Job Discussion Forums

Tre · Joined: 28 Jun 2003 Posts: 24 Location: Tokyo

Hi all,

I have been reading a lot on here recently about the best time of year to get a teaching job in Japan.

I am going out there in October with an Honours degree in computer science, a newly aquired CELTA qualification and NO previous teaching experience!

I cant really change dates now as I have no other irons in the fire in the uk and I am planning on moving in with my Japanese girlfriend in Tokyo. We have been planning this for a long time, and i miss her so I want to get out there.

At this time of year do you think I will be unlucky on the job front and end up coming home after 90 days dissapointed?

Any comments appreciated!

Many thanks

Trev

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

What kind of teaching were you thinking about? Eikaiwa or high school? Or kindergarten? College?

Your qualifications make you eligible for eikaiwas, which hire year round. October is not a dead time of year, but it is approaching.

As for places like high schools, there is a minor surge in hiring then, but the start dates are October, so you would be better to come in September, if possible. With no teaching experience, though, you would probably not be considered for this type of work.

Whatever you do, come prepared. Really prepared. Learn where to look for work, and have your best "interviewing hat" on. Have a polished resume in hand, too. And, I presume your girlfriend will allow you to stay with her for those 90 days if it comes to that, but you never know.

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

If you are looking for jobs in the eikaiwas,they will hire you at anytime of the year.
There are the big 3 of course;nova,aeon,geos etc. and many more smaller companies.
I would suggest you buy the Monday edition of Japan Times and check their job ads.Also make use of the various job boards on the net.
Once you get here check the yellow pages of the phone book and get some schools to go to in person and present yourself.
Make sure you come prepared to do a job search;resume,cover letter and a good suit for those all important interviews.
I think you can find work if you really try.
Good luck. Cool

David W · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 457 Location: Japan

I would say that October is by far the best month of the year to come to Japan because that is the month that I came to Japan Very Happy

. I hope I have been a great help to you in your deliberations. Razz

surrealia · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 241 Location: Taiwan

I hope you enjoy Japan. You might want to look over this page for some useful articles and information:

http://www.geocities.com/allhou/japan.htm