Job Discussion Forums

T-Bone80 · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1

Hi everybody,

I am new to the forum. I am considering teaching English in Japan one day, and I have heard that the schools mentioned in my title are the way to go. Any personal experiences/comments on which one they were involved in and whether they would recommend it or not? It would be nice to hear some feedback with regards to pay, accomodation, application process, etc.

Thank you all,

T

seanmcginty · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 203

I worked for both GEOS (1 year) and AEON (2 years) so I can tell you a bit about them. They are pretty much the same, probably your experience with them and NOVA and ECC would be about the same. They pay a decent starting salary that allows you to lead a good lifestyle, put you up in a tiny apartment whose quality will vary widely depending on luck of the draw. All AEON teachers pay a flat rate of 39,000 a month (or they did a few years ago), which is quite reasonable. You'll have to put up with a lot of management BS, though that happens in any job in a big company. At GEOS there is a heavy emphasis placed on sales, which is a real negative with a lot of people. At AEON there was some too, but substantially less.

JET is probably the best way to go. I've known a lot of JETs and most of them had positive experiences and enjoyed generally better working conditions and benefits than at the big companies. Unfortunately I believe the application deadline has passed for this year though.

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

I made a comparison chart on Excel for all of these places, using information freely available on their FAQ sections. If you want it, send me an email. It doesn't cover everything, but it's easier than paging back and forth to each web page to find the data you want to compare.
[email protected]

LHanks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 25

Hi,
I worked at NOVA, it was alright to get your foot in the door. I stayed for a year and a month with them, once I got my work visa renewed for another year I went to a smaller school(it is difficult for smaller schools to get you VISAS, well at least it was when I was there-1998-2000) I found this website and it is very informative on Nova. I found everything to be spot on. Good Luck!
www.teachinjapan.com

Angelfish · Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 131

I've recently been accepted for a job with GEOS and although I'm not out in Japan yet, I've found their professionalism and the whole interview process to be very good and informative.

A heck of a lot of paperwork mind Shocked

Jazz1975 · Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 301 Location: Zama, Kanagawa

Can you tell me about the interview process at GEOS? Thanks. I will also be trying to get in to Japan through one of the Big 4 language schools.

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

Jazz,

Go to this thread and you'll see what I posted about the interview process for all of the Big Four eikaiwas.

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=35210

in_japan · Joined: 20 Feb 2006 Posts: 14

I decided working for one of the big 4 would be the best way to begin working in Japan.

After careful research and review of ECC, GEOS, AEON and NOVA, I decided on AEON.

Though differences between the companies may be small, what appealed to me about AEON was mainly in the fine print:

*Rent is Subsidized
*Contract Completion Bonus
*Flight Home is paid for on completion of Contract
*Socialization with students is promoted

These are just a few of the points that drew me to AEON. I applied, and was lucky enough to get the job. (Though I haven't started yet!).

Jazz1975 · Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 301 Location: Zama, Kanagawa

AEON is my first choice as well, but those weren't my reasons. What appealed to me the most was getting actual weekends off (Sat & Sun or Sun & Mon). I also find, imo, that they put the most emphasis on supportive counselling and assisting the students with coming up with action plans that are appropriate for them. I know other schools do this as well, but I did not get the impression from my research that they do it to the extent that AEON does.

Jazz1975 · Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 301 Location: Zama, Kanagawa

Sorry to throw a wrench in this, but I'm having a "nervous moment" (best way to put it). My plan is to apply to all four schools so I can increase my chances of teaching in Japan. That said, has anyone heard of someone being rejected by all four schools or are the odds stacked in your favor that at least one of the schools will take you in?

lalalateda · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 72 Location: JAPAN

Jazz1975 · Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 301 Location: Zama, Kanagawa

Mark · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 500 Location: Tokyo, Japan

JET is completely different from the big 4 conversation schools.

Out of the big 4, Aeon does sound like the best. I went with a different school, but only because I'd already arranged my accomodations and didn't want to pay for an apartment I wouldn't be using for 6 months.

I think Aeon and Geos are basically the same except Geos has more paperwork and more of a sales emphasis (but that probably varies depending on the branch).

Nova is mainly drop-in classes, so different students all the time. Most people seem to dislike it there.

I worked at ECC and it was ok. Lots of support from head office, but most classes are either drop-in or kids. If you want regular classes (same students, same time, every week), it might not be your best bet.

But, so much of your experience will depend on the city you're sent to and the particular branch or branches you work in. So, I'm not sure it matters so much which company you go with.