Job Discussion Forums

[shanana]

Hey all,

So I'm trying to get over to Japan sometime around next spring. I just started the long and dreadful application process and was wondering if there's anyone else out there going through it too? Let's band together and make it over!

Haha, so self plug here. I'm documenting my experiences via blog, check it out at shananafml.blogspot.com if you have the time!

Thanks and good luck to us all LOL

[genesis315]

I swooped by your blog and am looking forward to this blow by blow of your Japanese teaching odyssey. You seem to have the energy and initiative.

Would love to be doing this myself. I am in a tough situation. I have a job making six figures that I do not have to much fun at and in a location I do not like either.

The question is do I leave a job paying this much when the economy in so many places is total crap to do something that I would possibly enjoy a lot more. Almost any location inside Japan I would consider an improvement over this place.

Good luck!!!

[TokyoLiz]

Shanana, why Japan? And what are your career aspirations? How long do you want to stay in Japan?

Japan's not a great destination for a noob with no teaching aspirations, or teacher training. So, what's driving you?

[shanana]

[Calico]

I'm currently in the process as well - have been in June. Had an interview with AEON but didn't get invited back for the second round, but have made it through the phone interviews with PKC and Interac. I looked at your blog, and based on how many places you're applying to...real good luck going out to you here! Do it keep it updated, I'm interested in following.

[shanana]

Thanks! Haha I'm actually updating the blog right now (had the Gaba interview, whew!).

But CONGRATS on PCK and Interac! Any word on interview sessions yet?
And also...how was the Interac phone interview?? I'm actually scheduled with them tomorrow, eheh.

[genesis315]

good post on that Gaba interview. keep it up please.

[TokyoLiz]

I, too, had a strong attraction to Japan, specifically Kanto, and came over 10 years ago. Geoarbitrage was not the primary consideration at the time; the biggest motivation was martial training, and making a living in yen was not nearly as important as learning the language at that point.

I was a language teacher holding a TESOL post-graduate diploma for 6 years in Canada before I made the jump.

[PO1]

If you are just starting out, it's not a bad idea to get your foot in the door with any of the companies listed on your blog. Granted, I'm not that experienced either, but it's easier to get into Japan through dispatch or eikaiwa than through other means. I think a lot of people with minimal experience would agree. If you could speak advanced Japanese, could come over on a working holiday visa, etc. then your options may be wider.

Even if some of those companies have bad reputations in some circles, they have good reputations in others. I'm sure there are varying opinions on each of those.

I say you're doing the right thing, applying for as many jobs as you can. I hope AEON works out for you. They generally have a favorable reputation.

Good luck!

[shanana]

[Calico]

[Samurai]

I agree with TokyoLiz...the Jet Program is a far better option than any of the dispatch companies currently operating.
As you plan to come over next spring then Jet would seem the ideal choice. I suspect that the BOE's next year will have even less money to play with than this year. When the dispatch bidding wars start over winning contracts it will be the ALT who loses out.

As TokyoLiz wrote:-
I wouldn't recommend any of the companies you have mentioned on your blog. Too many of them outright ignore labour laws and through sketchy contract manipulation, force you to shoulder...social welfare costs that they are required by law to pick up.

From my own experience and knowledge, having been a Jet and worked for a dispatch company, I would strongly recommend anyone wanting to come to Japan to teach English to try Jet first.

[Okonomiyaki]

[genesis315]

Okonomiyaki,

You definitely bring up some great points. Thank you.

I will say I have have been fascinated by Japan from a relatively young age. Martial arts, gymnastics, incredible math skills, etc.. Today I realize that my imagination ran off a bit, but after visiting a couple places in early this year I found many things close to my expectations. I could clearly see some distinct challenges in trying to make a living there as opposed to vacationing, but overall I felt that I could almost definitely attain an above average level of happiness in many parts of Japan.

I do not have much of a personal life here due to the number of hours I work. As I find urban desert life rather gloomy, I would rather be working anyway, but cannot sustain this indefinitely. I have a nice savings built up, but it still bothers me to quit a high paying job when millions have no job at all.

[shostahoosier]