Job Discussion Forums

[gemini22]

Is there something I need to know about NOVA before taking a job there? It sounds like some people are giving less than impressive reviews. Is it too bureaucratic or systematic? Whats the deal?

[bosintang]

[luckbox]

OP, your frustration is shared by many, myself included. Although I am still in my home country doing the preliminary groundwork - finding very few job postings worth a second look. The ALT job market is flooded with dispatch companies and one would think that the more intense the competition gets, the higher the salaries might go, but no. It's almost like the main companies have colluded to keep salaries down in a bid to maintain their grip on the ALT industry. Of course after reading Dogs and Demons by Alex Kerr, the possibility of collusion in Japan's education industry wouldn't surprise me.

I did 3 years on JET, which was a good, fair deal. Fully subsized housing, 310,000/month, benefits. And so trying to find a position following JET entails a serious demotion. I saved little on the JET salary, so I can only imagine the meek existence on 230,000 or even 250,000 when you're also asked to pay almost 100,000 in rent/fees. I'm reluctant, to say the least.

There is one part of the supply/demand equation the private ALT industry in Japan can't bank on: level of talent. What qualified, experienced English teacher in his/her right mind will consider coming to Japan at their own expense to be paid 250,000 (minus all the hidden costs mentioned in small print)? Very few. And even fewer former JETs who have valuable experience already. If they come, they certainly won't stay longer than 1 contract, if that. The result is an ALT community, made up mostly of young, newly-graduated thrill-seekers, who come for the travel experience and partying, and not for any pedagogical-related reason. That's fine. But Japanese education bureaucrats have to realize they can't have their cake and eat it too. If they are gonna de-regulate the industry and allow companies to pay substandard salary packages, it will be reflected in the ALT talent pool.

One thing in particular I'm finding annoying is that these dispatch firms are so fixated on the 250,000 figure (In the last 2 years, I've seen it drop to 230,000), that they don't even offer true incentives for experienced ALTs to sign up. Some companies do, but the incentives are negligable and usually offset by other hidden expenses/fees. There's no way that a teacher with 3 years experience in the Japanese school system, with good references and recommendations, should be offered the exact same as a kid fresh out of uni with zero teaching experience.

**end of rant**

Good luck to you.

[chirp]

luckbox,

I have one point I need to understand so that I can better empathize with your frustration. You mention that you are both a qualified and experienced teacher. I grant you that 3 years as a JET would certainly make you experienced with the Japanese education system although what JETs are required to do in the classroom varies greatly depending on your JTE and the school, based on what former JETs have said. I hope that you had very positive experiences.

As for you being "qualified", do you hold teaching qualifications from your home country (or any other country for that matter)? If you do, then perhaps you should be applying to something other than an ALT type position. If you do not, then IMHO, you are only experienced. And in that case, you need to consider whether the reduced salary and other issues you mention are things you can get over in order to continue/return to teaching in Japan. If not, I wish you well in finding another position which you find rewarding. Best of luck!

[luckbox]