Job Discussion Forums

[pishygorbeh]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum. I have an interview with NOVA this Friday, and among all the details right now I'm most concerned about placement. Have any of you found that your placement wishes were fullfilled with NOVA, or were you placed in a random city? Do you have any control over placement? Do they let you know where you'll be going right when you're accepted?

I really don't want to be placed somewhere small and random. I'm interested in living and working in big cities only at this point- Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto... does this seem like too much to ask for?

Thanks.

[Zzonkmiles]

Tokyo has so many schools that you'd probably be assigned to Tokyo if you specifically requested it. It's probably the easiest place to be assigned.

If you opt to work at NOVA's Multimedia Center, you'll be 100% guaranteed a placement in Osaka simply because the MM Center is located in Osaka. The city itself is also large enough to probably guarantee you a regular branch placement there, although I can't say this with as much confidence as I could with guaranteeing a Tokyo branch placement.

If you request Okinawa, Hokkaido, or Kyoto, you will likely be sorely disappointed, as those are three of the most difficult areas to be assigned to.

[Jazz1975]

This is good to know. Thanks. I'll be applying to all of the Big 4 schools and want to be located in Tokyo or Osaka.

[tokyo376]

You should have no problem getting assigned to Tokyo or Osaka. I would imagine Nova will breathe a sigh of relief when you tell them. They have so many schools in these 2 cities, it'll be easy for them to place you. I requested Tokyo and got it.

[Temujin]

I requested Tokyo, Fukuoka or Osaka in that order, and I got Fukuoka. You don't have to request a location at interview - you get the opportunity to do so when accepting the job. That way you can avoid appearing inflexible at the interview. Just tell them you'd be happy anywhere then request your preferred location afterwards.

[pishygorbeh]

Thanks everyone, your information is really helpful.

Also, what did any of you think about the NOVA program in Tokyo?
I imagine the living accomodations were loud and small but exciting. With such a hectic work week (40 hrs +) was the fast-paced life of Tokyo exciting or overwhelming? Also, why did you pick Tokyo?

I'm just trying to figure out if it's the right city for me.

Thanks again.

[allyismycopilot]

You know you can always start off in a less-hectic/loud/expensive area and once you get suited request a transfer to Tokyo if you think it's right for you.

Personally I can't stand Tokyo. I lived in Japan ten years and only visited twice. There is no way I could work there. Of course that is just me and there a plenty of people who love it there.

But it could be beneficial to start somewhere cheaper and a little more relaxed. You could visit Tokyo and see if it is for you and then try for that transfer.

Of course you could always do the opposite as well. But the opposite we be more expensive. lol.

The good thing is you would be in a situation where you wouldn't be stuck in a lease and all you need is 30 days notice to walk out of the Nova apartment:)

[wintersweet]

Keep in mind that Tokyo is a lot more expensive than other places (except maybe Osaka). Some people working for big chains feel that they wind up living in a bubble of English speakers, English-speaking restaurants and doctors, etc. That aspect is a trade-off--security for insularity. If you want to learn Japanese, you'll have to work on it consciously. Tokyo was a bit overwhelming for me, nothing at all like a small big city (if you know what I mean) like San Francisco. Lots to do, though.

By the way, pishygorbeh, you don't happen to have a sister in an MATESOL program, do you? (Never mind if you don't.)

Good luck!