Job Discussion Forums

mimimimi · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 53

Yoko has put all her eggs in one basket. You're her only native English teacher, so it's in her best interest to work with you. So unless she's got teachers waiting in the wings, you're in a fairly good position to negotiate. Mull it over on the weekend.

Meagan0813 · Joined: 16 Feb 2009 Posts: 45

Thanks guys. I will do something thinking. The feedback is very much appreciated.

starteacher · Joined: 25 Feb 2009 Posts: 237

1) Your timetable isn't exactly 11am-10pm is it. It seems like a typical schedule.

Your problem is not knowing what to teach, with or without a curriculam, Make oneup yourself. A teacher is not a teacher when they don't know what to teach.

2) Any relationship is based on trust. So ask yourself do you trust her. Or better still do you trust yourself. If any pat of that has a hint of "no", then there's no trust. Unless you are willing to work on it ? Don't expect the other party to work on it for you because......

3) Working without visa. Illegal. Get out befoe its really too late. Don't blame anyone, it's part of your learning. She doesn't even need to pay you. What are you doing there.
You can be blacklisted, I'm not one to freak you out but it could affect your chances of ever working anywhere, and with the way immigrations can be linked in the world, you may never get a job outside your home country.

Sorry for the hard stance. But that's why you are in mess.

I wish you good luck and hope something better comes up.

Meagan0813 · Joined: 16 Feb 2009 Posts: 45

seklarwia · Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:46 am Post subject: Re: tks

starteacher · Joined: 25 Feb 2009 Posts: 237

Go somewhere else where you are appreciated. You're better than this and more sensible.

And as long as you stay positive, I'm sure you'll find help along the way.

A lot of people have been hurt in varying ways, and this is a genius of a forum that should have existed since the cretacous period. Watch out for schools and search and ask in this forum beforehand.

Hugs.

Meagan0813 · Joined: 16 Feb 2009 Posts: 45

Meagan0813 · Joined: 16 Feb 2009 Posts: 45

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

Perhaps you should just quit, spend a month touring around Japan and do some sightseeing and then head home. That way the trip wouldn't be a total waste and you won't have worked a ton of time for free.

saloc · Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 102

I suspect I know the school you are working at and your boss. Many teachers have complained about conditions there, but just as many have been perfectly happy. If it is where I think, the teachers are provided with a car and have full use of the car during their time off and although classes could fall within the working hours you state, teachers were completely free to do as they wished between classes. That can be quite a nice situation.
For classes without a curriculum, are you not free to teach as you choose? Some people complain about having to follow a preordained curriculum, others about not having one.

Business classes do often have sporadic attendance. It sucks, but that's the way it often is and I agree that it makes planning a nightmare.

I know it might seem as though I am trying to stick up for your boss or her school but I'm not - I know that plenty of people pass through her doors, and she can be tough to work for. However, I also know of at least three people who have left and then gone back to work for her, and that a lot of people quit shortly after arriving, but those that stuck it out for a year or so often renewed their contracts, so it can't be all that bad. If you are new to EFL I would say stick it out a bit and give it a chance. You might find that things improve. Give it a few months, get into the swing of teaching, and get your visa. It might not be the best school, but I think there are far worse out there.

Now, that is all assuming my hunch is right. If not, sorry for wasting your time.

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

didikai · Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Posts: 5 Location: Yamaguchi Pref

Check out this link www.generalunion.org, I lifted it from the FAQ about Japan part 2 Sticky on this forum. Loads of facts about the legal side of your situation, surprisingly you do have some rights if you are working without a visa.

Possibly it was you who phoned my current school this week asking about jobs. Just be aware that my conditions are pretty much the same. I work 3.00 - 9.00, but also have 2 morning classes a week that are supposed to be an hour but with traveling and waiting time take much longer. Being closely supervised, not only by my director but by parents who sit in on classes, is just a fact. There is always a Japanese teacher in my class who translates everything for the students so they don't have to think. There are no textbooks, lesson plans (if there is one) are generally 2 to 3 statement and response sets written by my director (in her own idea of English) that I am required to spend an hour drilling into the students. Oh and my favorite is the daily idiom which she chooses from a 1982 book of idioms; there are some classics! Company lesson are always potluck on who or how many will turn up.

I don't know if this is usual in Japan or not, I too have only been here for a couple of weeks. I just wanted to warn you that moving to another school may not be much different. I do know that I loved my hogwon job in Korea but you hear many nightmare stories about those.

Best of luck Very Happy

firehorseglass · Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 8

Hi Meagan,

I have to agree with Glenski and various others who've advised you to quit. My alarm bells are ringing - yes, a visa should've been sorted out at home, but it's too late and you're there now.

I can't remember who said this, but the advice about driving is very true. What happens if you have an accident? Do you have health insurance? What if you hit someone? Japanese employers are supposed to pay into a kind of national health scheme above certain hours, but you can bet your bottom dollar your employer isn't.

She really has no right asking someone to come to Japan and work illegally - who's gonna get into more sh*t, you or her? The correct way is, as others have said, apply for a COE back home which then enables you to get the stamp in your passport. She asked you for photocopies of your college diploma. I had to send my original to Aeon in New York who then sent it to Japan, plus I believe my passport had to go with it.

At no stage of my visa application did I not know what was going on. It was all clear and I arrived in Japan with the proper stamp in my passport. Aeon, for all its faults, did provide me with a flat and I was always paid regularly and on time. The best way to see Japan if you want to teach is to apply to a legit company like Aeon - or try Westgate, who offer 3-month contracts - who play it by the book.

I wouldn't advise hanging on till she sorts out your visa. How do you know she'll pay you when she's already messed you around by giving you lots on uncontracted work? And do you want to work for someone who hits kids at the slightest mistake?

The person who posted that you could damage the potential to work in other countries if you're deported is right. At the moment you've done nothing majorly wrong - keep it that way and see some of the country after you quit.

Good luck!