Job Discussion Forums

Blue Seal Ice Cream · Joined: 11 Mar 2007 Posts: 3

There have been many posts on Westgate lately and thought I'd share my experience.

There's no point in going over working conditions because they've been covered... but yes, in my opinion the days are long - 9 hours when in context you don't spend much of it teaching. It can also be very boring teaching the same lesson over and over again

The main problem I find is there is no form of 'standardisation' between the universities. For example, some of my friends were actually banned from attending their university festivals (due to prior scandals) while at some the Westgate teachers were told they had to turn up and promote the Westgate course.

Our teacher's room was great - big, loads of desk space, lots of teaching materials. kettle, big windows and right next to our classes. One big problem was one laptop between the 8 of us.

As for sick days - I know people who got ill. and really ill, not slacker ill. and there should be some sanctions in place for genuine cases.

My honest opinion? before now I would have said stay away purely because of the '20%' tax thing but seeing as it looks like it may be changing I'd say If YOU want to do it - do it. Look at everything that's involved and go in to it knowing what to expect. Yes some rules are dreadful and strict.

It's only 3 months and if you don't like it you can bail, or stay and it's over quickly. I decided to go ahead anyway and used it as a starting point. I had very little teaching experince when I started but the teaching at a uni in Japan has helped me a great deal.

I personally had a really good experience - of course there are things that really grind on you - like the hours, no sick days and not being allowed off campus - (these are the reasons I'm put off doing it again, I do not like being treated like a child). But then I�ve read some posts on this board from people whose experiences were horrific!

It just depends... I got lucky. My Westgate 'PC's' were lovely, and I mean really great. I got a nice 3 year visa, was able to pick up my re-entry permit. I had internet connection in my apartment. I only had a 20 minute commute to/from work. (most) of my students were great. I made some amazing friends and made the most of my (although very little) free time.

Please feel free to post/pm me with any questions and I will be as helpful as I possibly can.

pema_blue · Joined: 26 Jun 2007 Posts: 1

I am looking for a short-term contract (well seeing what is available and if nothing good I may head to Korea for a year) and came across Westgate.

I was wondering what you meant by "not being allowed off of campus" as a negative of being employed by them. Do you mean you are not allowed off at all?? If I am going to Japan I want to be able to see it you know??

Thanks

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

No sick days? Are you kidding me? Do they dock the pay if you don't make it in? Anyway, I would sign up with them, do the three months, and then take advantage of the three year visa. In Korea, you always get a one year and the restrictions are terrible. Maybe that's why they have a massive teacher shortage now.

Sadebugo
Djibouti, Horn of Africa
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/

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

Let me get this straight. Westgate hires you for only 3 months but you get a 3 year visa.

Really?

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

Immigration issues either a 1 year or 3 year visa. They will give you either often regardless of what you want. There is no three month visa so they issued one of the two options, the OP lucked out and got a 3 year one.

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

afugginamazing!

work 3 months and get a 1 or 3 year visa!

branbuddy · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Czech Republic

I would really like to know about the post stating that there's "20%" taken out for taxes at Westgate.
Is this true? That seems so high.
If anyone could confirm this?

Thank you!

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

I went to their website to lookat the application.

Looks like they want you to do all the data entry for them! One look at what's required on the online application would discourage many people I know from applying to this company.

If they don't simplify their online application it's going to only drive away qualified applicants.

But to do 3 months with these pricks and then get a 3 year visa is a wicked deal.

SF21 · Joined: 05 Jun 2007 Posts: 72 Location: California

Indeed. I'm at the 3rd stage or their online app and one section is asking for copies of university transcripts/academic record. C'now now. I graduated in the late 90's. I didn't bring any transcripts to Europe. Why? Because most folks only care what you've done since then.

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

You may not get a 3-year visa. It may only be a 1-year visa.

As for the 20% tax, that is for working holiday visa holders (and Westgate does not hire WHV holders).

Blue Seal Ice Cream · Joined: 11 Mar 2007 Posts: 3

It's been a while since I posted ...!!

Indeed, only WHV people get taxed BUT when I was leaving Westgate they were trying to get teachers in the upcoming contracts to ALSO pay the 20 % tax. Clearly they were hoping the hapless Gaijin wouldn't look into it too much.

Needless to say I find it very hard to over look dishonesty - I didn't recontract. personally, I wouldn't do it again - don't like a lot of the rules and frankly, doing the same lesson 6 times a day drove me bonkers towards the end.

having said this, though, overall I had a good time. I'm happy I did it and I think for 3 months teaching experience in Japan it's worth giving it a go.

nonconsilium · Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 12 Location: New York

Yea, I've only been granted a 1 year work visa, this 3 year business does not tend to happen very often, i do not think. A question: westgate automatically deducts ~$800 USD a month for apartment and utilities, and this is regardless of location. As I have never been to Japan, i have no basis upon which to judge whether or not this is pay-gouging. What do you guys think?

ripslyme · Joined: 29 Jan 2005 Posts: 481 Location: Japan

bule_boy69 · Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Posts: 158 Location: Jakarta

Hey Blue seal...

Did u respond to the question

- was wondering what you meant by "not being allowed off of campus"

I was kinda shocked to read that too.

By the way, can anyone tell me - seeing as I'm kinda late for the May 1st start date mentioned in the ad - Do westgate hire many people to start after this date ( or back up instructors)?

Dont really want to wait til their next term to move on from here.

Thanks

rvsensei · Joined: 16 Jan 2006 Posts: 18 Location: Los Angeles,CA

When I worked for Westgate I was allowed off campus. My colleague and I befriended a British professor and she invited us for lunch off campus several times. I rememember arriving on campus at around 8:30 and leaving at 5:00 or so. Lessons were pretty easy to teach and most students didnt show up for the so called English challenge, We had a lot of free time on our hands. A lot of Westgate regulations are not enforced unless you do something that catches everyones attention. Westgate is not a bad experience and as long as you know you wont be with them forever you can use that experience for other gigs.