Job Discussion Forums

[satchel]

Hi,

I've been teaching at a Language school in the states for the past two years. I work the spilt shift AM then a break, then into the night. I have looked into going to Korea, China or Japan.

From the students that i have, It seems like Japan would be the most rewarding. I am reading much about the Job Market in Japan, but it seems just like the Market in the States..Everything going part time and not really much of that.

I am planning on comming in the spring. I don't mind long hours or rude remarks, - I would just like to know if the decission you all made to go out there for the first time - well, do you regret that or has it changed you in the way you thought it would.

Anyhow, just wondering.

Peace.

Satchel

[Glenski]

You're going to find people saying it was worth it or not. Depends on people's expectations as well as individual experiences.

For me, it has been great. Eikaiwa work broke me into the field for 3.5 years, and I was lucky to have a very nice working environment. My private lessons have been 90% successful, but I attribute that to the way that I accept clients. (On a related thread, you can see a little of the negative side of private lessons.) I have also been working at a private high school, which is grueling work, but rewarding.

I have side work as proofreading, and I've been in a couple of company videos. I met my wife here and just became a father. I attribute most of my success to careful planning and a practical, realistic outlook.

[Gordon]

[grimmer]

word

Congratulations Glenski, you must be thrilled.
I wouldn`t worry about being the oldest father on the block. A student at my school has a father who is 72, the student is in 2nd grade jhs.
Shabba

[denise]

Satchel--

I have been here about six months now, and I am just getting to the point where I really need a break. (Coincidentally, I am outta here for nearly four weeks as of Wednesday--what perfect timing!) My job is challenging, and it is giving me plenty of opportunities to reflect on my teaching successes and failures. I am still making baby steps in the language, but I have finally found a private tutor. I have every intention of staying here at least two or three years--anything less, I feel, would not give me enough time to make any noticeable changes in my teaching style, and would not get me very far in the language. Overall, on a macro level, I am happy so far, but recently little things have been getting on my nerves, and the last term at my school was rougher than the first two. Dare I admit to experiencing culture shock? I know that the positives heavily outweigh the negatives, and I am expecting to come back from my holiday fully refreshed and ready to dive back into teaching and learning.

Glenski--congratulations!

d

[shmooj]

Satchel,

for a newbie, I would say Japan is a good enough place to start. I think it would be a bad place to go for anyone who is looking for a career move. SO for me, the first five years were very rewarding and very worthwhile. In the last year, I've realised I've outgrown this place and will move on very soon.

If you are looking for a place to try out EFL then Japan will suit you. It also has the benefit of being an easy place to live in in terms of amenities. What it isn't easy in terms of is cultural differences which will confound you left right and centre. See Denise's post.... hope you have a great hol Denise