Job Discussion Forums

[nonsmoker]

The funny thing is, I actually applied to this job but I never heard back from them. I guess that's a good thing!

[J.]

A school with this kind of "tricky" contract full off loopholes that they will interpret in any way they like once they get you there and stuck because you have spent all your money relocating, is to be avoided. There's no way you can win, because you won't be in a position of power. All you can do is leave early and lose a lot of money.

Don't suppose it was in Shikoku, was it? Sounds suspiciously like my old school; he used to spend more time honing the contract, and changing it with every new hire, than he did making the school work. And there was no logic to any of the provisions in it because he was too cheap to hire a lawyer, or maybe too afraid.

So count.....(See title).

[esglumac]

ummm..is the visa processing supposed to be included or is it just a given????

[radish]

[J.]

Most schools will at least get you the first visa, because they will start the processing before you get here. Actually, they should have the "certificate of eligibility" in hand from the government before you arrive. If you are smart you will get them to send it to your home in your country before you come. You can take/mail it to the nearest Japanese embassy at home and get the stamp in your passport before you leave for Japan. (They are available by teplehone in English to answer questions and they will courier you the passport back if you are in a hurry.) If you do that you will have a much smoother and more pleasant experience at customs, where I believe they have started to photograph and fingerprint people coming and going.

Anyone been in and out of the country lately and can comment on the "new" procedure? What has changed, if anything , and how long/difficult is it? Do we still get to go through the residents of Japan line with Japanese nationals?

[David W]

I knew a NZ girl who worked at Jade, she seemed quite happy there. I also knew a student who went there who was, likewise, content. They certainly don't have a "reputation" in the area. Please note however my knowledge is from 2000. Haven't heard anything since then, though I could probably make a few inquiries if you are interested.

[Khyron]