Job Discussion Forums

olibeddall · Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 3

I'm currently living in UK and planning to come to Japan in a couple of months. I have a couple of interviews which seem promising with some companies that recruit from overseas (Shane, and American Language School) and, if successful, will sort out my visa and set me up with a job before I go out.

However, I would rather go to Osaka/Kobe than Tokyo. I have not found a single place that will recruit from overseas and send you to Osaka - even if they have branches in Kansai you have to go to Tokyo for the first year.

So my question is - if I go out to Osaka in April off my own back, will I realistically be able to easily find an employer who will:

a) give me work
b) sponsor me for a visa
c) provide an apartment, or at least pay key-money

Or does anyone have any idea how else I might go about working in Osaka rather than the capital?

Many thanks

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 2:47 am Post subject:

I think GEOS and ECC both place people in Osaka from the UK but they only interview in London once per year I think (not sure).

When I was in your position I found it quite hard to get companies to say they would place me in Tokyo. They often wanted to send me out in the sticks. A recruiter told me that Tokyo is the most commonly chosen place and so the hardest to secure, meaning Osaka shouldn't be so hard.

I would read up carefully the posts about Shane and Interac, etc before you consider them.

I saw some more that hire but of the ALT variety. Pretty sure most of those are plastered about as small ads on gaijin pot and the rest.

Personally I think the future isn't here.It's going to be China.

To answer your questions, yes possibly is the only truthful answer anyone can give you. I have done what you described twice. It's stressful, exciting and stressful (sic).
There are now too many teachers here and employers are getting more picky and will just take the easy option, which might not be you. Without knowing about your qualifications or experience, it's even harder to give you an answer. A degree is mandatory as I am sure you well know.

Do you qualify (age-wise) for a working holiday visa? That's easy-mode.

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

Scour the ads.
Let potential employers in Osaka know when you will be here.
Recontact them after you arrive, if you can't already set up an interview.
Pound the pavement of Osaka when you arrive.

olibeddall · Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 3

I have a degree and a CELTA from International House. Gaba and Aeon to have schools in Osaka, but have a policy of placing you anywhere in Japan you may be needed, so no preferences allowed.

Glenski - thanks.. that's pretty much what I'd suspected. Given that I'd prefer to be in Osaka than Tokyo, despite having a good offer in Tokyo, this is what I'm leaning towards. My only concern is pounding pavements for 2-3 months finding nothing - I don't know how realistic it is to find a decent job within say a month.

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

elkarlo · Joined: 08 Dec 2008 Posts: 240 Location: Maryland

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Not everybody wants to live overseas/learn languages for economic reasons- how about broadening of horizons, self improvement?

olibeddall · Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 3

Glenski,

Thanks. Unfortunately the earliest I can come is the beginning of April, which I fear may be too late. This is really the crux of the issue.. if I come to the conclusion that it's a risky strategy, I'm tempted to accept the job with Saxon Court. I have til next week to decide Smile