Job Discussion Forums

ACGalaga · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 5 Location: New Jersey

Big deal on my plate,

I have been communicating with the JoyTalk organization for a few months now and have gotten fairly close with the management of this smaller company. The preparations for my arrival are currently being made.'

The JET program leaves me a voice mail today saying that they have a position for me and need a response as soon as possible.

My feelings say I should stick it out with JoyTalk. I won't be paid as much, but there's possibly room for advancement.

I haven't given JET an answer as of yet, but will do so very shortly.

Any words of advice would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks,

Alan

ACGalaga · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 5 Location: New Jersey

The Magic 8 Ball was no help.

The question: Should I refuse JET's offer to stay with JoyTalk?

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Agreed. You'd be a fool to turn down JET over an eikaiwa -- doesn't matter WHICH eikaiwa. Private English schools are a dime a dozen -- but turn down JET once, and there's a good chance you'll be screwed henceforth.

wabisabi365 · Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 111 Location: japan

JET.

ws365

wabisabi365 · Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 111 Location: japan

Really. JET. No ifs, ands, or buts. You may have a relationship with the other school and feel some sense of loyalty. However, that feeling will be gone in say, well, about a few minutes after you accept JET and can focus on your upcoming trip to Japan.

JET.

ws365

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

It's a 50-50 proposition.

JET.
Better pay, fewer work hours, Sat/Sun off from day 1, probably less work on your part, and the possiblity that you might get reduced or even free rent.
ALT responsibilities will vary, you probably have little consistency in lessons as you travel between schools, and life at work depends solely on your relationship with the JTE. Plus, you may not like living in the isolated region you are placed.

JoyTalk. (an eikaiwa?)
Chance for advancement (please define, because I think all you can really do is become a teacher trainer or assistant manager, neither of which commands much respect).
You are the boss in the classroom (with much fewer and perhaps more motivated students), but the onus is on you 100%. No JTE to fall back on, and you might be expected to keep students or lose pay. The hours may not be terrific, either. Typical for eikaiwa is noonish to 9pm, and newbies often get 2 non-consecutive days off for a weekend.

With JET, you are essentially finished after 3 years (in some cases, 5). With JoyTalk, you can probably continue renewing your visa as long as you like, but how many teachers stay at that one job for a long time? Most move on in a year or less. With JET's visa, you cannot work elsewhere, except perhaps in public schools, when you finish the program, while the regular work visa you get through JoyTalk allows you a little more freedom.

ACGalaga · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 5 Location: New Jersey

Thank you all for your responses.

This has certainly helped me in making a decision.

Now it's time to start writing more letters.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Like Gambatte says, JET only allows you one try if you turn them down.

JET's got to be the best situation for a young person just getting started, and serves those people interested in English language education, middle/high school education, cultural exchange, business, and getting a foothold in Japan.

JET has to be the best scholarship going - paid airfare, subsidized housing, and contact with cultural organizations, chances to work with other nationalities, learn Japanese and pick up future business contacts. You get taken care of by CLAIR, and go into established school programs where the JTEs have a history of working with foreign youth and teachers.

You would do well to contact your local AJET (JET alumni) and ask them what they did post-JET.

Ai · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Chile

JET JET JET

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

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

As for being accepted, turning down JET, then reapplying a subsequent year, I don't see that it is prohibited on the JET pamphlet. You can't defer your acceptance to a subsequent year, of course.

FAQ:

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

You quoted the wrong section. He has ALREADY been offered a position. If you back out after having been offered a position, then you cannot go back. JET 'hires' you (it doesn't actually hire anybody- it agrees to put you in the program), then finds a postion for you. So he was already on the shortlist (the one for 'hired', as opposed to the one for 'waiting list' or 'denied'), then was given a placement. He must eiother accept that placement within a couple of days or puyll oput of the JET programme altogether. If he backs out now, then that's it.

You need an instructors visa to work at the private HS where I am (and all of the others that I know about). The school/agent can arrange for one, but getting a job through one with your only experience in eikaiwa would be really, really hard (I've seen them put those people through the wringer- it wasn't pretty and they didn't get called back. in fact, they would often rather get someone from overseas).