Job Discussion Forums

MrMojoRisin · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 22 Location: Manchester, UK

I'm British, have a CELTA, and 2 years teaching experience, having worked in London and Italy. Now I'd like to go to Japan. I've read the many posts on this forum, visited the many websites of companies and recruitment agencies offering work, in an attempt to work out the best way of getting a job. It's proving a bit of a minefield.

I don't like the sound of these NOVA schools and similar TEFL industry parasites that snap up anyone simply because they're native English speakers. Although I do recognise that they sort out your travel and accommodation, which is of course very important.

Basically can I use my CELTA and experience to my advantage in finding a better teaching job in Japan and reduce my chances of getting shafted? And if so, how?

What's the best route to take?

Or am I resigned to McTefl?

Any help most appreciated Smile

Khyron · Joined: 10 Mar 2006 Posts: 291 Location: Tokyo Metro City

I think the most basic route is to work for a McEikaiwa at first. After you have your bearings, your foot in the door and a few contacts, sort of some better work.

Maybe consider Shane English School, since you're British? At least they give you more vacation than NOVA does.

kdynamic · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 562 Location: Japan

You have a 4 year degree right?

Sour Grape · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 241

With a CELTA and two years experience (after getting your CELTA, I presume), why not try the British Council?

MrMojoRisin · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 22 Location: Manchester, UK

Thanks for your help, I'll look further into Shane, and I hadn't thought of the British Council - good call.

kdynamic - I have a 3 year degree in English Language and Literature.

kdynamic · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 562 Location: Japan

Hmmm can you get a working visa on a three year degree? I thought it specified 4 years. If not, look into a working holiday visa.

Dipso · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Posts: 194 Location: England

UK degrees are generally three years. Getting a working visa with a standard 3 year British degree isn't a problem.

Khyron · Joined: 10 Mar 2006 Posts: 291 Location: Tokyo Metro City

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

Hmm, my original response is not here. Wonder what happened?

Sour Grape · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 241

PUCK · Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Posts: 20 Location: Tokyo

Mrmojorisin, I hope that the following comment didn't anger you too much...

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

Well, PUCK (or should I say capper in your former life?), you are at it again. Trying to defame me while adding little substance to the post.

Can the OP come here and get a job?
We both say yes.

Will that first job be anything more than JET ALT or eikaiwa?
I THINK we both said yes.

After that, well, I have said nothing, yet you decided to bash other posts of mine that had little bearing on what I wrote here.

Consider, MrMojoRisin, that PUCK came here once, left Japan, then returned with time left on his visa. Is that your situation? No. So, right off, there is a disparity. He had experience plus a visa in hand.

If memory serves, he also has a master's degree. MrMojoRisin does not. That is another disparity that may or may not be significant to some employers. But, does PUCK say that? Nope.

Bottom line is this.
You are qualified for entry level work here. What you do with your 24 hours in a day is up to you. Some people like to work 7 days a week, like PUCK. If that's your game, go for it. I will not try to stop you. I WILL point out the obvious, though, and that is for a newbie (unlike PUCK), you are probably not going to want to work 7 days a week while you have just entered a country that you want to see.

Is there work to be had, especially in Tokyo? I have never EVER said otherwise, yet PUCK makes it seem that I have. Be very careful of what he tells you, and especially careful of what he DOESN'T tell you. He says you'll be in good shape, but that depends on what time of year you come and how you interview. He says you can get a plethora of classes (like him, working 6-7 days a week), but he doesn't say how much of a strain it is to work that many days, how to find the jobs (especially the private lessons for a newbie), how to KEEP the private lessons, and how to keep your sanity in a foreign land where you are visiting for the FIRST time (while he was here before) while you work 8 hours a day in one job and try to supplement with others (not to mention how to fit all that in).

As far as taking people seriously, I'll let the readers decide. I'm not the one who has been banned from this site more than once.

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

Oh, by the way. I may not have had the extensive experience of digging up PT work that PUCK has had, nor have I worked as an English teacher in Tokyo, but I HAVE scrounged for PT work and private lessons. Again, he makes it seem like I have zero experience in these matters.

Sour Grape · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 241

king kakipi · Joined: 16 Feb 2004 Posts: 353 Location: Australia

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