Job Discussion Forums

Rich303 · Joined: 15 Apr 2010 Posts: 2 Location: London

Hello

Before I continue I just want to ask if it's 'the' Glenski who used to post on J-REF (?)... I used that site a lot, particularly when I was working as a Video Engineer for NHK TV in London.
I've been reading a lot of your great posts on here, with regard to working in Hokkaido. Sapporo interests me especially, as it's a fair-sized city with plenty going on (I'm a Londoner after all)

I've been checking ECC's website, but they keep delaying applications from outside Japan, and JET does not commence applications until September, so I want to be pro-active in the meantime.
I have a Bachelors' degree, a basic TEFL certification, (UK)A-Level English, have worked for a Japanese company (NHK), and have lots of experience teaching English to Japanese friends, but, I have no classroom experience at this stage.

I've stayed with some friends in Hokkaido who run a photography gallery in Biei, near Asahikawa, and I was struck by the difference to other parts of Japan I've visited. Also the milder summer climate is very appealing to me.
Do you think it's worthwhile to subscribe to 'Hokkaido Insider' while not living in Japan?

I'm thinking of getting a working visa and taking my chances (I have some savings) but am not sure how viable this is with my lack of 'real' teaching experience. I would also consider working at an Izakaya or bar,as I have lots of experience in this area, but I think this may require greater fluency in Japanese.

I wanted to PM you,Glenski, but I don't have the priveleges yet.
If you can offer any advice I'd be very grateful.

Best wishes, and kind regards

- Richard

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

Rich303 · Joined: 15 Apr 2010 Posts: 2 Location: London

Thanks for the reply Glenski - glad to hear it is you afterall.

[/quote]Unless you are over 30, I'd say get a working holiday visa and come at a good time to look around and network. Or stick to researching beyond ECC and JET, and see what turns up, bearing in mind that... [/quote]

I'm 35, so I guess that rules me out for a working holiday visa Sad

[/quote]
1. Unless you are here, it will usually be tougher. Exception to that would be if an overseas recruiting thing like with ECC comes along
[/quote]

I guess I should keep plugging away. I saw a very attractive job on the boards here (in Yamaguchi, at Ube Foreign Language Learning Centre) that seemed to suit a beginner such as myself.
I read some criticism about the school that the work was not challenging enough for more advanced teachers, but it might be a good chance for me to get some classroom experience.

[/quote]
2. The market is pretty full right now. Beefing up your qualifications in any way will help you get past those people who refuse to apply with anything except a BA in art history.[/quote]

I was told my TEFL course is enough to get me started in Japan (for ALT type work), but yes, I should bear in mind there's a lot more applicants out there with higher level qualifications. I could probably find work easier in other countries, but I've always been focused on Japan.

I will check out this site more often, there seems to a lot of useful info and good advice on here.
Thanks again,

- Rich