Job Discussion Forums

rockwolf · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Takamatsu, Shikoku

Well, a few forum members have already read my words, but I figure I'd just intruduce myself anyway.

My name is Eric, and I'm from Minnesota, USA. I spent 2 years in Japan as a college student, waaaay up north in Akita, and loved it. While studying there I became such an expert in Japanese that I was giving Keigo lessons to an 80 year old Shinto priest...

...well, not that good, but I can order a cheeseburger like nobody's business. (although I did try to study keigo... and holy crap, it's like picking up yet another language!)

Anyhoo. I've been searching around the job boards, ohayosensei, gaijinpot (which really only seems to have listings for people already in Japan), and applying like mad, but not getting any promising responses. Is the job market really tight right now? I read somewhere on this forum that the hiring picks up in September, and there is an English teacher hiring frenzy in April. September would be fine, but I cannot wait until April.

I've got a degree, and about a year of part-time English teaching experience (both the lesson-planning type, and McEnglish variety). The best experience was in a kindergarten, and I would love to have that kind of opportunity again on a full-time basis, but would gladly take any good job.

I don't mind being out in the middle of nowhere, as long as I've got my bicycle I'm happy, and I have no need of being in or near massive cities like Osaka or Tokyo. I had lived in Kyoto for a few months, and loved it there, but I can always visit during vacation times.

What does one do? I've juggled certain options, and considered applying even to the Big 4. However, I feel I've got the abilities and experiences to jump into something a little more involved than 'warm body gaijin' schools.

Nova terrifies me, but that 3 year Visa is very attractive, however, I don't want to sign up for McEnglish and then jump ship after a month or two, that just seems pretty mean to do, even to evil NOVA.

Westgate might be okay for a few months, but not too sure.

Also, AEON has a sparkling web page, and I've heard good things about them, but some things really don't seem right. They claim to pay all rent above 39,000 yen a month, but does that mean they stick you in a crappy apartment, or can I choose my own apartment?

Okay, enough of my silly questions, so please, I implore the great and wisened veterans of EFL Japan to release tidbits of hope and knowledge upon this poor young kid who has tasted Japan, but about to re-enter the country from a completely different perspective.

West Brom · Joined: 20 May 2003 Posts: 28

Never worked for Nova. I worked for Shane for a year, and they have an even worse reputation than Nova. But the problems were blown out of all proportion. If you like teaching kids I'm sure you can handle conversation school life for a year. Sorry I can't suggest anything else, but you are right in that being in Japan is a big advantage when applying for jobs. Good luck

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

Eric,

As an American, you are limited to few options.

1. Get hired by one of the Big Four eikaiwas that hire from overseas (NOVA, ECC, GEOS, AEON), or by the JET program or Westgate. They all sponsor visas before you leave the States.
2. Fill your pockets with cash and come here to look for work.

Ange · Joined: 16 Feb 2003 Posts: 23 Location: F U K U O K A

If you have enough money come here and look for work when you arrive. It can be as easy or as difficult as you make it. If you are prepared with a good CV, a nice suit, and a gung-ho job searching attitude you shouldn't find it too hard to get a job.

The advantages of looking when you arrive are obvious - you can see for yourself what a school is like, and you can choose where you want to live. If you find a job in the country, it is possible that some schools will have their own apartments and won't charge for key money etc...Some will not even charge you for rent until you receive your first pay. However, others do, it is sometimes a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

Many people come to Japan this way and land on their feet, others come and have real problems. I really believe it depends on your motivation, enthusiasm, and a bit of luck too.

However, I do think it is necessary to have enough money to last for a couple of months at least. Even if you have to use your credit card it shouldn't take too long to pay it off when you are earning.

rockwolf · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Takamatsu, Shikoku

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

I'll field the AEON apartment question.

If you live in the Tokyo area, the apartment will be very small, and you will probably have to commute. Because apartment prices are so expensive in the Tokyo area the subsidized rent will save you a lot of money.

If you are living in a smaller city you may get quite lucky. I had a 3 room apartment about 15 minutes from work by foot. Some of my co-workers had smaller apartments, but had even better locations. Yes, it is certainly possible to get a very bad apartment, but I think the odds are in your favor to get a very reasonable apartment.

rockwolf · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Takamatsu, Shikoku

Guest of Japan

thanks for the input, but I can tell you for sure, I'm staying as far away from Tokyo as I can.

Well... just not in Tokyo. Don't like that place, too big. And too many of those crazy foreigners! Wink

Actually, I'm looking for smallish cities in the Kansai area, or maybe somewhere near or in Sendai, as I have a lot of Japanese friends from Sendai, and miss them dearly.

A town between Kyoto and Osaka, but right on the JR line would be ideal... although that's wishful thinking.

nomadder · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2003 1:34 pm Post subject:

I can relate to your situation. I'm in a similar boat myself right now.

My first job was at James English School(JES). It's a chain but not half as bad as the big bad 4 and their Head Office (and a big school) is in Sendai. Last I knew they were only in Tohoku so you couldn't work in Kansai but maybe like me you could move further south in your second year. I think they recruit in the US sometimes. Positions start in Feb, May, Aug and Nov. I interviewed in Sept. for a Nov. position. Good Luck!

rockwolf · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Takamatsu, Shikoku

Nomadder! That's cool. Soo... got any contact information for that school? I don't mind Tohoku at all, I went to college in central Akita, and I loved that area of Japan. Really beautiful countryside and nice clean water, just so much snow... Sad

I like snow, don't get me wrong, but when it starts snowing in November, and doesn't stop until March, it becomes rather tedious.

But Sendai is a beautiful city, and if they're in the Tohoku area, then maybe they've got positions in or near Mastushima? Very Happy

nomadder · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2003 9:22 pm Post subject:

I just did a search and it's www.jesjapan.com. Don't think the snow started till December where I was not too far from Sendai. Atleast there are lots of hot springs to go in and skiing is possible.
Good Luck Rockwolf!

rockwolf · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Takamatsu, Shikoku

Nomadder, you rock across the spectrum.

This is a great chance to get back north, and SENDAI!!!

Arigatou!

rockwolf · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Takamatsu, Shikoku

Well, happy day for me!

To anyone who was sending me good vibes, I want to thank you.

Two days ago I got hired to go to Takamatsu, Kagawa, on Shikoku island. Fairly close to Osaka.

I leave tomorrow!

w00t!!!

I'll be in Osaka Saturday night, my plane arrives at kansai airport at 6pm Nihon toki.

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

What school Rockwolf? I live in Takamatsu.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Gordon

you wouldnt happen to work for Graham Page at Language House, or are you at Kagawa Daigaku?

Just curious- my first year in Japan was in Takamatsu. Great place.

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

No I teach at Tokushima Bunri University in Shido. Where did you work and when was it? Yes I really like Takamatsu.