Job Discussion Forums

[Dex]

Sorry if this clutters things somewhat, but I didn't want to hi-jack the other thread with my own questions.

I recently asked advice on this board about the wisdom of moving to Osaka. I've decided that its definitely something I want to do.
I am not so keen on the big name english schools though (Nova etc).

SO... There is the possibility of me working for a University near Osaka, and I will obviously need to interview in Japan.

My question is, if I arrive on a tourist visa (I'm South African), is it possible to change that to a work visa? If I need to leave the country to get a visa, how long does it usually take?

I need to know in terms of how much money I need to bring with me. As I previously mentioned, I have an apartment and car already, so transport and rent is not an issue, but I would rather avoid excessive travelling to get around visa issues.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[PAULH]

[Dex]

Thanks Paul. The job in question will only start next school year.
With regard to sponsorship of the work visa, I was under the (possibly mistaken impression) that the hiring school or university would sponsor the visa.

There are 11 native languages in South Africa (one of them English). I am not of Dutch origin, therefore my English has a slightly British accent

There you go

[PAULH]

[Dex]

Well, I have a contact in a university near Osaka, through my girlfriend's family, and I'm hoping that will help my chances a little. Of course if I can't work in a University, I'll try my luck in schools etc.
My primary concern is the visa, and sponsorship. If I can change my visa, then I don't need to worry about having money to leave the country to get a visa.

Apparantly nearly 10% of all South Africans are Native English speakers http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sf.html
I attended an English school (as do most people in my province) and went to an English University (as do most people in my country).
We also have Japanese school recruitment centres in SA so I'm sure they're aware that we are native English speakers.

[Apsara]

PaulH, if you had stayed in NZ a little bit longer you would have experienced the "South African invasion" of the mid-90s and met plenty of native English-speaking "Saffas". Two of my high school maths teachers were South Africans. They have a funny accent, but no more so than Aussies and Kiwis.

[Glenski]

Dex,
What is your educational background? Contacts are very good to get your foot in the door, especially at universities, but universities usually require a minimum of a master's degree in a specific major, plus publications, plus some experience teaching in Japan (and some Japanese language skills).

[Dex]

Hi Glenski,

I don't have qualifications anywhere near those you described. I have a standard Bachelors, and a Celta, plus other various job related training.
I obviously don't have any experience in Japan, having never been there. My experience is largely comprised of primary and secondary school students with a year or so of adult language training.

The contact is a family friend of my girlfriend's, but I'm not sure if he can perform miracles.

Given my qualifications and experience, what avenue should I, in your opinion, be looking towards?

[PAULH]

[Glenski]

Dex,
What did you mean about changing your visa?

[Dex]

Thanks Paul and Glen,

I appreciate any raining on my parade. I need to be well prepared. So, with Universities out of the way, I guess I'll focus on language schools and the like.

Wrt the visa, I want to know if its possible to change from a tourist visa to a work visa without leaving the country. I know that a few years ago it was impossible, but has this changed?
I don't want to do the JET programme because that would entail waiting around in SA for ages. I live in Bangkok, so would fly to Osaka and look for a job when i land.
Ideally speaking of course.

[sidjameson]

I got a full time position at a univeristy with a BA. I passed on my very well paid part time work to my friend who only has a BA. Never underestimate the power of contacts in this country.

[earthmonkey]

As for the visa question.

Once you are sponsored and have a COE (Certificate of Eligibility), you can get your visa without leaving the country.

Good luck.

[Dex]

Thanks

In your experience earthmonkey, is it fairly difficult to get someone to sponsor you?

[Glenski]