Job Discussion Forums

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

Hey Sutekigaijin,
Glad to see you've crawled out from under your rock. How do you know how much I make?
I see that along with China, Japan now has trolls too.

Thank you for asking, but Shikoku is great. Glad to know you've been thinking of me. Laughing

easyasabc · Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 179 Location: Japan

backbayboi · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2003 6:04 pm Post subject:

WOW! Thanx again for the tremendous response through this post and PMS!! Ya'll have been extremely helpful in helping me make choices and in formulating a plan. I HAVE chosen to concentrate on language schools even though they may not afford me a trememdous amout of free time to pursue research or observation. I like to work and want to spend more of my time with adults or older teenagers. I also need visa sponsorship , a steady paycheck and housing and these seem like the most realistic choices.

As far as my choice of location: I AM flexible. I live and work just outside of the New Orleans metro area . I am comfortable in even larger cities and would like the challenge of it for a year. Im a creature of comfort, though, and cant see myself " roughing" it, no matter the scenic beauty. I am open to other cities though. ANY SUGGESTIONS???

Money: are you kidding about making money in Tokoyo?? I'm not taking a gap year to become a millionaire , I ve read the budgets and the projected savings and think that realistically, If I can live reasonably well and save enough to travel a little before I return home ( maybe a little for grad school) then Ill be happy. THOUGHTS PLEEEASE!! I just need to know if you are pullin my chain!

Thanks especially for the links to the smaller schools that may meet all my criteria AND be reputable!!( a big deal with me) I had no idea that was available. anymore would be appreciated! Thanks Again ya'll, later BBB

sutekigaijin · Joined: 19 Jul 2003 Posts: 24

Hey Gordo,
There are a lot more rocks out there where you reside in the boonies man. I think Shikoku would be beautiful to visit. Maybe also a great place to retire. But living there would be out of the question for most. So please don't force your boonies atmosphere on everyone. Not everyone has a small mind to go with the territory there... Evil or Very Mad

sutekigaijin · Joined: 19 Jul 2003 Posts: 24

And Gordo, you ain't no expert on nothing. so don't think you are man... learn to take a shot big feller...

easyasabc · Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 179 Location: Japan

Gordon,

Re:

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

Easyasabc,
You're right, he's not worth responding to. Rolling Eyes

backbayboi · Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2003 5:21 pm Post subject:

Just wanted to update this a bit: My situation has changed and I'm looking to leave sooner than I had planned. ( mid feb. early march) still seeking from the larger schools, but have found tons of adverts , recruiting for smaller schools ( and most meet my requirements) any thoughts/experiences with any of these?? How are interviews if they do not have recruiting offices in the US? thanks BBB

Celeste · Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2003 11:54 pm Post subject:

You may do better at a smaller school simply because you will have more flexibility. The corporate structure delivers a standard product at a lot of the big schools, and you might not find this very satisfying as a teacher. The smaller schools will likely give you a telephone interview or series of interviews, and you may be hired with a probationary period in your contract to make sure that you are not a total loonie. I am in the public school system, but my friends who are experienced teachers seem to prefer the smaller schools to the big chains. Do remember to ask to speak to a current and a former teacher from any school that you consider accepting an offer from. If they won't put you in touch with past or present employees then there may be something that they are hiding.

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

BBB, re conversation schools, eikwaia, in order to sort out the good from the bad, find out who runs the school on a day to day basis and what experience they have of a) English speaking culture and b) English itself. You should try to find a school where those you're management are sympathetic and experienced in cross-cultural issues.

Secondly, once you have narrowed it down to some schools, ask them quite candidly if you could talk to one of their foreign teachers to find out what it is like working there. If they point blank refuse you can simply put two and two together and move on to the next offer. BTW, if they say it would be "difficult" this equals a point blank refusal - cultural translation!

Some advice picked up through my own and others' painful experiences...