Job Discussion Forums

jefeelloco · Joined: 09 Nov 2007 Posts: 8

Greetings-

I would like to return to Japan next summer. I spent 6 months at NOVA in 2003 but had to return to the US for an unavoidable family emergency (my brother got involved into drugs and gambling). I am finishing my M.A. in a different field in May, but the emphasis on research has left me a bit sour as I just really want to teach. Would it be hard for me to get another job in Japan? Am I ethically bound to mention my prior time with NOVA, even though it is now defunct? Or should I start looking at other countries like Korea? The plan is to get some more experience and eventually get another M.A., but this time in ESL so I can look for some university jobs in the future. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jefe El Loco

RingofFire · Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 43

If you interview with another eikaiwa, chances are really really good they will ask if you've had any experience teaching in Japan. Then they will contact your past employer that you specified to check. NOVA will say that you worked with them, but they probably won't give a recommendation for lack of a completed contract. Then your new employer will probably wonder why.

I don't know if that would hurt necessarily, considering what everyone thinks of NOVA. And I also don't think future employers can find out you worked somewhere else unless you tell them. If you must tell them, take the chance to explain yourself. Otherwise, jaywalking is illegal, but everyone does it.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Not finishing contracts with Nova is extremely common, and given their reputation, I can't see anyone holding it against you. I doubt that anyone there is currently providing recommendations in any case- people are having a hard enough time getting essential paperwork like letters of separation out of them.

jefeelloco · Joined: 09 Nov 2007 Posts: 8

The funny thing about NOVA is that I actually enjoyed working for them. The head teacher at my branch was a great guy and I had no real problems while I worked there, but I know this wasn't always the case for a lot of teachers. After now spending two years teaching college freshman, the NOVA lessons didn't seem that bad...

Miyazaki · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 635 Location: My Father's Yacht

RingofFire · Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 43

* After reading the quoted post again, I'm taking this post back.

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

Are you "ethically bound" to mention your previous employer, now defunct? Depends on your ethics. I have an employer on my resume that has changed its name several times since I left them, but they are still on my resume. Granted, it was for far longer than 6 months, but it's up to you.

You say you left under extreme circumstances. Fine. Good. If someone asks, explain that. Otherwise, if you have zero teaching experience under your belt, I'd say put this on the resume and use it to boost your chances of landing a job. After all, thousands of NOVA-ites are out there pounding the pavement right now giving you competition. Use all you can.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

jefeelloco · Joined: 09 Nov 2007 Posts: 8

I worked as a TA in a public school for two years and I am finishing my second year as a TA in grad school, so teaching experience is not a problem. I guess the question is: if I didn't tell then I was in Japan four years ago, would a prospective employer know?

I appreciate all the advice. I wouldn't even consider returning to Japan unless it was something I really wanted to do. I really enjoyed my time there and I was not happy about leaving, but family is family.

Do you think it would make more sense to work in Korea for a year to get some more experience (i.e. something I could put on my resume), and then head back to Japan?

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

I really think you don't have to worry!!!
I got my first teaching job in Japan after leaving a Korean school mid-way through my contract, and my last employer in Japan hired a couple of teachers who left NOVA early.
Besides, it sounds like you had a good reason to leave. Just be honest, and don't sweat it!

Ganbatte! Very Happy

Vince · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 559 Location: U.S.

Leaving for a family hardship is understandable. I wouldn't offer details of the hardship, simply because it's not their business. If you keep the emphasis on the impression that your first experience made on you, and how you improved yourself to prepare for a second go at it, you should do fine.

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

jefeelloco · Joined: 09 Nov 2007 Posts: 8

Before I look at university jobs, I would get an M.A., but that will be a few years.

I understand that TAing is a bit different, but I teach two classes of International Relations (25 students each) twice a week, so I definitely have experience in a classroom.

I would prefer to go to Japan, but if I need one full year of experience to put on the resume to get a job, I wouldn't have a problem going to Korea.

Thanks for all the input. This has been really helpful.