Job Discussion Forums

Kirumu · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 6

Hi everyone,

Although this is my first post, I�ve been reading these forums for quite some time now. I have a few questions, but if you don�t mind, I�d like to begin with a little about my background and situation. I�m a 23 year old recent college graduate with a B.A. in anthropology. I worked for 3 academic years at a public elementary school, first as a reading tutor and then as a teacher assistant. I also did a little bit of volunteer ESL teaching on the side.

I�ve been applying to many schools these past 2 months from outside of Japan, and just as it was stated on these forums, I�ve had no luck. After much consideration, I�ve decided to take the adventurous route. I will come to Japan on a 90 day landing permit and attempt to look for entry-level work either as an English teacher or ALT. Thanks to these forums, I�m aware of the many difficulties I may face, such as brutal competition and arriving past the peak hiring season. But after so much school, and no luck finding a job from overseas, I just need to get away.

So here�s my plan: unless I get a phone call from a prospective employer in the coming weeks, I�ll head out to Japan as a WWOOFer sometime in June. If you�re not familiar with this scheme, I�ll receive accommodation and meals in exchange for about 6 hours of work a day. In my free time, I�ll try to look for work.

Okay, here are my questions:

1) Has anyone here successfully found employment after WWOOFing?

2) Are there any other documents I need besides my diploma and official transcripts? I would imagine that a job involving children would require a criminal background check. If so, is this something I can take care of here in the United States? If a background check is required, and I leave without getting one, can I get one in Japan? Are both my U.S. Social Security card and birth certificate unnecessary to bring?

3) Since I�m trying to save as much money as possible, I�ll be going with a one-way ticket to Japan, and a one-way ticket from Japan to Taiwan before my 90 day landing permit expires. Is this acceptable to Japanese Immigration?

I apologize for the long post. I�d appreciate any responses, thanks.

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

I've never WWOOFed, but have read their web site.

You may work more or less than 6 hours a day. Keep in mind that if you end up in the rural areas, Internet access may be a problem. I'm not even sure if you will have Internet access at all! So, after putting in 6 or more hours a day, studying some Japanese to keep up, mingling with the host and others there, just when do you expect to find time to look for a teaching job (including taking the time to interview)?

Kirumu · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 6

Thank you for your detailed response Glenski.

pnksweater · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 173 Location: Tokyo, Japan

There are a few part time EFL job listings on the Japanese WWOOF listings. You might consider one of these positions while you're looking for work.

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Kirumu,

Glenski raised a good point there about limited Internet access.

From what I understand, WWOOF placements can be short or long, and you could arrange your stay so that you WWOOF for a week, then stay in a big urban center, say at a guest house, and then go to another WWOOF placement.

Are you considering a career in ESL/EFL? Then I would recommend you do School for International Trainng (SIT) Tesol, or CELTA, or another short course in Engllish Language Teaching to give you one more piece of paper to boost your CV.

Best of luck, and it would be nice to hear from you once you settle into your rice paddy Smile

Kirumu · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 6

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.

genesis315 · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 116 Location: Japan

I just learned what WWOOFing is today, and boy oh boy it is absolutely something I would love to do!

I should be paying these people to live with them, eat, and learn organic farming!

Definitely a killer opportunity for those able to do it!

This might just be my proverbial 'foot in the door' to Japan!

Pilot82 · Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 150

Intresting

ShioriEigoKyoushi · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 364 Location: Japan

genesis315 · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 116 Location: Japan

Good point, thank you. Maybe if I am ambitous enough I could scope out and apply for teaching positions during my off time.

dog8food · Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 60

On similar lines, check out helpx.net. It's like WWOOFING but the website organization is much more centralized.