Job Discussion Forums

rapps · Joined: 18 Mar 2004 Posts: 11

First off I'd like to thank everyone on this board for their help! It's been great and I appreciate it.

Anyhow, I got the Nova job this week. I know I'd like to be in Japan, but I"m having doubts as to whether this is the best way to go about living and seeing Japan.

The first issue I'm having is that my very close friend wants to go teach in Japan with me. Nova can't guarantee placement....so how can I be sure that we will be in the same city? It seems that Nova can't accomodate us....unless I'm missing something.

The next issue is the quality of work I'll be doing and the amount of hours I'll be putting in. I"m toying with the idea of taking a TEFL course in Prague this August. I'd be ready for work in September. The school said they would be able to help place me in Japan. Has anyone had success doing this? Also...I would only want to work until June. Is Sept to June a normal school year or would I need a 1-yr contract...which would put me at Sept. 2005? I need to be back for Law School, so that wouldn't be an option.

Any advice??!!
Thnk!

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

If you're coming for a short time, knowing your going back to law school, just take the job at Nova. It's the easiest way. Taking a TEFL course in Prague (is it through Winfield?) won't help you much at Nova. You might get an extra 5000 yen a paycheque. However, if you did have the certificate, there is nothing stopping you from trying to find a better job once you are here.

rapps · Joined: 18 Mar 2004 Posts: 11

Getting the TEFL would be instead of taking the job with NOVA. I'm not sure which course I would do yet....but I wonder how well they place people in Japan? I would probably be in a better work environment than with Nova?

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

If you're getting a TEFL in August, you may not be in Japan for 2-3 months later because you'd need to process your visa. That wouldn't leave with you much time to work in Japan. If you only want to come for a year and have no or little teaching experience, go with NOVA.

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

Take the job with Nova.

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

rapps · Joined: 18 Mar 2004 Posts: 11

I noticed Nova's website states:

Can I apply with a friend or partner?

Yes you can. All candidates need to meet Nova's recruitment criteria and your application should state that you are traveling as a couple or with friends.

Accommodation for couples can be provided and we try to arrange places in the same apartment or a nearby area for traveling partners.

Schedules permitting, we will do our utmost to harmonize working shifts for those traveling with others.

Should I take this with a grain of salt?

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

Of course. Did they say they will accommodate you? No, they said they will try to. And, not in the same place, but in nearby ones. Of course, they can't tell you how far away that may be, so you live with whatever they have.

"Schedules permitting" is not a guarantee, either. Like I wrote, you go where they have the empty slots.

At least NOVA states that they are willing to consider a couple/partner relationship. That's the best news you will really hear except for the rare place that advertises outright for a married couple (usually a private outfit with young children).