Job Discussion Forums

dawnbuckley · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 68

Hi,

Some of you will probably laugh at this subject line! Sorry.

I think I`m going to go with Westgate for 3 months, having been faffing about with various job option in Japan for ages now.

I have read a lot of things on this forum about the company, visa and contract issues etc. but I am just wondering if people enjoyed it. I know that the set up varies according to where you are placed, but can anyone tell me if you are usually pretty much on your own? It sounds like the work is pretty intense and I wouldn't be bored, but it would be nice to meet people too. The last stint abroad I had was pretty lonely and would kind of like to meet other people.

Sorry, that sounds a bit pathectic! Can`t help worry about it a lttle though.

Thanks,

Dawn

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

It's 3 months Dawn.

dawnbuckley · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 68

yeah I know. I tried to delete this post because its ridiculous but the site won`t let me. damn.

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

I'm not unsympathetic, I can understand your motivation.

Other than the fine, caring people on this board Very Happy

. Do you know anyone in Japan?

Someone you know and trust is often useful to assuage any fears (legitimate or otherwise) you might have, or at least put them into some perspective.

By 3 months I meant that even the worst job is bearable for that time period.

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

Hello Dawn, I actually have the same contract period with Westgate, I think. From May 1 - July 21, right? I'm actually quite worried despite the short length, because of the insanity of the contract I had to sign. The contract more or less says that I'm forbidden to have any kind of fun on or off the job. I'm optimistically assuming, based somewhat on forum posts about working for the company, that the endless restrictions are a result of bad experiences westgate has had in the past, making such clauses necessary for legal protection. I am a bit dissatisfied b/c the company keeps surprising me with new, last minute details, like a sudden decrease in my salary. But, I remain hopeful, and as long as I get me work visa, work should be available to me Smile

cornishmuppet · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 642 Location: Nagano, Japan

What aren't you allowed to do?

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

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

Dawn, what location have you been assigned? I've provisionally been assigned Nagoya; it sounds like we might be in the same boat Smile

And actually, I think there is a difference between Uni extra-curricular and Uni regular courses, extra-curricular being less demanding, and with smaller classes. That's the position I've been offered, and I anticipate it not being too strenuous.
- Chris

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

Here's what Westgate says about the two kinds of uni courses.

pcorbett · Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 6 Location: Ireland

I'm starting with Westgate next month too. From what I can tell, we'll be teaching on average 5 or 6 40 minute classes a day. That's about 4 hours in the classroom which is less teaching than other ESL schools I've worked for. And I believe we'll be teaching only one or two different lesson plans a day. I don't think it's going to be too taxing. And it's only about 10 weeks of actual teaching anyway. I reckon you could put up with any job for 10 weeks.

Dawn, I believe there's training, orientation and all that. I'd imagine there'll be plenty of chances to meet people. There's always the gaijin bars if all else fails Smile

Slan agus adh mor!