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felongtw
Joined: 10 Apr 2011
Posts: 7
Location: Taiwan
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 Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2011 2:25 pm Post subject: Another "newbie" .... Japan anyone? |
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I have to say I appreciate the patience you guys have with us newbies ... thanks ever so much - it's very much appreciated.
You've heard these questions before (I've read some of them myself) but as with others, I believe there's a degree of difference amongst all of us.
I'm a "late-bloomer" on the EFL scene. Came over to Taiwan about ten years ago (I'm 43 now) and in excellent health (about 1.8 m in height and 80 - 85 kgs in weight). Before that, I was employed in the private sector (wine industry) as a Financial Manager. For something that was supposed to be a year-off from everything else, I found I really enjoy teaching - still do.
My questions regard my intentions to relocate to Japan (permanently if I have any choice in the matter).
I have a bachelors degree (in finance) and intend obtaining a CELTA this year (either Thailand or Vietnam), as well as ten years of ELT in Taiwan which includes teaching at cram schools, government elementary schools, government junior- and senior high schools, business teaching at private companies, as well as private students, ...
I have a daughter from a past marriage and therefore have basic financial obligations to meet. Though I'm a frugal kind of guy and believe I can do more than survive on an "average" salary (+- 250 000 Yen per month) I therefore feel very hesitant about "going over to Japan and finding a job there ...." and hope for the best. I know how things are here where I am (Kaohsiung) and the notion of walking into a school from the street and getting a job just like that, is a bit far-fetched.
I have tried sites like o-hayo-sensei, gaijinpot, etc but it seems as though most applicants either "need to be resident in Japan or have basic Japanese speaking ability" ....
I'm comfortable with a rural scene ... countryside anyone? The fact that I'm hoping to do this for the long term makes it important that I don't burn my fingers with my entry attempt to the country.
Basically, I'm asking you guys if you have any advice to share? Any and all advice would obviously be welcome and especially from people like Glenski, Shimokitazawa, and Rooster_2006 (I got the idea that you have Taiwan experience and now live in Japan?).
Apologize if this comes across as just another rant - thought I'd rather give more info than less.
Ps Been to Japan three times on vacation and loved it more each time. (Kyoto, Osaka, some time in Misasa - I'm not a Tokyo candidate) |
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naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
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| Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 3:27 am Post subject: |
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Japan, ask Glenski. From what I understand the market is flooded and prices are high.
If you need money, the MIddle East, korea, and Taiwan are often the places to go. I honestly think that since you've been in Taiwan for 10 years, you probably would do better there. Often, when you switch countires you have to start over a bit as you don't know people. For example, for uni jobs there, you have to have publications (often in their journals), know Japanese a bit, and have experience teaching Japanese students.
I think if you're dead set on Japan, you might try the job board here, or the JET programme.
HOpefully Glenski will come by and post more soon. |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 4:25 am Post subject: Re: Another "newbie" .... Japan anyone? |
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| felongtw wrote: |
| I'm a "late-bloomer" on the EFL scene. Came over to Taiwan about ten years ago (I'm 43 now) and in excellent health (about 1.8 m in height and 80 - 85 kgs in weight). |
Your height and weight are unimportant factors. Age is not so important depending on employer.
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| Before that, I was employed in the private sector (wine industry) as a Financial Manager. |
I came to TEFL from another industry, too, and at roughly the same age.
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| My questions regard my intentions to relocate to Japan (permanently if I have any choice in the matter). |
Consider posting in the Japan forum, too.
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| I have a daughter from a past marriage and therefore have basic financial obligations to meet. |
How much per month? Will she be living with you?
| Quote: |
| Though I'm a frugal kind of guy and believe I can do more than survive on an "average" salary (+- 250 000 Yen per month) I therefore feel very hesitant about "going over to Japan and finding a job there ...." |
Your grammar is confusing. "Though" and "therefore" are mixed here. You are frugal. Cool. That's positive. I don't understand the "therefore". Please explain.
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| the notion of walking into a school from the street and getting a job just like that, is a bit far-fetched. |
Yup, it's not like the 80s or 90s.
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| I have tried sites like o-hayo-sensei, gaijinpot, etc but it seems as though most applicants either "need to be resident in Japan or have basic Japanese speaking ability" .... |
Here is where I beg to differ with you. I just looked at the most recent OhayoSensei. Results:
Residency Requirements
PT jobs
11 require applicants to live in Japan
1 not mentioned
FT jobs
10 required to live in Japan
1 more, too, but only because "job begins ASAP".
5 don't mention residency requirements, and 4 more explicitly state applicants are not required to live in Japan now. So, it's almost 50-50 here.
So, this part seems to fit what you wrote to a degree, and only for one job site. Keep looking.
Language ability required.
PT jobs
2 say "preferred", which is not the same as "required".
1 says "basic" ability needed, which could cover anything.
1 says T will have to communicate with parents, so that is a given, but for a rare reason.
9 openings say nothing about language ability requirements.
FT jobs
5 say "J speaking ability" or "conversation ability".
1 says "preferred".
1 says a mere JLPT4 is required
12 say nothing about language ability requirements.
So, here the odds are more in your favor if you know nothing, it doesn't take much to know "basic conversation" or to pick it up.
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| I'm comfortable with a rural scene ... countryside anyone? |
This is in your favor, as most newcomers seem to want to live in the bigger cities.
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| The fact that I'm hoping to do this for the long term makes it important that I don't burn my fingers with my entry attempt to the country. |
What do you mean "burn your fingers with your entry attempt"?
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| Basically, I'm asking you guys if you have any advice to share? |
#1, Plan ahead. When do you want to be here? April is almost over, and that means you just missed the biggest hiring peak of the year. If you want to come anyway, come during a good time, contact employers in advance so they know when you'll be here and feel comfortable making interview schedules.
#2, Bring money. US$4000-5000.
#3, have your resume and cover letters customized for each position that you apply to. No exceptions. Have someone you trust look them over for errors or improvements.
#4, Start learning some Japanese yesterday. It will never hurt! |
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felongtw
Joined: 10 Apr 2011
Posts: 7
Location: Taiwan
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| Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 2:31 pm Post subject: |
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| naturegirl321 wrote: |
If you need money, the MIddle East, korea, and Taiwan are often the places to go. I honestly think that since you've been in Taiwan for 10 years, you probably would do better there. Often, when you switch countires you have to start over a bit as you don't know people. I think if you're dead set on Japan, you might try the job board here, or the JET programme.
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Thanks for your feedback "naturegirl321".
No, it's not the money. In fact, when I relocate to Japan, I'm pretty sure I'll be taking a few steps backwards (financially speaking). Like you say, I've been teaching here a while, I'm comfortable with the setup and have more than enough teaching/ paid hours.
My heart IS set on Japan and so I'll definitely do as you suggest, and check out the job boards here .... If I'm not mistaken, I'm too old for the JET (I think the limit is 40 years?)
Glenski did post and I'm glad for all the usefull info he provided. I'll respond to that in a different post.
Again, I'm pleased that you guys take the time to reach out to new people even though the questions may have been put ad infinitum.
Take care. |
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felongtw
Joined: 10 Apr 2011
Posts: 7
Location: Taiwan
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| Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 3:07 pm Post subject: Re: Another "newbie" .... Japan anyone? |
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Glenski.
Am very grateful for your reply. Thanks so much for the time taken to answer me.
I have replied further to some of your points ...
| Glenski wrote: |
| ... height and weight are unimportant factors. Age is not so important depending on employer. |
Very good to hear - here, it is very much the other way around.
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| Consider posting in the Japan forum, too. |
Will do.
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| ... daughter ... therefore basic financial obligations... How much per month? Will she be living with you? |
No, she lives with her mom in South Africa. The amount I send to SA varies between 80 and 85 000 Yen per month .... I'm single.
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| ... frugal kind of guy ...." Your grammar is confusing. "Though" and "therefore" are mixed here. You are frugal. That's positive. I don't understand the "therefore". Please explain. |
My apologies. What I meant was that I don't have an infinite source of funds and abolutely NO backup in terms of family or anyone else who can take me "in" should I remain unemployed whilst looking for a position in Japan.
This happened to me after I had been in Taiwan for about 5 years. I had my new signed contract and suddenly couldn't get a legal work permit ...? I spent three months in SA getting my degree authenticated (which seemed to be the only problem) and at the time I had no source of income whilst my monthly financial commitments had to be met. Obviously not a very good situation to be in.
This is basically what I'm afraid of ... coming to Japan, and ending up looking for a FT position that doesn't materialize (soon enough).
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Here is where I beg to differ with you. I just looked at the most recent OhayoSensei. Results:
So, this part seems to fit what you wrote to a degree, and only for one job site. Keep looking.
So, here the odds are more in your favor if you know nothing, it doesn't take much to know "basic conversation" or to pick it up. |
My apologies again. I should have qualified that I haven't been back to the OhayoSensei site in a while - been looking at gaijinpot mostly and I should also mention that I have not looked at PT positions .... am I being too selective? I kind of prefer to get something FT, complete my contract (usually a year?) and then look for a change if I feel like it ....
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| I'm comfortable with a rural scene ... ? ... This is in your favor, as most newcomers seem to want to live in the bigger cities. |
Like I mentioned, I don't think I would be able to adapt to a place like Tokyo. Even a city such as Kyoto is very big (though I love the temples and shrines). I spent a few days in Misasa a few years ago and they were absolutely "f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s". I haven't been to your neck of the woods but it's on the cards for a future visit or when I relocate, whichever comes first.
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| ... don't burn my fingers with my entry attempt to the country. what do you mean "burn your fingers with your entry attempt"? |
See my previous explanation about wanting to do things right (legally). I don't know much (obviously) about residency and work permits in Japan but I can tell you that they are VERY restrictive in Taiwan. The result? If you break the law, even inadvertently (especially when depending on your cram school employer to take care of the paperwork), you may find yourself at the other end of a deportation order. Wanting to settle in Japan (as long as possible) thus means that I wouldn't want to pack up my stuff here (Taiwan) only to find myself leaving Japan again because I did or didn't do something I was supposed to.
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... any advice to share?
#1, Plan ahead. When do you want to be here? April is almost over, and that means you just missed the biggest hiring peak of the year. If you want to come anyway, come during a good time, contact employers in advance so they know when you'll be here and feel comfortable making interview schedules.
#2, Bring money. US$4000-5000.
#3, have your resume and cover letters customized for each position that you apply to. No exceptions. Have someone you trust look them over for errors or improvements.
#4, Start learning some Japanese yesterday. It will never hurt! |
All of your advice makes so much sense. Wasn't really aware that I had to bring "that" much money but at least I have it. The resume is up to date and I have started with the Hirigana yesterday (I found a publication of James Heisig - you probably know his name?)
Many thanks to you and people like you - it can be somewhat intimidating to make such a big move again. |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 12:39 am Post subject: |
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JET has a somewhat flexible upper age limit at 40, yes, but the key is "somewhat flexible". There are those on the system older than that. Can't hurt to try.
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| The amount I send to SA varies between 80 and 85 000 Yen per month .... I'm single. |
If you make the older standard wage of 250,000 yen/month, expect to spend half of that on basic necessities:
rent
utilities
phone/internet
insurance
food
So, with 125,000 left over for everything else, let's subtract 85,000. Be aware that exchange rates fluctuate hourly, so that you may have to subtract more or less.
40,000 left over in worst case with your figure. That's what you have for everything else on average. (Rent may be higher or lower than how I've calculated above, food depends on your preferences, utilities vary with use and season, etc.)
One can always seek extra work to supplement that, too. Keep that in mind.
As for FT vs. PT work itself, you will not be able to do just PT work upon initial arrival. Work visas don't allow that. After one year on a work visa, however, you can opt to "self-sponsor" the same visa if you like, which means use more than one PT job to make enough to satisfy immigration's (undefined) requirement for minimal income. (Figure it should vary with cost of living locations, but that it will likely be at least a subsistence income of roughly 180,000 yen/month.) Or you could retain your FT job and just add supplemental work, whether PT jobs or private lessons or both. Some people claim to make far more with all PT jobs than with just one FT job, but it's case by case.
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| What I meant was that I don't have an infinite source of funds and abolutely NO backup in terms of family or anyone else who can take me "in" should I remain unemployed whilst looking for a position in Japan. |
Nobody has infinite funds, but I understand. Just be aware that if you come here without a job in hand, even coming at a good time for hiring could mean that you'd have to live off US$4000-5000 until you get hired and a first paycheck. The market here is much tighter in the last few years than it used to be, so plan carefully for finances and for potential job interviews and providing properly authenticated documents. (I've posted extensively on this figure and can give you a breakdown if you like. It's basically from average known spending, so I think it is a fair assessment, but it's not a fixed number because there are many variables involved.)
When were you planning to come?
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| Like I mentioned, I don't think I would be able to adapt to a place like Tokyo. Even a city such as Kyoto is very big |
Kyoto may be big and beautiful, but my sources tell me the job market there is not quite so large. Osaka is bigger potential.
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| I don't know much (obviously) about residency and work permits in Japan but I can tell you that they are VERY restrictive in Taiwan. The result? If you break the law, even inadvertently (especially when depending on your cram school employer to take care of the paperwork), you may find yourself at the other end of a deportation order. |
What sort of inadvertent law breaking are we talking about here? I can give you a general warning, as I have for over a decade now on these forums, but it's mostly common sense. That is, be aware and beware of a few unscrupulous employers who try to rush applicants here without a visa, then pull a bait and switch to make you work as a tourist until you have overstayed. Not the norm, but pretty much the only illegal paperwork deal I know of. Otherwise, yes, break the law here (something other than a traffic violation), you might face immigration's wrath. Your employer is usually your sponsor here, which means they sign to vouch for your behavior. Sell drugs or get drunk and disorderly or attach someone, etc., and they have some consequences to face, if nothing else perhaps a poor resultant image. Some NOVA teachers got caught selling drugs a while ago, and NOVA fired them immediately. I don't blame them. But, I'm sure you will be here with the intentions of being a law-abiding person, so I really wouldn't worry about things like in Taiwan. Need to know about visa related stuff? Ask here.
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| I have started with the Hirigana yesterday (I found a publication of James Heisig - you probably know his name?) |
Yes, his is a quite popular choice. I don't usually give specific J language advice because everyone learns differently. Good luck on that one. |
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felongtw
Joined: 10 Apr 2011
Posts: 7
Location: Taiwan
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| Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 6:34 am Post subject: |
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Hi Glenski,
Thanks again for your continued feedback. Here are my thoughts.
| Glenski wrote: |
| ... JET ... somewhat flexible upper age limit at 40... |
Can't hurt to give it a go - thanks for the heads-up. From a stability point of view, I think one can do worse than the JET.
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cost of living ... |
You made some interesting points and obviously most that I was unaware of. Example, in Taiwan you are only allowed to work at a school which is indicated on your work permit (currently, it adds up to about three legal employers with at least one of those sponsoring 14/ 16 teaching hours per week). This is what I meant by doing something illegal (inadvertently). Lots of chain schools will have you sub at another branch when in fact this is highly illegal, but depending on your employer to know the rules and follow them could turn out to be disastrous.
I live modestly - don't smoke, don't drink and am happy to make do without having to "club" (I'm not a pub kinda guy). So, I'm pretty confident that I could live on 250 000 Yen a month although I would obviously want that to be more ... PT work in the second year.
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| ... infinite funds, but I understand. ... so plan carefully for finances and for potential job interviews and providing properly authenticated documents. (I've posted extensively on this figure and can give you a breakdown if you like. It's basically from average known spending, so I think it is a fair assessment, but it's not a fixed number because there are many variables involved.) |
I'd be very interested in said breakdown. My preference is to obtain employment from outside Japan before I enter ... is that unrealistic? I did this before I came to Taiwan.
When were you planning to come?
I'd like to come over by the start of the next school year, i.e. April of 2012 ... If however something comes up which makes it possible to move to Japan "yesterday", I would of course not look a gift horse in the mouth. The only thing I don't really like about something like a "mid-year appointment" is that there may be more than a personal reason for the incumbant teacher to have left (i.e. a bad employer?)
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| ... I don't think I could adapt (easily) to a place like Tokyo. ... Kyoto may be big and beautiful ... Osaka is bigger potential. |
I'd love to live in Kyoto, but this is still very much a city (and very big at that). If I do get an opportunity there or perhaps Osaka, I'd count myself fortunate otherwise I would look forward to something very much countryside. Like I said, I have no problem living in a smaller place.
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| ... inadvertent law breaking are we talking about? ... a general warning ... be aware and beware of a few unscrupulous employers / Sell drugs or get drunk and disorderly or attack someone, etc./ I'm sure you will be here with the intentions of being a law-abiding person, so I really wouldn't worry about things like in Taiwan. Need to know about visa related stuff? Ask here. |
Yeah. I'm the boring kind - see my note on smoking/ alcohol, etc. I'm planning to stay in Japan, not visit. In my ten years in Taiwan I have not even gotten a speeding fine or parking ticket .... Don't do drugs, have never tried and don't intend to.
In Taiwan, the system works on a very specific basis although I'm sure there are exceptions, i.e. to obtain legal work (ELT) one needs to have a minimum of a B-degree (unrelated is fine) and be from an English speaking country such as Canada, the US, Britain, SA, etc. Then you do a health check (may be done in Taiwan) and if you pass this, you are allowed to apply for a work permit but not to work until said permit (as well as resident visa) is issued - the norm is that ALL schools make you work before this has been done - some larger cram chains even have you work for a month on your tourist visa before they apply for the work permit - of course completely illegal.
Thank you - any and all info you can pass along re the visa system will be welcome.
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| ... started the Hirigana yesterday (James Heisig) Yes, his is a quite popular choice. I don't usually give specific J language advice because everyone learns differently. Good luck on that one. |
I think you've picked up that I'm at that stage of my life where although I'm making a good/ comfortable living here in Taiwan, I need to find a place to "settle" where I could be comfortable in terms of the people, the country, the culture and especially the language. I know no country is perfect, but I'll gladly settle for Japan.
Be well. |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 7:13 am Post subject: |
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| felongtw wrote: |
| Quote: |
| ... infinite funds, but I understand. ... so plan carefully for finances and for potential job interviews and providing properly authenticated documents. (I've posted extensively on this figure and can give you a breakdown if you like. It's basically from average known spending, so I think it is a fair assessment, but it's not a fixed number because there are many variables involved.) |
I'd be very interested in said breakdown. |
I've cited these numbers for years now, and they can be substantiated as true averages in case you're wondering.
Average rent 50,000-80,000 yen/month [There will usually be key money involved if you rent on your own instead of taking second hand apartments from the employer. Key money can be 2-5 times a month's rent.]
Average utilities 15,000-20,000 yen/month
Average phone bill (with internet) 5000-8000 yen/month [Figure on an initial 10,000 yen setup charge for a cell phone, or 30,000 for a land line.]
Average groceries bill 30,000-50,000 yen/month
Insurance is roughly 2,000 yen/month in the first year, then tenfold subsequently (assuming you take on the kokumin kenko hoken version of national health insurance; otherwise if your employer is honest enough to offer shakai hoken, which also includes pension, and copays into it, you'll pay about 25,000/month from the start)
[quoe]My preference is to obtain employment from outside Japan before I enter ... is that unrealistic? I did this before I came to Taiwan.[/quote]Where are you right now? If it's your home country, then it's doable in the sense that there are roughly a dozen or so well-known employers who recruit from abroad, plus a handful of not-so-well-known ones that will recruit via Skype interviews.
If you are in Taiwan, you are in a tougher situation, as the vast majority of Japanese schools won't even be looking in your direction, and you'll either have to return home (certainly for the JET interview) or plan to visit here for interviews.
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When were you planning to come?
I'd like to come over by the start of the next school year, i.e. April of 2012 ... |
Ok, for jobs that start in April, you need to consider the following:
1. JET program. It recruits once a year, and deadlines for applications vary, but are towards the end of the calendar year.
2. ALT dispatchers. They need to line up people about 3-6 months before April. Look for the ads. Don't expect to be told where you are posted, though, until a couple of weeks before you arrive.
3. Eikaiwa. They hire just about anytime. Most ads seem to crop up in February and March.
| Quote: |
| If however something comes up which makes it possible to move to Japan "yesterday", I would of course not look a gift horse in the mouth. The only thing I don't really like about something like a "mid-year appointment" is that there may be more than a personal reason for the incumbant teacher to have left (i.e. a bad employer?) |
There may be good or bad reasons why an opening happens mid-year. Ask to contact current employees, and maybe they will tell you. If you are told you can't contact them, that's a real red flag to me.
| Quote: |
| In Taiwan, the system works on a very specific basis although I'm sure there are exceptions, i.e. to obtain legal work (ELT) one needs to have a minimum of a B-degree (unrelated is fine) and be from an English speaking country such as Canada, the US, Britain, SA, etc. Then you do a health check (may be done in Taiwan) and if you pass this, you are allowed to apply for a work permit but not to work until said permit (as well as resident visa) is issued - the norm is that ALL schools make you work before this has been done - some larger cram chains even have you work for a month on your tourist visa before they apply for the work permit - of course completely illegal. |
For visas in Japan, you need either a university degree or 3 years of related work experience (or eligibility for a working holiday visa). That's all. Employers may ask for more, and that's their prerogative. As far as I know, not many ask for any sort of health check.
Reasonable employers give you plenty of time to get your visa. |
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felongtw
Joined: 10 Apr 2011
Posts: 7
Location: Taiwan
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| Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 12:45 pm Post subject: |
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Glenski,
Thanks for your prompt update.
| felongtw wrote: |
| I'd be very interested in said breakdown. I've cited these numbers for years now, and they can be substantiated as true averages in case you're wondering.... |
Very interesting ... at the very least, it gives one something to consider - appreciated.
| Quote: |
My preference is to obtain employment from outside Japan before I enter ... is that unrealistic? I did this before I came to Taiwan.
Where are you right now? If it's your home country, then it's doable in the sense that there are roughly a dozen or so well-known employers who recruit from abroad, plus a handful of not-so-well-known ones that will recruit via Skype interviews.
If you are in Taiwan, you are in a tougher situation, as the vast majority of Japanese schools won't even be looking in your direction, and you'll either have to return home (certainly for the JET interview) or plan to visit here for interviews. |
I'm still in Taiwan (employed) and realize the need for a "visit" for the JET application/ interview. I'm willing to travel to Japan if at all practical but as you mention, hopefully there are those who will do a SKYPE interview as well.
| Quote: |
When were you planning to come?
I'd like to come over by the start of the next school year, i.e. April of 2012 ... Ok, for jobs that start in April, you need to consider the following:
1. JET program. It recruits once a year, and deadlines for applications vary, but are towards the end of the calendar year.
2. ALT dispatchers. They need to line up people about 3-6 months before April. Look for the ads. Don't expect to be told where you are posted, though, until a couple of weeks before you arrive.
3. Eikaiwa. They hire just about anytime. Most ads seem to crop up in February and March. |
Useful info - thanks and noted.
| Quote: |
| For visas in Japan, you need either a university degree or 3 years of related work experience (or eligibility for a working holiday visa). That's all. Employers may ask for more, and that's their prerogative. As far as I know, not many ask for any sort of health check. Reasonable employers give you plenty of time to get your visa. |
Sounds good and reasonable.
I'll register in the Japan forum and do a bit more research. Thanks again for helping - for some or other reason the foreign community here seems inclined to "avoid" one another ... perhaps just my experience. |
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MarkM
Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 55
Location: Lianyungang, China
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| Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 12:53 am Post subject: Re: Another "newbie" .... Japan anyone? |
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| felongtw wrote: |
| ... I therefore feel very hesitant about "going over to Japan and finding a job there ...." and hope for the best. ... |
Going there with Westgate to teach conversational English to university students for a semester would be an option for you. It would give you three months to find something, and you could renew the contract if you still haven't found a suitable long-term job by the end of the semester.
So which part of SA are you from? I am am from Jo'burg. |
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natsume
Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Posts: 409
Location: Chongqing, China
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| Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 3:53 am Post subject: |
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| Glenski wrote: |
JET program. It recruits once a year, and deadlines for applications vary, but are towards the end of the calendar year.
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Just to note, JET contracts are summer to summer, actually begining and ending in the middle of the school year.
I am an older JET, and have been told by teachers at my school that they specifically requested an older, male JET (the school is 80% boys). They wanted an adult with an established work ethic. It seems they had some issues with the two younger guys that preceded me. My school also had a British rugby coach who taught OC classes for eight years, and he was in his 50s the whole time, so that probably influenced their attitude towards age.
The median age in my prefecture is creeping up, as is the number of JETs who have some sort of QTS, so JET's attitudes toward age and qualifications may be shifting. |
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felongtw
Joined: 10 Apr 2011
Posts: 7
Location: Taiwan
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| Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 4:15 am Post subject: |
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Natsume! You have me VERY interested in MORE info. Am I asking too much for a possible "pm"??
| natsume wrote: |
| Glenski wrote: |
JET program. It recruits once a year, and deadlines for applications vary, but are towards the end of the calendar year.
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Just to note, JET contracts are summer to summer, actually begining and ending in the middle of the school year.
I am an older JET, and have been told by teachers at my school that they specifically requested an older, male JET (the school is 80% boys). They wanted an adult with an established work ethic. It seems they had some issues with the two younger guys that preceded me. My school also had a British rugby coach who taught OC classes for eight years, and he was in his 50s the whole time, so that probably influenced their attitude towards age.
The median age in my prefecture is creeping up, as is the number of JETs who have some sort of QTS, so JET's attitudes toward age and qualifications may be shifting. |
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felongtw
Joined: 10 Apr 2011
Posts: 7
Location: Taiwan
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| Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 5:05 am Post subject: Re: Another "newbie" .... Japan anyone? |
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| MarkM wrote: |
| felongtw wrote: |
| ... I therefore feel very hesitant about "going over to Japan and finding a job there ...." and hope for the best. ... |
Going there with Westgate to teach conversational English to university students for a semester would be an option for you. It would give you three months to find something, and you could renew the contract if you still haven't found a suitable long-term job by the end of the semester.
So which part of SA are you from? I am am from Jo'burg. |
Mark,
Thanks for the input.
Not really aware of who Westgate is and the setup? Perhaps you could forward me some more details or a web-address? Appreciate it though.
I'm from the Western cape, more specifically, I lived in Paarl for quite some time and then just outside of Stellenbosch before I left SA. You're in China now? |
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rtm
Joined: 13 Apr 2007
Posts: 1003
Location: US
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| Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 6:06 am Post subject: Re: Another "newbie" .... Japan anyone? |
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| felongtw wrote: |
| Not really aware of who Westgate is and the setup? Perhaps you could forward me some more details or a web-address? Appreciate it though. |
Here's where you should start:
http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&q=westgate+teach+in+japan
There are also many, many threads here about Westgate. |
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MarkM
Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 55
Location: Lianyungang, China
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| Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 8:09 am Post subject: Re: Another "newbie" .... Japan anyone? |
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| felongtw wrote: |
... Not really aware of who Westgate is and the setup? Perhaps you could forward me some more details or a web-address? Appreciate it though.
I'm from the Western cape, more specifically, I lived in Paarl for quite some time and then just outside of Stellenbosch before I left SA. You're in China now? |
The google link rtm provided is useful, especially the transitionsabroad article. Looks like a good way to get into Japan without committing for too long. It sounds like hard work, though, and apparently the application process is tedious.
Yes, I am in China now, and I am doing this at the back-end of my career. Worked for First National Bank in JHB for 15 years before emmigrating from SA to New Zealand in 1998. The kids have now left home and my recruitment business bit the dust in 2009. I retrained as a teacher, but I couldn't get a teaching job in NZ afterwards. So I decided to do the TESOL thing. It is ok but I really want to get into adult and business education when this contract finishes. |
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