Job Discussion Forums

[Yakamo]

Hello everyone, new poster here and I have a question which hopefully can be answered to some degree.

In a few days, I have an interview over skype with some recruiters from the Heart School in Japan. They are asking me to bring my ideas for music, songs, and games to the table. Of course, this was expected.

However, one of the things they ask me is if I can "practically demonstrate my ability to energize a class with ideas and actions..."

I'm not quite sure how to interpret that, other than discuss with the said recruiter my ideas and methods on how I would teach in the classroom. I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up teaching at the elementary or JHS level.

Any suggestions or input regarding my "practical demonstration" of said ideas and samples would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance and I hope to hear from you all soon.

[Yawarakaijin]

They want you to be "genki". Basically act like a monkey and throw out random English words while appearing likeable and non-threatening. That should do the trick.

[Glenski]

Heart? Run away!
http://www.gaijinpot.com/bb/showthread.php?t=44777&highlight=heart+school

http://www.gaijinpot.com/bb/showthread.php?t=34860&highlight=heart+school

[Yakamo]

Where would you recommend I turn to then Glenski? I am looking for work primarily in the Kanto region, and Heart seems to be the only school that deals with this directly.

If there are other ALT dispatch companies you could recommend, then I'd very much appreciate it.

Thanks.

[Glenski]

Actually, I don't recommend any ALT dispatch agency. Most operate illegally and MEXT looks the other way. Most that you hear of on these forums end up screwing the teacher in some way.

Kanto region is huge and is the most widely advertised for jobs. Hard to imagine you haven't found more than one puny ALT agency that caters to it.

Are you here or outside Japan? Odds are better if you are here.

[Yakamo]

Unfortunately, I am currently in the United States, so my options are quite limited. I applied to RCS with no response, and it seems that the only other route would be through an Eikawa such as AEON or GEOS. I was going to apply for the JET program a few weeks back, but after some thorough research, it appeared that I would most likely end up in some backwoods rural area.

Heart seems to be my best chance at getting into the Kanto region from oversees, since that's the area they deal with specifically (or so they say.)

I understand that most ALT/Eikawa companies find some way to exploit their "teachers," but I am only using this as a stepping stone to other opportunities, so I don't mind a little extra hard work or abuse.

[spidr245]

I can understand the part about using this as a stepping stone, but do you agree with this Glenski? Do you agree that being treated like something under one's shoe for a whole year a good place as a stepping stone? (I'm just exaggerating the horror stories I've read/heard so far, so don't blame me too much for this comment.) Glenski (and others willing to give input), did your first year go over well? I also have an interview with Heart. However, with all the things being said, even if I got accepted, I don't know if I want to use this as a stepping stone.

[Honky Nick]

In my experience, the Eikaiwas aren't brilliant, but they're suitable if you are looking for a stepping stone. I worked at NOVAcation for a year back in the day, and I thought it was good as an introduction to the place (not in terms of pedagogy, though!). Mind you, I was only working four hours a day.

I'm not sure if you can still get sponsored to work part-time contracts anywhere, but it'd be great if you could do that. Go there, work four or five hours a day, and use your spare time to build up contacts, get private students and/or apply for new jobs. The Eikaiwas won't miss you if you quit before the end of your contract - they'll just keep that production line going.