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Japan - what are my chances? Very afraid

 
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DarkRiderTommy



Joined: 02 Sep 2010
Posts: 1

PostPosted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 11:27 pm    Post subject: Japan - what are my chances? Very afraid Reply with quote

So I've read a bit of the older posts, and there's definitely some pessimism about teaching English in Japan recently.

Here's my situation... I'll have graduated university at the end of the year, I'm willing to teach 30-40 hours a week and would accept anything at or above 175,000 yen/month. I'm happy to work anywhere and with any schedule, and I'll have completed an TOEFL certificate by then. What are my chances of signing with Amity (first choice), Aeon, EEC, Geos, or something like that?

I'm VERY desperate to teach in Japan, even if it's just for a year or two. I've wanted to move there since I was a kid and now I'm worried I might not be able to. If my above qualifications aren't sufficient, does anyone have advice on what I can/should do to improve them?

Tommy
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tttompatz



Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 1951
Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines

PostPosted: Sat Sep 04, 2010 2:46 am    Post subject: Re: Japan - what are my chances? Very afraid Reply with quote

DarkRiderTommy wrote:
So I've read a bit of the older posts, and there's definitely some pessimism about teaching English in Japan recently.

Here's my situation... I'll have graduated university at the end of the year, I'm willing to teach 30-40 hours a week and would accept anything at or above 175,000 yen/month. I'm happy to work anywhere and with any schedule, and I'll have completed an TOEFL certificate by then. What are my chances of signing with Amity (first choice), Aeon, EEC, Geos, or something like that?

I'm VERY desperate to teach in Japan, even if it's just for a year or two. I've wanted to move there since I was a kid and now I'm worried I might not be able to. If my above qualifications aren't sufficient, does anyone have advice on what I can/should do to improve them?

Tommy


Look at the JET program or wait till the economy starts to improve.

The language institutes in the developed parts of Asia are suffering as a result of the downturn (just like most other businesses are). (didn't Geos just fail in this past year as well?)

You might want to re-post your query in the Japan forum as well.

.
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Glenski



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

PostPosted: Sat Sep 04, 2010 4:24 am    Post subject: Re: Japan - what are my chances? Very afraid Reply with quote

DarkRiderTommy wrote:
I'm willing to teach 30-40 hours a week and would accept anything at or above 175,000 yen/month.
Please don't be so desperate. You will only perpetuate the downhill trend in what salaries are offered.

Quote:
What are my chances of signing with Amity (first choice), Aeon, EEC, Geos, or something like that?
As good as anyone else in your position (fresh graduate, no experience).

Quote:
I'm VERY desperate to teach in Japan, even if it's just for a year or two. I've wanted to move there since I was a kid
Why? This is going to be a big question on your interview anyway, so you might as well air it out now. Again, don't be desperate.


Quote:
If my above qualifications aren't sufficient, does anyone have advice on what I can/should do to improve them?
Get certified, get experience, even if it's tutoring. Publish. Volunteer teach. Learn Japanese.
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Never Ceased To Be Amazed



Joined: 22 Oct 2004
Posts: 3500
Location: Shhh...don't talk to me...I'm playin' dead...

PostPosted: Sat Sep 04, 2010 4:53 am    Post subject: Re: Japan - what are my chances? Very afraid Reply with quote

tttompatz wrote:



Look at the JET program or wait till the economy starts to improve.



Those are quite happy thoughts, but I arrived in Japan as a JET in August of 1990 and in November the "bubble" burst. The economy's been in the dustbin ever since...

Sorry, DRT, but facts are facts. BUT, beside the reality I jes' mentioned above, you should continue yer quest...Nihon is NOT impregnable...

NCTBA
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geekpie



Joined: 17 Oct 2006
Posts: 31

PostPosted: Thu Sep 16, 2010 9:39 am    Post subject: Re: Japan - what are my chances? Very afraid Reply with quote

DarkRiderTommy wrote:
I'll have graduated university at the end of the year, I'm willing to teach 30-40 hours a week and would accept anything at or above 175,000 yen/month.


Honestly, do you consider your services to be worth no more than 175,000 yen, considering the time and money you have invested in your university education? I understand you have a strong desire to teach in Japan, but don't degrade yourself.
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robinnn



Joined: 24 May 2006
Posts: 83
Location: Spain

PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 1:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

When I came here in 2006 I had no experience at all so I went for anyone who would hire me. It was a terrible "company" who I basically used to get some teaching experience and beef up my resume. They paid my then minimum acceptable salary of 200,000 per month. To be honest, I probably shouldn't have accepted that little let alone go down to 175,000. Having said that, back in 2006 I had countless interview offers and landed my first job in under 10 days. In this current climate I wouldn't fancy my chances of getting employed that quickly without experience. Look for volunteer teaching projects online or in your current location. It's better to have experience without qualifications than the other way round. Write a good resume and get some nice pictures taken of yourself wearing your best suit. Photographs are a must in Japanese resumes. Good luck!
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santi84



Joined: 14 Mar 2008
Posts: 1317
Location: under da sea

PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 3:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

30-40 teaching hours at 175,000 yen will certainly destroy all the romantic dreams you have of Japan Confused
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sohniye



Joined: 15 Mar 2011
Posts: 90

PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 5:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hello,

Before I started and finished my MA in education I tried out the Eikaiwa industry in Japan. This was in 2008 and I earned around 250,000 Yen a month and had my apartment paid for, indeed it was a terrible company (and that is illustrated by the fact that it no longer exists Smile )

I enjoyed Japan but as someone who truly enjoys teaching often felt out of place as these schools in fact are hardly ever institutions of earnest learning but rather business enterprises. Are you okay with that?

Do NOT under any circumstances sell yourself for what you are worth. 170.000 Yen a month, even living modestly is not a good salary.
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Glenski



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

PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 11:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dark Rider Tommy started this thread in September last year and never came back after the first post. I doubt he is still watching this thread.
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Captain_Fil



Joined: 06 Jan 2011
Posts: 604
Location: California - the land of fruits and nuts

PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 5:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Glenski wrote:
Dark Rider Tommy started this thread in September last year and never came back after the first post. I doubt he is still watching this thread.


Good luck to him, wherever he is.

I hope he was not hurt in the tsunami.


Confused
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