Job Discussion Forums

shanana · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 4

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

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

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 · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 4

Calico · Joined: 20 Jun 2010 Posts: 54

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 · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 4

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

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

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

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 · Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 136

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 · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 4