Job Discussion Forums

chrissytooth · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

Hi there. Thanks in advance for taking the time to help me.

I have a BA in psychology with a writing minor. I just started the TEFL 120 hour online course and plan to take the Young Learners supplemental course. I hope to start teaching around March 2011, but might have to try for August if I can't get my finances together in time. I have a DWAI (this is a lesser form of DUI) on my criminal record from December 2009. I am a very responsible person who made one mistake, and I'm hoping this doesn't make finding a job impossible.

I'm leaning toward not using a recruiter, so I am curious how individual schools tend to view people with my criminal background. I am also curious how recruiters would view my situation in case I do decide to use one.

Thanks again.

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

The DWAI will not affect your chances of getting a job.

You said you want to start in March. Well, the academic year begins in April even for eikaiwas. Eikaiwas will hire throughout the year, though.

August is summer break here, and not many hires take place. Plus, there is a week-long national holiday (Obon).

kotoko · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 109

I wouldn't use a recruiter if I were you, it'd be a waste of money on something you can do just as easily yourself.

As far as I'm aware, unlike in Korea, most places here wouldn't worry too much about your criminal record unless you've murdered a few people or raped a few kids. Especially with a minor DUI, seeing as most of Japanese people I know drink drive on a regular basis.

mc · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Posts: 90 Location: Aichi, Japan

chrissytooth · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

This is such a relief! It sounds like I don't need to worry. If anyone has heard otherwise, please let me know. Glenski, thanks for informing me about the timeline; I guess I was misinformed.

MC, haha, essentially that is what it means! It stands for "driving while ability impaired". I don't know about other states, but in Colorado you can be under the .08 DUI limit and still arrested if you A) have more than a .05 blood alcohol content and B) the officer pulling you over decides you're unfit to drive. This means you can have two beers, get in your car, and go to jail. I learned that the hard way.

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

If you think Colorado is strict, just remember this about Japan.

Zero tolerance. Zero!

chrissytooth · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

Eek! Good to know.

PO1 · Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 136

I believe the zero tolerance rule applies to riding bicycles as well, so keep that in mind. I guess most people don't really think of riding a bicycle drunk. I did it once. Lesson learned. Won't do it again.

I've noticed most places that interview from overseas won't really ask about your criminal record. Not sure how many schools or dispatch services actually check about misdemeanors. If you have a felony that may be a different case.

Like Glenski said, be careful in Japan. If foreigners cause even the slightest disruption (in some cases) they're likely to be deported.

seklarwia · Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2010 7:27 am Post subject: