Job Discussion Forums

Chas4now · Joined: 03 Apr 2003 Posts: 3 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I am in Tokyo. I buy the Japan Times every Monday. Many people have said on this site and others that February, March, and April is the prime time for jobs here in Japan. Yet, the newspaper and job sites are not filled with schools offering sponsorship. Sometimes there are maybe 3 or less in the Japan Times. The majority of schools are offering part time only. Very few are offering visa sponsorship. Is there a way to get a visa for this country. I really want to stay here and work here. Any advice would be very helpful. I am an American, and experienced ESL teacher from California seeking full time work or someone who can sponsor me. Please help.

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

What web sites are you using to look for jobs? I see a fair amount of them that offer sponsorship.

I suspect that employers are not sponsoring visas for several reasons. Perhaps they don't want deadbeats who come and go like the wind, using them only as stepping stones for "better" jobs. Perhaps they want someone who is more reliable, and they see that as someone who already has spent the time, money, and energy to come here with a proper visa.

Joe Thanks · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 25 Location: Asia

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

Sherri · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2003 11:59 pm Post subject:

This is one of the best times to look for a teaching job in Japan, but I hope you are using more sources than just the JT on Monday! It may or may not be true about the number of schools offering sponsorship. Do remember that this country is in a recession. Schools may not need fulltime teachers due to lower students numbers, also pt teachers are more flexible, they don't need to be paid for holidays or sick pay. They can be hired and fired as student numbers change--fulltimers can't. On top of that not only do you have the many, many people here who already have visas of one kind or another (spouse, dependent etc) but once sponsored it is fairly easy for teachers to leave that sponsor, gather together several pt contracts and apply for a multiple sponsor visa.

homersimpson · Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 569 Location: Kagoshima

Another reason, perhaps, that some of these schools are looking for people who already have visas, is to discourage overseas applicants. Many schools like to interview in person whenver possible, therefore teachers who currently hold visas are in-country (generally).

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

I don't believe it! I spent two months job searching and the whole time Ohayo sensei didn't publish an issue. Now I have a job and they publish. AAAAHHHH!!!!!

I have to agree with the original poster and a few subsequent replies. This year is not as bouyant a market as years past. I think we are seeing the result of two things. The world economy is poor so many people are arriving looking for work, and many people are staying for the same reason. Add this to the fact that Japan has been using the 3 year Visa for a few years now, so it is easier for people to remain in the country. I know, I did it.

Good luck with your job search.

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

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

I checked everyday using their file transfer protocol. Everyday the issue said the same thing. Current Issue 2/1/2003, Next issue 2/16/2003.

Maybe they sent updated issues to their subscribers, but the previous method was unavailable for nearly two months. Thanks for the response.

Chas4now · Joined: 03 Apr 2003 Posts: 3 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Thanks for all of your responses. I have looked and searched through the Japan Times, Jobs in Japan.com, but not OhayoSensei. And I have looked at this site, which doesnt have much to offer in Japan. I am from America so there is no working holiday visa available. I do have a fiance here, but she insists that I get a job first and save some money before marriage. She doesnt want a marriage of convenience just for the visa. And the Jet Program is not available to me because I am over 35. EEC and Nova rejected me because I am overqualifed for their positions. I have a Masters degree in teaching and Education and have experience teaching ESL in California. Actually one recruiting company advised me to alter my resume so I dont look too qualified. So I have done that, and have gotten a few responses for interviews, but the competition here for jobs in tougher than it is in the states. Many schools are offering full time jobs but but not sponsorship and say in their ads that a Proper Visa is Required. This is due to the fact that they dont want to wait while the visa is processed. They usually need a teacher sooner than the ridiculous time it takes to wait for Japan Immigration to process a visa. But I have two months left on my passport and I am looking everyday.

Celeste · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2003 1:46 am Post subject:

The JET programme may well be available to you. My husband was 37 when he was hired a year ago. JET raised their age limit to under 40. And they qualified it with the words "in principle". So if you are a youthful 41 you might still qualify.

Have you tried a company called ALTIA? I know that they provide ALTs to schools around Japan, and apparently hire experienced candidates.

Try this link: http://www.altia-jp.com/jobopp.htm

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