Job Discussion Forums

[ssjup81]

[aodtohan]

@JoelOneFifty: Did they tell you the exact dates of the 'END of march' training in Ibaraki?

[OneJoelFifty]

I haven't been given a date for the training yet, although we've been in almost daily communication so hopefully I'll know soon! I was told there will be more than one training session and they haven't split people up into groups at the moment.

I also enquired about my visa application, and was told that the COE should be with them in 4 to 6 weeks, and they'd let me know when they had it. I really don't know why other people have been told about arriving on a tourist visa.

[aodtohan]

In my case, they sent me an email today telling me I have 10 days (until Feb 1) for me to comply with my VISA requirements. Im guessing im probably a little late or at least among those they hired quite late.

I'm having trouble with my health certificate since medical exam results usually aren't ready by then.

Also, i wonder if they would be providing accommodations for us (at least temporarily) in Mito, Ibaraki. After all, we might be assigned in locations outside the area.

[Glenski]

[OneJoelFifty]

[ssjup81]

Does anyone here have any idea as to when successful applicants are supposed to arrive in Japan? It would definitely be easier on those booking flights.

[Bread]

[ssjup81]

[The Hungry Yeti]

[/quote]Because I don't have much money to do that.

Also, do you know if we have to pay for the hotel/hostel stuff during training, or does Heart pay for it?[/quote]

I think I read somewhere in the ads that htey pay for the hotel during training. I will try and confirm that.

[The Hungry Yeti]

The only thing I could fin was that the the prospective teacher needs to pay for the ride to Mito. Nothing is said about paying for a room for training.

[Just Another Guy]

I hope this helps:

Accommodation:

During your training you will need to pay for your accommodation. Heart Language School will organize a hostel room for you at 4000 yen per day. If they have trouble finding housing for you then you can stay in the hostel for 3500 yen a day until your apartment is ready.

Glenski:

Heart Language School requires all of its ALTs to undertake a medical certificate or general medical check prior to employment and prior to contract renewal. It has nothing to do with immigration and more to do with the fact they advertise their ALTs as 'disease free' to the BOE.

Tourist Visa:

You are right to be afraid. This seems a lot like a 'you turn up and then they go "sorry no job."' You basically can't complain as they can deny knowledge of you.

Provisional Employment offers:

Well what does it mean? Basically, you don't have a job, you have a offer of a job. Unfortunately, until you sign a contract no job actually exists. This is something to be aware of as some companies hire in mass and then weed out what they don't need through placement offers. It is a dangerous game and you need to be prepared if things go belly up.

Medical Certificate:

They don't have a specific form. Your handbook will tell you what you need to know. Otherwise, talk to the HR team, I guess.

Contract Renewal:

You would need to do a reorientation I think, from memory.

Arrival:

End of March from what I have heard. The HR team probably will start getting back to people in mid-late Feb I would imagine.

None of this is gospel. All of it is second hand knowledge. (I may or may not have a job offer as well - i.e. don't work for Heart, yet.)

P.s., I would be quite keen to hear what people think of Heart as well. Honest company? etc.

[ssjup81]

[The Hungry Yeti]

Still trying to confirm whether ALTs have to pay for their own lodging during training.

I was told that if we got the provisional employment offer we had the job. The thing is they don't know where each new alt will be teaching until they (the ALT) interview with the school board or whatever they are called in Japan. Just going by what I was told when I asked about it in the interview.

[OneJoelFifty]