Job Discussion Forums

[aleks24]

Thanks for all the feedback. Thinking about it now and having done some more research I'm sure I would be fine after a few weeks settling in. Looking at the daily schedule examples on websites for ECC and AEON it doesn't seem so scary. Classes are generally small, teaching materials and methods are provided and the teaching environment seems relaxed but professional plus once I'm in the class and teaching the focus is going to be on the pupils not so much myself.

However, my main concern now is the recruitment process. How does this work out? It seems for most companies you have to travel to London and do an example class and presentation in front of all the fellow applicants and all the recruiters...is this correct? That's a lot more nervewrecking than the job!!

What was the general recruitment process you had to follow for the company you came to Japan with?

[thermal]

I'm an a shy person as well. Not exactly stereotypically so, it's very situational, I can be both very outgoing and very quiet. Anyhow, I do get anxiety before and during lessons.

Lesson anxiety is bad when you start out, but slowly you get used to it. Eventually you don't need to think so much during the lesson about what you are doing and can actually enjoy yourself. I feel in a position now that even if my lesson completely bombs and I can't use my plan, I can make up activities and keep teaching off the top of my head. Inevitably, especially if you try hard, you will learn quickly and reach a stage of relative non-fear soon.

Some tips to deal with it when you are starting out:

1. If you are freaking out before hand, try taking some deep breaths. Just focus on yourself and who you are for a few moments. Don't focus on the upcoming lesson for 10 or so seconds and if you can, feel, don't think. When I do this I feel grounded and it helps me realize that it isn't that important, regardless of how I do. I don't owe anyone a stellar performance.

2. I find the number one scary thing is when I forget what I am doing or doing next. I look at my plan and the students sit and wait for 10 seconds. It's not the end of the world, but I feel their eyes on me.. their beady eyes! It makes me sweat and can lead to anxiety.

There are a few ways to avoid this. Firstly, your plan should be easily readable when you are teaching (I use different colors to help with this) and I think never more than a page. Less is more so to speak. Secondly, I always identify parts in which the students will be busy and I have a chance to think and check my plan. I make sure at the start and during these times I memorize what to do until I reach the next chance to check my plan. Hope that makes sense. This way you always know what to do which will helps with confidence.

3. As Glenski said they can be very shy students. I would just like to add that you shouldn't be afraid of silence. It is quite possible that you get a class of students who are not the kind to jump in with an answer. You may ask a question and they will all wait to see if anyone else answers first, then one of them may answer. Look at them to see if they really have nothing to say, are waiting or afraid to answer. The worst thing you can do is always give up to soon and make them feel rushed. Don't be afraid of silence or waiting.

4. Read up. I'm sure the internet can give you lots of good advice. I would recommend a book actually, "Practical Techniques For Language Teaching" by Michael Lewis and Jimmie Hill. It is beautifully practical and easy to understand. Anyway however you do it, the more you know before you start the better you will teach and the more confidence you will have.

5. This is probably the most important. I'm assuming you will be working at one of the big chain schools. Remember they are cheap for a reason. They have teachers like you who are just starting out as well as more experienced teachers. The students know this and choose them anyway. What this means is that it doesn't matter if you screw up. You are not signing a contract to kick ass and chew bubble gum. You WILL make many mistakes. You WILL have uncomfortable silences. As much as is possible don't worry. Such is inevitable when you start out with something. The students are getting what they paid for.

I think you will be fine. It will probably be quite hard at first, but you will both improve and get used to the anxiety quickly.

[Glenski]

Recruitment. Most of the big four eikaiwa do the majority of their recruiting outside of Japan. Some recruit year round, and others have a fixed schedule. One of them does not interview within Japan.

You are required to apply and attend the interviews at their scheduled dates, and whether they require 1 or 3 days for the whole interviewing process, it is up to the candidates to pay for all expenses. Some have a grammar exam, some have a general knowledge exam. You are likely going to have to do a demonstration lesson and then finally go through a panel interview.

I have saved clips from what people wrote on this and other forums regarding their experiences in such interviews. If you want a copy, PM me and set up an email exchange. Or do a search, as I've posted them many times here.

[zignut]

Aleks, in my experience, the particular rigor of the conversation schools will make you come out of your shell. Your intellect won't be taxed, but unless you want to slog through every minute of your 6-7 hours of lessons a day, you'll find a way to liven things up.

I wouldn't describe myself as shy, but I felt challenged at first to always be the one in the room to whom people were looking to get things started. That's just part of being a teacher. My advice is to start enjoying the sound of your own voice as soon as possible.

[Gypsy Rose Kim]

I haven't got much to say that hasn't been said before, but in my case, my shyness has been a definite help rather than a hinderance when it comes to being a successful teacher in Japan.

(Geez, from the looks of that train wreck of a sentence, it's a wonder they let me teach English at all. )

[aleks24]

**Gypsy rose- why do you say that? In what respects?

**Ok thanks again folks. It actually seems a bit of a mision to get to Japan then. Expenses of going to London, the recruitment process and length of time before job offer, if you even get it that is. On the otherhand in South Korea they seem to take you on immediatley throwing you straight in at the deep-end. Also it seems from reading other posts that the teaching is not so serious over there, especially with kids (more babysitter). So I'm thinking it may be good to go there first to gain experience and overcome any shyness. Plus I would have lots of money to go to Japan with the following year! Good idea?