Job Discussion Forums

AussieChick · Joined: 03 Jul 2003 Posts: 5

Hi,

I'm a current year 12 student who is really keen to teach english in Japan for a year, next year, before starting uni. I'm really keen to learn more about Japanese culture and obtain some sort of fluency in Japanese. I play the violin with the Suzuki Method, which is based in Matsumoto, Nagano, and so am very eager to find a job in the Nagano prefecture (so that I can have lessons with a teacher in Matsumoto).

I was wondering whether there is any sort of directory of schools/yellow pages available? Or do you think that I should just turn up and try to find a job? If so, when is the best time to go? I've been in contact with Peppy Kids, but they can only give me an interview in Japan (because their Australian office closed down).

I'm an Australian, so I can apply for a working-holiday visa. I will complete a TESOL certificate before heading over there. I've done some volunteer work in a specialist school, and have done a lot of babysitting over the years, and so would love to teach English in a school environment. I've visited Japan once, and can speak pretty basic Japanese. I have been in contact with some people over there, who have offered to find me a homestay family in Matsumoto.

The other option is to go to Nagoya, where there is also a rather large Suzuki office, but given the choice, I'd much rather go somewhere in the Nagano prefecture.

Any advice would be much appreciated! Very Happy

Thanks,
Pip Wink

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

If you decide to just up and come here, you need a certain amount of money to accompany you with your WHV, don't you? Yes, your chances are better of finding work if you are here, but I think the WHV limits you to part-time work only. Can you confirm this?

If you are interested in PT work at eikaiwas like Peppy, they hire just about any time. Look into the usual job web sites:
www.eltnews.com
www.gaijinpot.com
www.ohayosensei.com
www.jobsinjapan.com

There is an online phone book service for Japan called Townpages, although I have never used it.
http://english.townpage.isp.ntt.co.jp/

AussieChick · Joined: 03 Jul 2003 Posts: 5

Thanks for the advice glenski!

Yes, I can only work part-time on a WHV and I have to bring something like $4,500AUS with me. I've been checking those job sites, but unfortunately there doesn't seem to be heaps of adverts for Matsumoto.

Thanks for the Townpages link - I found a couple of schools on there who I can send my resume to.

I sent my resume to peppy, and they guaranteed me an interview in Japan... do you think it's worth the risk to just turn up and try and find a job?

Thanks! Laughing

BenJ · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 209 Location: Nagoya

once you have a job, you can probably work as many hours as you like as long as your employer agrees. WHVs dont seem to be an impediment to this.

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

AussieChick · Joined: 03 Jul 2003 Posts: 5

ruggedtoast · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 81 Location: tokyo

WHV regs now state that you can work as many hours as you like in whatever job you want. They MAY charge you 20pc tax though, depending on your employer.

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

ruggedtoast,
Thanks for that note on PT vs. FT. Here is a web site on working holiday visas, in case anyone else (from a variety of countries) is interested.

http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/programme.html#2