Job Discussion Forums

[Nagoyaguy]

I'm looking long term at Brunei as a next stop in my career. I've 9 years' teaching experience at public and private high schools in Japan, and am ready to move on. I assume that with my experience and education background (teaching cert. in TEFL, degree from Canadian university, etc)it should not be too hard to find work.

However, for my wife........ different story?

She is Japanese, but completely fluent in English. Works as a freelance translator and interpreter, has taught business English and test English (TOEIC, Eiken, etc), and the like. What could SHE do in Brunei? Could she also teach, or do interpreting/guiding work? My lady is NOT the type to stay home and play Lady of the Manor-she wants to be busy and productive.

Any ideas, experience, and hints would be most welcome.

[celtica]

This is often an issue with the spouse in Brunei. I don't think there is an easy answer.

There are some Business schools in Brunei who hire expats for teaching business English.
There are Technical Colleges.
CfBT does hold classes - Primary, Secondary exam (O Level) , IELTS in their offices.
There may be some work through the embassy.

If you are applying through CfBT, which I presume you would be, perhaps emphasise that if they can give any help towards getting your wife a job too, that would greatly influence your decision as to whether you take up a contract with them. Who knows, it may work. Maybe they can give you some contacts without even having to do this.

CfBT are permanently recruiting, so may well be happy to make some enquiries for your wife if they thought it may help to sign you.

[jsteventon]

Japanese courses are also run by the University in the Language Centre...that might be a possibility.

[gajackson1]

JS & Celt are *much* better choices than I am on this one, but I found something a couple of days ago that might be of use -

The Ministry of Education, Department of Schools, Teacher Recruitment & Development Unit hires Daily Rated teachers, as well. I see that UBD uses Daily Rated teachers/tutors, and even has a Japanese program there, as well. Under the assumption your wife will also be granted some sort of appropriate Identity Card, this may work out as an option, too.

From everything I see/hear so far, once you have a proper visa/IC, a person has a LOT of freedom to pursue whatever business or social/charity pursuits as they see fit.

Hope that helps some!

Glen

[Nagoyaguy]

Thanks for the advice all. I'm not planning to head for Brunei for a couple years- I want our son to finish junior high before we go.

Would there be much market for English to Japanese (or vice versa) translation or interpreting services? I assume that there are plenty of Japanese companies setting up shop, or Brunei companies who want to expand to Japan.

What is the difference between working for one of the private or international schools, and the public system with CfBT?