Job Discussion Forums

[PrinceofZibo]

Hi, I don't want to generate any anger with this thread, I just need your opinions.

I've been wanting to teach in japan for a while as I visited the country twice in the past. I am a native of french and english. I'm a 22 y.o. man from Canada currently in my second year of a bachelor degree with triple minors: creative writing, communications and administration. I already have a TESL certificate which I did when I was living in Vancouver and I have 1 year experience teaching high school students in a rural town in China.

My girlfriend is japanese and will be spending the whole summer back home with her family. I am dreaming about going with her and spending the summer in her beautiful country.

So my questions are : What are the chances of me finding a job from april 20th to september 1st as either an english teacher or french teacher?

You guys think I can find a job before landing or should I try to find a job once I'm there? If there are opportunities that could match me you can always PM me.

I'd be willing to live in any part of Japan (I love the countryside) though I could get free accomodation in Tokyo as my girlfriend's family live in Shinjuku. I am willing to teach kids, teens or seniors as I have no preference (though I would love it if it were students that are my age as they could become good friends and I do value friendship with the students).

So those were my questions... I am open to hearing your opinions, but please, I don't want to hear complaints from those pessimistic people who are pessimistic about everything and everyone.

Cheers, Oli

[Glenski]

With no degree yet, you are only going to be able to work legally on a working holiday visa. No sponsor required, but you have to file for it in your home country. That means getting it before you come here.

I wouldn't think your gf's parents would think highly of you sponging off them for 6 months. Would you?

Any jobs available after the first of April will be fewer and farther between. Not impossible to get, but the big surge in hiring takes place before the first. And, contracts are almost always for 12 months, so you'll have to look high and low to find anything willing to offer you a shorter one.

Bottom line: not impossible, but fairly unlikely in my opinion.

[dodgee]

Not quite true Glenski. The Japanese government are now allowing visas for undergrad college students to teach summer school programs. I met one last year who told me the details but as I was talking to her near the top of Mt. Evil in the rarified altitude I can't recall them all now. Maybe you should check that out with your college career advisor OP they may know details.

[Glenski]

dodgee,
That was announced about a year ago, true, but since then, there have been no details released at all, so I didn't bother to mention it.

Do you have any links to such information?

[Cshannon]

If I were you I'd try to find a job teaching kids. There seems to be many such jobs around (though not in Shinjuku -- you'll more likely have to commute to the suburbs). I don't have much experience teaching kids, but I think it would usually be at a smaller school (or daycare even), teaching younger kids, something like that. It'd probably be a fairly easy job akin to babysitting: maybe a lot of fun if you have the energy and mindframe, but maybe annoying if you're not overly partial to children. Anyway, for just 6 months it doesn't matter much, and if you need the money, that'd probably be your best option.

I guess most jobs will want you to stay on for a year, but with a valid WHV you might find some that don't. Finding two part-time jobs might be another option.

I lived in Shinjuku for a year. It's expensive (so many places to spend money on), but for me a lot of fun. You may find it a distraction if you plan on working hard and saving any money, but then you are only making a summer of it, so it might be better. It's very convenient and you'll never get bored. BTW, it'll be fine as long as you live with you gf's family, but if you have any plans of moving out on your own, especially in a place like Shinjuku... you'd better have lot's of money, or else beware...

Anyway, apply everywhere (also check gaijinpot and ohayosensei etc.). But again, if you really need a job, any job, I'd focus on finding something teaching kids. Without a degree, it'll be your best bet. Good luck