Job Discussion Forums

[junglegirl]

Hi

Although I have been hired by an other school, I was wondering what Westgate is like. What are the hours, the days, the pay like?

Thank you,

J

[Glenski]

The hours and pay are clearly listed on their web site.

Anyone with experience there want to describe their days?

[junglegirl]

The salary is posted at 275 000 Yen. However I was not sure if that is for everyone or does it vary with experience (ex: beginners salary, people with TESOL certificates, people with experience).

I do not hear much about them on here so it would be great to get some insight.

Thank you

J

[BenJ]

275000 is the minimum, returning teachers get more.

Do a search on Westgate on this forum and you'll find a fair bit of information.

But very briefly, the day probably begins at 9, you teach up to 7 40min classes until 6pm when you're let out of jail... err I mean the campus...

Long, easy days, students great, salary slightly above normal, airfare home paid.

[Brooks]

I have never worked there but I know people who have. Maybe it is not bad as a first job in Japan, since you are given a furnished apartment to share with other people. But I think the teaching schedule would get tiring. I know a guy who did the internship, and it lasted for three months I think.
The people I knew did it to get experience, and then decided to move on.

They may send teachers to universities. I think universities would like it, since people without MAs get paid less.

[Mike L.]

Pulled this out off the job informational journal:

[lostinparis]

to BenJ:

Did you decide to continue with Westgate for a second term? Or did you leave for greener pastures? (If so, I'd be curious to hear more about your experiences) It seems you are still in Japan... so it couldn't have been that bad. I'm also curious as to what kind of raise Westgate offered you for staying on with them.

They've actually offered me a position in their university program teaching an accredited class for the April-July term. I've technically already signed the contract and told them I'm coming... but I am still having second thoughts about leaving Paris, so I haven't bought my ticket.

[BenJ]

I didn't continue because the only teaching they have on offer where I am (Nagoya) is the 3 month thing and that's only twice a year. Now, after having done it, I wouldn't have continued with them anyway, simply because of the hours involved. The job itself was fine, and I really liked the students and making my own lessons (which was optional), but I didn't enjoy the 9 hour days that turned into 11 hours with commute. Having said that, I found this job fine for 3 months and an excellent way to get into Japan and "try it out".

In response to previous posts, the handbook also deterred me somewhat but I find many jobs have this sort of thing due to being burnt by the minority of teachers in the past. In any case, I did my job and had no problems with Westgate management at all. My direct supervisor was very nice and helpful, even though I had requests sometimes outside her responsibility. However, I haven't worked long-term for Westgate, so I don't know what they are like over the course of a year. I am guessing the same - a little cold, but very organised and very professional.

The raise was nominal - I think it was something like 10,000 Yen more a month.

Umm look if you've signed the contract, come and do it for three months - you can always flee back there after if Japan isn't for you. Plus they throw the airfare in, so you've very little to lose!

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

[lostinparis]

Thanks for sharing your experience Ben.

It does seem that everyone's biggest complaint with Westgate is the long hours. But since I work 12 hour days in Paris (sometimes longer), I think the Westgate deal actually might be a little less hectic for me.

In addition, since they offered me an accredited course, I think I'll be working 1-2 hours less than those teachers who give the conversation classes. (Though I'm thinking now that maybe I would rather do the conversation classes, since they are talking about evaluations of over 150 students and designing and grading exams for this many students as well...ugh)

About housing - the 81,000 yen/month does seem like a lot, especially if they stick you in a shared rental. Did you feel like it was too much for what you got? They haven't confirmed my location just yet, but they did tell me that I will most likely end up in a Tokyo suburb. I thought of looking for housing on my own, especially since place's like Leo'sPalace offers small studios in the nearby suburbs for around 60,000/mo if you take the apt for three months. The only problem is that Westgate hasn't confirmed exactly where I will be. Leo's also requires you to come in person to make the apartment arrangements. So maybe it isn't worth the hassle to try and save the 20K. your thoughts?

it's true i don't have much to lose if I don't like Japan, as they are paying for the airfare. The only reason I'm hesitating is that I already have some good jobs here in Paris, which I would have to quit to go to Japan. There are also issues with working legally here (as an American) that I would have to sort out before I leave and which would make coming back quite difficult. Still - you're right, the Westgate program really is an ideal way to come and "try it out" to see if you like it. I can always get on a plane back to Paris or San Francisco (home) if I really decide it's not for me.

last question - did you find it relatively easy to find another job/apartment once the Westgate program ended?

[BenJ]

when i say long hours, I certainly don't mean hectic - they are office hours, not teaching hours. The teaching hours are just the standard 7 40 minute lessons dispersed over the day. As you said, teaching an accredited course means you'll likely have a maximum of 5 40 minute classes, perhaps less. And presuming those office hours, you'll likely have more than enough extra time to make classes, assessment etc. I did assessment for over 200 students once in China and it was less arduous than I anticipated.

Housing I am a little unsure about as I had my own place from the beginning. I did visit a colleague's place though and it was very small and cosy. Decent quality though and they were all single-occupancy as far as I am aware. I think you can request shared or single as you like. Yes, the places were overpriced, but you don't have to pay key, deposit, refitting or any other fees so I thought it was reasonable for 3 months. Westgate don't have their own apartments as far as I am aware - they get a real estate company to find apartments for them. If Leo's can put you in straight away and provide furniture etc, then it sounds better - you'd also have the advantage of no Westgate curfews (as unenforceable as they are anyway).

I'm pretty sure if you're in Tokyo you'll be able to walk into a job as you like afterwards - I spent the 2nd and 3rd month of my work with Westgate searching for jobs in the office on the net and had no problems. In Tokyo there would only be more jobs available. Finding an apartment is another can of worms - very expensive startups if you get your own place long-term, otherwise if you like Leo's, can always stay there. Your new job probably has some provision for helping you/providing you with an accommodation. Perhaps even subsidised.

Anyway, good luck with it if you do take it. Could always do it in the future if your jobs in Paris are that good.

[lostinparis]

Ben

Thanks again for your advice. As usual, always very helpful.

Cheers
L-i-P