Job Discussion Forums

[MJD]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking here for quite a while but this is my first post. I completed a CELTA a few days ago and have since been looking around for work. My first preference was Japan. Unfortunately it seems the only place you can make any money starting out is Korea and none of the jobs need a CELTA (which was expensive, and I'm broke ). I have no interest in Korean culture or history to be honest.

My major requirement is not to teach children. I realise this is a serious limiting factor, but I couldn't do it. Not that I don't like children, I just couldn't teach them. I have other work available if I can't get an efl job teaching adults. So, the Westgate University Program is as close to what I'm looking for that I've come across. It's in Japan, it's teaching adults only, and the contract only lasts a few months which will allow me to sample efl without committing for a full year (I'm not well travelled and might freak out and want to go home). Plus there's the psychological satisfaction that they require some kind of certificate that I have, which cost me a lot of money and seems not to be required by anyone else.

I am wondering if anyone has working for Westgate before and can tell me about their experience, especially if they have done the University program. I have a couple of questions that maybe experienced teachers can help me with.

I'm not sure about the pay with Westgate. It's 260000 yen and you need to be in the school 9 consecutive hours mon-fri. It also says that you will need to occasionally show up for events conducted on holidays etc. It doesn't say anything about overtime or bonuses... The site also doesn't mention anything about holidays, public or otherwise. They charge 81000 yen for a furnished apartment that includes utilities.

It says in one section that classes may be videotaped. I don't mind being observed but can I refuse to be recorded legally?

Generally there seems to be a LOT of duties. If I take a job with Westgate will I end up spending all my time away from the college planning lessons? What is their teaching methodology? It just says it's communicative and learner-centered but everyone says that.

Help with these questions and any other information or reports you can provide about Westgate is very much appreciated. Also any advice on what to do now and where to get my first job in efl, such as 'go to Korea, stupid'.

[Glenski]

If you think Japanese university students are mature, responsible, motivated adults, think again. If you get first-year students, they will be only 18 years old, you know. Japanese uni students are not motivated. They are incredibly shy (so you will really have to learn how to get them to work in groups or pairs, let alone respond directly to questions), too.

Have you done a search on this site for Westgate? Plenty of people have reported working there. Someone I know on the uni plan had this to say a few years ago:
I taught 7 40-min. classes per day. Actually, 2 or 3 days a week it was 6 classes but then you would have "English Challenge" for the additional period to make 7. Quite frankly, while the days were much longer -- with the commute and breaks you had during the day -- it now seems much less fatiguing than my present junior high deal. However, I would trade what I have now for it because of the salary, the hours, the vacation time, the security, and the ability to earn much more on the side.

Also, if your goal is to make money, Korea is not the only game in town. Be frugal and money-smart, and many places will let you save something. In Japan, you could probably save 100,000 yen/month depending on circumstances. Look at the thread I started on "cheapskates" for some tips (sane and otherwise).

[MJD]

Thanks a lot for the information. And I did a search and looked through the threads. Sorry about that . Korea is starting to look more attractive, but I'm not sure yet. I have a week or so to decide.

[Miyazaki]

Maybe you can be a professor too!

Look into it, I'm sure there's a professorship for all who are interested.

All the best.

Prof. Mizyazaki