Job Discussion Forums

[mattkzbt]

So I've been toying with the idea of either going to korea or japan. I know you can make more money in korea but they just changed their visa rules and I'm not sure I want to deal with the added hassle.

So I've been thinking about Japan but have some questions. (About me first: 26 yr American, BA History, Certified Teacher, MBA, 1 yr esl experience, 1 yr classroom experience)

I was wondering- do salaries get higher than 250,00 a month? From what I've seen, they seem to max out a 280,000 but that seems to not be the norm. Can you get anything near 300,000?

Are there a lot of opportunities in Japan right now? Since I hear NOVA closed down, I would guess there is a glut.

From apply date to landing, how long does it take?

Are there a lot of opportunities to get private students?

Are there a lot of opportunities to teach corporate english? anyone know how much that typically pays?

Matt

[Glenski]

Certified teachers with a year or two of experience should look at international schools for work, IMO. The pay is better in many cases, for one thing.

You could otherwise start out here like most newbies and work eikaiwa or ALT for a year or two, then see if a private JHS or SHS will take you (they usually want that little bit of experience, and they aren't usually that fussy about the degree major, and salaries can also start at 300,000 or higher).

From apply date to landing? So, you are only planning on applying from where you are now. That severely limits you. Also, you haven't said what date you plan to start applying. That is also important. Many/Most international schools start their school year, it seems, in the fall, while pretty much every other teaching position here starts in April. Go accordingly. A very rough average time frame would be 3 months, mostly because of the time needed to issue a work visa, but there are other factors in there, too. Wheels turn slowly in Japan.

Opportunities for private lessons abound. Don't expect them to be stable all the time, though, or to have them land in your lap. There are some online registration systems where you can leave your name and need for free, and that will spread your name around more than most other means, but it still doesn't ensure success. Depends on where you live, too.

Yes, there are many opportunities for corporate English. PT and FT. Look at the FAQ sticky to see links to some of the major players that offer lessons to clients, but there are also the clients themselves who may advertise. Look here to see a rough breakdown on salaries for the various types of teaching positions. http://www.eltnews.com/guides/teaching/teaching_guide3.shtml#salary

[markle]

To supplement what Glenski has said.
I work in a small eikiawa and I make over 300K. My first position was around 285K but also included subsidised housing, bring it to over 300K in real terms. I also got that position o/s so I was lucky.

If you are single (I am not) and have a bit of streetsmarts, then get on board with a generic eikaiwa, and either supplement the basic 250K or network yourself to something better.

[mattkzbt]

[mattkzbt]

also, do these language schools like aeon or where ever hire all year round?

[Glenski]

[chan_konabe]

Just for clarification - When you say that you're a "certified teacher", do you mean that you have a certificate to teach in public elementary schools or high schools back in the US? If so, which subject or grade? Or do you mean that you just have an English language teaching certificate? The answer to this question will affect your ability to access jobs at international schools.

[mattkzbt]

im a licenced secondary school teacher back here in the US....am licensed for history

[vancouver_syndicate]

most of the international schools require at least 2 years of full time teaching in your home country. the better ones actually prefer if you had closer to 5 years.

however the pay is very good. about 50-60k usd plus living costs etc.