Job Discussion Forums

kelly · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 1

Hello everyone-

I only just recently started looking into the NOVA Group program but after reading the info on this site about it, getting a little nervous. I am hoping to teach in Osaka, Japan begining in Sept. Very interested if there is ANYONE out there that liked the program and if you have any "words of wisdom" to share about your expierence. Thanks

Sunpower · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 256 Location: Taipei, TAIWAN

Nova is a great way for people to get established in Japan.

However, they are a very, very bad company to work for.

I cannot say enough negative things about the company, Japanese staff and trainers and assistant trainers.

The whole NOVA deal is pretty bad.

But I suggest using those b*astards to get set up and then drop them like a dead bug. I know it sounds like I'm being a jerk but I have seen this company use and take advantage of students, Japanese staff and, of course, teachers. All round, it's just a really scummy, scummy company.

I would otherwise be advising people to avoid Nova - but if you teachers are able to turn the tables and use them for a change, I think that would be nice. Unfortunately, it's quite often the other way around.

Good luck, there are good jobs in Tokyo that you'll find. But NOVA is NOT one of them.

ps - you will find teachers that are surprisingly happy there. I, among many others, wasn't one of them.

Also, I see that Dave Sperling just posted a link to his job journal re Nova info - http://www.eslcafe.com/jobinfo/asia/sefer.cgi?Japan

Good Luck!

johnny123 · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 2 Location: Niigata, Japan

Nova is the crappiest place to work in Japan. I worked for them for two years and they really could care less about the student or the teacher. They are all about the bottom line. Money, Money, Money. I generally agree with sunpower, but I wouldn`t even use them to set up. They also give raises to the not the best teachers, but to the biggest brownnosers. They also tend to people who have no experience, so they can abuse them even more than normal. They work you like a dog too with only ten minutes in between classes to "prepare". I am now in an elementary school where I actually feels like my hard work is appreciated. Stay away from that craphole and most of the power hungry, alcoholic, drug abuser foreigners that work for them. Don`t get me wrong there are some good teachers there, but on the whole a Nova teacher equates to nothing more than a hamburger flipper in your own country. Trust me I flipped enough burgers and took enough abuse from them. Stay Away!!!!!!

Spiderman · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Posts: 13

Kelly,
If you have no other job offer, but really want to experience Japan, go ahead and sign up with NOVA. Much of the experience in Japan depends on your attitude. By starting with NOVA, almost anything you move onto will be better, so you'll appreciate it more. NOVA won't kill you. You'll just be starting at the very bottom, that's all. But hey, as I said, kid, it's all in your attitude!!

LHanks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 25

I agree with the last post(Spiderman). I worked for Nova in Osaka for a year. It isnt a great place but it isnt horrible. The teaching method gets old for both the students and the teachers. BUT they set you up in an apt(usually), get you health insurance, etc. They help the transition into Japan, with Nova it wont be so overwhelming It is a good starting point. Continue to look for other work once you get there. It is not unbearable, they are just money motivated and dont really care if the students learn or not. They are a business. After a year I moved to north Osaka(Suita) and worked for a small neighborhood school owned by an Australian man. I took a pay cut but it was well worth it. I enjoyed the job a lot.
Osaka is a prime place to go. It is perfect for daytrips to neighboring towns. Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara. I was planning to stay for one year and ended up staying for two years and 3 months. If you have any questions I will be happy to answer them. Japan is a fascinating place, GOOD LUCK!!!
[email protected]

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

Kelly, what about an update? There seems to be a lot of interest in NOVA lately from some of the other newbies. Laughing

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

Considering that Kelly only ever made one post, I suspect he/she isn't still around. Perhaps you should PM them.

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

Is NOVA the best company/school around? Depends on your experiences.
Is it the worst? Not according to many people who have worked elsewhere.

If you can't come here to look for work, you are very limited in options, and NOVA is one of them.

Some of the more positive things:
NOVA will recruit from abroad and sponsor a work visa, provide furnished housing and a phone line (rent and utilities are included in one fee), and it provides somewhat flexible salaries depending on where you are posted. NOVA also has its own planned format for teaching, so you don't have to create anything. Also, some of the problems at branches depend on the manager, not NOVA itself.

I repeat, though, that it is not the best or worst around. Here are some pretty fair appraisals.
http://markcity.blogspot.com/teaching.htm
http://vocaro.com/trevor/japan/nova/level_up.html
http://www.grassrootdesign.com/articles/nova.asp

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

osakajojo · Joined: 15 Sep 2004 Posts: 229

ha! I'd love to hear from Kelly. That would be great.
Good one canuck- Glenski swallowed it hook, line, and sinker Very Happy

but i don't really get it?

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

Have your Christmas cheer early, people. I wasn't responding to anything about Kelly. I took the following line

redcliff · Joined: 23 Nov 2006 Posts: 46

Nova has not had a great reputation since I was in Japan back in 94 to 2000.
Some people have raised the point that Nova is neither good for employee nor student.
It does raise the question though, if Nova is so bad for students how (especially given all of the choice in Japan) are these cats still in business?

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

Location, location, location?

And maybe lots of advertising

Vince · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 559 Location: U.S.

I worked at NOVA for nine months in 1997. I expect many details have changed, but everything I've been hearing leads me to believe that the general tone hasn't changed vevy much.

As other posters have said, NOVA is a good springboard for people who need sponsorship, basic training, and face-to-face teaching experience. Their programs aren't to be confused with serious pedagogy (having an MA TESOL, you'll realize that within the first ten seconds), but you can at least get a feel for Japanese students and some of the tendencies of Japanese EFL in general.

Most conversation schools would rather teachers didn't stay more than a couple of years at most, so don't have any misgivings about leaving when you get a better opportunity. With an MA TESOL, it would be a waste for you stay any longer than necessary.

Vince · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 559 Location: U.S.