Job Discussion Forums

[SahanRiddhi]

Please provide some information on teaching Japan. I am interested in doing this. Please reply promptly with some general ideas.

[Denizen]

SahanRiddhi,

Before you begin your post with a blanket 'help me' statement, you may want to spend some time perusing the Announcement and Sticky sections of the forum, particularly the FAQ sections. Many terrific and informative posts can be found there and I would surmise that there are answers to most of your questions within.

[SahanRiddhi]

Would have appreciated a more positive response. But hey, I guess some people have things going on within them, that cause this sort of reply.

Anyone with helpful information to add, please reply.

[rtm]

[Denizen]

SahanRiddhi,

My apologies for seeming to come across to you in a harsh way. My intention was to steer you towards researching the answers to your questions and to ask us for clarification or for answers that you might be confused about. As rtm has indicated, we're just not sure how to begin, and to cover all areas that might touch on your interests would make this thread humongous.

[Glenski]

You want a "prompt" reply, but have given us nothing to go on. This is pretty inconsiderate. What has your basic research already told you that we shouldn't repeat? What exactly is your goal for "teaching Japan [sic]?"

We can't give you "helpful information" unless we know what it is you want or need. That's positive!

[Ikki]

OP is a troll....

[SahanRiddhi]

[Denizen]

With all due respect, the fact that we're not providing you the step-by-step process and advice here should not be construed as rude. Rude is for you to make unreasonable expectations and to consider our advice to use some of you initiative to research answers to your questions as negative.

Search Function
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/search.php

How to find a job
- Look through the Jobs forum at the top of the page for current offers/check the websites at Interac, Westgate and ALTIA

What kinds of jobs
- Private school teachers/public school teachers/private lessons

How competitive
- Very, at present. The market in Japan is saturated, though those with higher degrees, experience, certifications, publications and language skills may have a better chance

Where to get a job
- Available all across Japan. If you like the countryside or urban sprawl, there's something for you, though many schools want you to be willing to go anywhere

How much they pay
- Monthly salaries range from 90,000 yen to 270,000 yen, on average. Private lessons may be had for around 3,000 yen/hr or thereabouts

Everyday life
- Riding trains, living in a small room, crowds, quick meals, dressing up, 12:00 curfew for trains home, patience and enthusiasm for the students, reviewing courseware and a strong desire to help students learn

[Glenski]

We do not look at your post as something "not worth our time". You just are not telling us the information you want. We also need some background information about you, too, or our advice could be worthless.

Please tell us your nationality and academic background (degree & major) and any teaching-related work experience.

As for the search function not working, that happens here. But have you looked at the 2 FAQ stickies at the top of the page? Here are the topics they include:

1. Where can I find information on visa?
2. Where can I find web sites that post teaching job ads?
3. Where can I find out what various abbreviations and acronyms mean in TEFL?
4. Where can I find information that describes housing in Japan?
5. What is the income tax situation in Japan?
6. What should I know about health insurance?
7. Are there any laws or organizations to protect my legal rights?
8. When is the best time of year to look for teaching jobs?
9. How can I send money home?
10. How can I get a university job?
11. Do I need a special teaching certificate or one of those TEFL or TESOL accreditations to get a teaching job?
12. What qualifications do I need to teach in Japan?
13. How much money can I make by teaching in Japan?
14. How can I get private lesson students?
15. What is the grammar test like at ECC or AEON?

As to your "specific" questions quoted from another poster, this is the best I can do to answer them.

How to find a job?
Assuming you are qualified, it sounds like you are eligible only for entry level work (ALT or eikaiwa). Finding the job means looking at web sites (see the FAQ) and newspapers (Metropolis, The Japan Times). If you can't come to Japan to interview, you are very limited. Where are you now?

What kinds of jobs exist?
Many, but what are you eligible for?

How competitive the jobs are?
Very, at all levels. Expect 20-100 people applying per opening, perhaps even more than that.

Where is a good place to get a job?
I don't understand the question. With the market as full as it is, it doesn't pay to be picky.

When to look for a job?
Depends on what type. Biggest hiring peak is for April starts. Eikaiwas hire more during Feb/March, and ALTs hire 3-6 months earlier.

What schools are like?
Too general a question. Be specific.

What students' English proficiency is like?
Very low in all areas (reading, writing, listening, speaking).

What materials students use?
Depends on the type of course (reading, listening, writing, speaking)

What students' motivation is like?
Very poor after junior high school.

How much do jobs pay?
Look at the ads on OhayoSensei.com or other site for examples. See the FAQ.

Everyday life.
Sorry, but your "question" here is far too general.

[G Cthulhu]

[SahanRiddhi]

Is there an "ignore" button on this forum? I know that for some people, a game of "yer-a-troll" is the highlight of any day. But I personally do not find it enthralling at all.

[SahanRiddhi]

Thanks for the info everyone. I think Japan is for me.

[Glenski]

If Japan is for you, then I look forward to hearing about your background and aspirations in future threads. Welcome.

[Denizen]

Good luck to you.