Job Discussion Forums

Michael188 · Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 16

Can anyone provide me with the low down on the MIL in Chiba? I read through their website. They seem on the ball. I would just like to get some more information about them from anyone that has heard anything or worked for them. The more information I get the better. Every little bit helps. I want to make an informed decision.

Thanks to any and all that reply.

Mike

eslteach555 · Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 18

If you do a search, you will find a lot of positive comments about this school.

I know a lot of people who have worked there. I highly recommend it.

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

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I have only heard positive things about the school, and that says a lot considering the number of complaints that are around.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

If you do a search, you will also find negative things! I have a friend who worked there a couple of years ago, and it didn�t sound like a terribly professionally run place. Things do change, though...

d

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

I worked there for a year and nine months, after working at a different school. Overall, it was a positive experience, and I'm going back.

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

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Aside from things like not having consecutive days off and not being allowed to remain on the premises after classes had finished, I think he had some problems with the staff�s attitudes after he resigned (and he did give plenty of notice). And there were some unexplained deductions from his salary.

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English teacher · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Posts: 2

I worked at MIL for a few years. Since we don't have any evidence from the unhappy teacher and since we haven't heard from that person directly, I will answer with my own experience.

The fact that the teacher won't have consecutive days off for the first term is made very clear before you even get hired. Though some people may not like it, it is not a breach of any contract or agreement - and can't be considered unprofessional behavior.

Teachers are not allowed to stay in the buildings late at night. Is there some problem with this rule? Seems to me to be a normal rule everywhere I have worked.

The unexplained deductions charge is the most serious - what better way to make potential teachers suspicious about a school! I got a slip along with every single paycheck and every
single apartment transaction. It took awhile to get the remainder of my deposit back, but everything was accounted for. If I had any questions or noticed any discrepancies, I took it to the office immediately and had it cleared up.

I do know that there have been teachers who have been unhappy with being charged for cleaning their apartment when they left - because the aprtment was dirty. I and my friends had nothing subtracted from cleaning when we left - we did the cleaning ourselves.

I wonder if Denise's friend acted in a professional way at all times - or if there is something that might explain why the staff was unhappy after that person left.

I know that there was a guy who worked with me for a few months and then split for a public school job with some notice. He let it be known around the office that that had been his plan all along - to use the MIL visa and wait for the position he wanted to open up. The staff was not very friendly when he tried to call or make contact.

I am back teaching in a public school. I like having my own classroom and seeing the same students every day of the week. I couldn't do that at MIL, but they never said that they could. For what they are trying to do, it was a well-run school.

eslteach555 · Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 18

To quote Denise, "And there were some unexplained deductions from his salary. "

I think that is a very unfair comment- it implies in a very nebulous way that there was something shady at MIL. Did your friend not ASK what the deductions were? And what was the answer? Were they still, "unexplained?" I know if I had some "unexplained," deductions from my salary, they would be fast explained.

I happen to know the owner of that school and he is as honest as the day is long. The school has also been there for 30 years now. Denise, either you or your friend should explain exactly what you meant and back it up, or you should withdraw the statement and apologize.

The Internet is a wonderful tool- except it allows people to freely slander others with no evidence.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Michael188 · Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 16

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

I did a search as suggested. I read through the threads. I like what I read.

Again, thanks for the replies.

Smile

Mike

Sonja23 · Joined: 19 Feb 2006 Posts: 15

Hey, hope you don't mind me resurrecting this thread. I've had a look at MIL as well and are quite interested in them. However, there are a few things which their website didn't clarify, and although I sent them an email a few weeks ago with some questions I have yet to get a response. Maybe some of you here will be able to help me...

1) What is the pay like? Is it the seemingly-standard 250 000 yen a month?

2) On the website it mentions that their employees are from Canada or the US. Do they hire from other countries as well? My boyfriend is English and I am 'mixed' - Norwegian passport but native English speaker with an 'ambiguous' accent.

Appreciate any help!