Job Discussion Forums

hansel · Joined: 04 Dec 2003 Posts: 7

I want to open a discussion about the following topic. I am interested in teaching english in Japann and am interested in flying to Tokyo to look for a position. Is this something that is done, that can be done. One reason I want to do this is because I dont want to have to travel to Toronto Canada for an interview and I dont want to wait months for a visa. Any thoughts on this.

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

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

hansel,

Yes, it can be done. If you are Canadian, you won't have to wait 2 months for a work visa if you get a working holiday visa. Of course, the WHV doesn't last more than a year. Otherwise, if you come (with WHV or tourist visa in hand), and want to switch over to a work visa, you will likely have to wait those 2 months anyway. Some employers allow you to work during that time, and both parties agree to the risk if you are doing such on a tourist visa.

As azarashi stated, bring money. Probably US$4000-5000 to tide you over. You have no guarantee of finding a job, and you will have to set yourself up with a place to live. That might be 2 weeks or 3 months or longer. That first paycheck might not even come for 6-8 weeks after you are hired.

hansel · Joined: 04 Dec 2003 Posts: 7

Based on the responses, I think that I might prefer to line up a job before going to Tokyo. Id like to work for someone other than Nova, Geos or ECC. Are there medium to small schools in Tokyo area that hire from overseas. How do I find these schools. Do you work for one of these schools or have websites or know of good schools or related websites.

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

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

luvnpeas · Joined: 13 Jan 2004 Posts: 6

Recommendations?

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Unless someone here has a specific name for such a school, the only ones that hire/sponsor from overseas include..

NOVA
ECC
GEOS
AEON
Altia
Language House
Westgate Corporation
James English School
JET Programme
Peppy Kids Club

All except LH have web pages. LH has advertised on this site before.

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

First of all, since nobody has worked at all of those places, luvnpeas, you have to go by a little experience plus a lot of hearsay.

Of the first Big Four, AEON has the best rep. Then ECC, followed by either GEOS or NOVA. All are huge places, so a lot is also determined by which branch you end up in. Some are great; some are horrible. They all have their own teaching format, which may be very old and outdated in some cases (like NOVA). Compare their FAQs to see how you fare on various standard things. I made an Excel sheet with this info, and if you want it, send me an email. [email protected]

Westgate only hires for 3 month contracts, I think. After that, you are on your own, but at least you have a visa in hand. They do not hire people on working holiday visas.

Peppy Kids Club teaches only young children, so obviously if you want to teach adults, you should look elsewhere.

JET Programme and Westgate pay for your airfare.

JET puts you in high schools, junior high schools, or elementary schools as an ALT. You assist a JTE and have your evenings free, but you may be asked to do various community functions on top of teaching. Pay is higher for JET than for most eikaiwas. The application process is long, though. Initial apps are due in December, interviews are in February, and selections are in March/April, but you don't fly here until August.