IN JAPAN. Application deadline May 31,
2005. Three-month position. Position begins July
1, 2005. Apply by e-mail with CV/resume, letter
of introduction and photo. Contact ....
Note the caveat about already living here.

serendippity · Joined: 12 May 2005 Posts: 2

Thanks for the advice so far!
After doing a bit more research, it seems more realistic for me to look to Korea, and try to get to Japan for a holiday outside of work.

ToraGal · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 24

Peppy Kids Club starts u off with a six monther, and at the end of six months u can extend to a year... sooo if you are not tooo certain how long u wanna go for that might be ideal.

try that...

cheers