Job Discussion Forums

[Mark]

Hi everyone,

This is one of those "please help me" posts about moving to Japan. So any comments, especially from the board regulars, would be greatly appreciated.

I'll give you my background and then pose a few questions.

So, I'm an ESL instructor here in Vancouver, Canada. My undergraduate major was Linguistics and I also completed the ESL teacher training program at my university. Bear in mind, that's not a B.Ed., although it is yhe full semester program that Education majors take if they wish to specialise in ESL, and it's recognised by TESL Canada (the national association for ESL teachers) and qualifies for certification with them. I've been teaching for about 8 months and I'd like to move to Japan around July.

I'm planning on moving to Tokyo (or at least the Kanto region) although I'm open to other places like Sapporo and Kyoto. The main reasons I'm leaning towards Tokyo are 1) it's Tokyo!, and 2) I've started studying the language (I'm 3 weeks in!) and I think I should probably live where the standard variant is spoken, at least for the first year.

It's also important to note that I don't have a lot of money saved up, so I need to go to Japan with a job in hand.

Anyhoo, after all that, here are some questions:

1) Is it possible to bypass the 250,000 yen/month first year at a big chain school? I've seen some small school websites saying they'll accept applications from outside the country, but they perhaps don't offer the same security for a newbie. If I have to choose one of the big 3, I'm leaning towards Aeon, but:

2) Is it possible for a certified and experienced teacher to negotiate with the chain schools over things like salary, housing cost, and relocation bonus?

3) Given my background, is it possible for me to get one of these 300,000 to 400,000 yen/month gigs that people on the board have spoken about?

4) What about ALT gigs? I'm assuming that I qualify, but I'm also assuming that you have to be in Japan to apply. Unless, of course, I go with Interac, but people seem to have a lot of negative things to say about them.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not just interested in the money. I'm extremely interested in learning Japanese and experiencing Japanese culture. Through my teaching I've met people from every corner of the globe, including Japan, and I've become friends with some of my Japanese students, giving me contacts in Tokyo and other parts of Japan.

However, I'm also not going with the attitude of I'll take whatever anybody offers me. I'd like to have an idea of what I'm worth in the Japanese market before I sign a year contract.

Thanks a bunch for any responses to this.

Cheers,

Mark

[Stevej33]

i read you questions and concerns, I am also going to teach in japan only I am going to go in March, I too am degreed with a TESOL ert. I am leaning twoards AEON myself. the 250,000 is tough to get arond in the first year however there is plenty of private tutoring available.

The big thing is where do ou live and what will it cost, remember that rent in Japan (even more so in Tokyo) is steep. the wa I think that I am going to handle it is neg. for a rental allowance that I can apply on any apartment rather then let them supply me with one.

you should be able to neg. a little on money ecasue of your certification + degree but not a whole lote 250,000 is the going rate for newbies like us. O ahve been able to get highspeed internet access with a computer trown in, a bonus for attracting new students (remember this is big business) and a toilet some things you just have to live with.

I don't know if this helps or not but ts what I have so far.
Good luck
steve

[Glenski]

Negotiating your salary is rarely successful. Take what is offered in the ads as etched in stone.

What do you mean by bypass the 250,000? That's pretty much standard money. Look around. You'll see some places offering anywhere from 180,000 (!!!) to 300,000. Most are 250,000 exactly.

What 300,000- 400,000 gigs are you referring to?

[Sunpower]

[Mark]

<<<<the wa I think that I am going to handle it is neg. for a rental allowance that I can apply on any apartment rather then let them supply me with one.>>>>

Interesting idea. Does that include the key money?

<<<<you should be able to neg. a little on money ecasue of your certification + degree but not a whole lote 250,000 is the going rate for newbies like us. O ahve been able to get highspeed internet access with a computer trown in, a bonus for attracting new students (remember this is big business) and a toilet some things you just have to live with.>>>>

Also an interesting idea. So you have free internet access lined up? Forgive my ignorance, but how does a computer help attract new students?

<<<<I don't know if this helps or not but ts what I have so far.>>>>

It does indeed help. It's nice to hear from someone in a similar position.

[Mark]

<<<<What do you mean by bypass the 250,000? That's pretty much standard money. Look around. You'll see some places offering anywhere from 180,000 (!!!) to 300,000. Most are 250,000 exactly.>>>>

True, but 300,000 would make a big difference in the long run. I've seen some offers that are higher than 250,000 and that also include free rent.

<<<<What 300,000- 400,000 gigs are you referring to?>>>>

Well, I've been told that Berlitz pays a minimum of 300,000 but perhaps that's not accurate.

I also thought that ALT gigs payed 300,000 minimum.

Cheers.

[Sunpower]

Hi, Mark:

Your are right.

If you're working in Tokyo, at a Berlitz "Gig" will net you more than Y300,000 per month.

In fact, my friends working contract hours at Berlitz are making Y330,000 - Y400,000 per month.

Somehwere in bewteen the 2 figures is what most Berlitz Instructors take home every month - whether you're junior or senior makes no difference.

I can only speak for those Berlitz instructors working in the Tokyo/Saitama/Kanagawa/Chiba area. But that is where most of the Berltiz schools are anyway.

Check out the Union web site at http://berlitz.generalunion.org/

You may get more info from them re work conditions and earnings potential by sending an e-mail.

I've sent them e-mail and the guy I talked to seemed pretty friendly and had lots of info on Berlitz.

Good luck!

[ProdigalSon]

The japanese won't negotiate about salary etc especially if you suddenly show up without an introduction. You are untried and untested, why should they pay you more? They are not going to be impressed with experience or degrees above the minimum requirements; degree, 2 yrs experience. It is a business and they can always find someone who is willing to work for less. Take at least six months worth of funds to hold you over.