Job Discussion Forums

ssjup81 · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 12:25 am Post subject:

The jobs really aren't too limited, probably because it's March and most jobs that hire those from overseas have probably already had the positions filled. I notice that the jobs I interviewed for with James English School aren't up anymore...surprising.

Anyway, for those other companies, you would be better off doing a quick search on the site for threads regarding those other companies to learn the pros and cons of them.

I worked for Heart English School for April 2010 - March 2011. The BoE, though dropped Heart from the area and replaced them with JETs. Anyway, I enjoyed the school I was assigned to and the people. As for the company itself, the pay could've been way better (but I managed). I also wish that the whole, "come over on a tourist visa and do a change of status" thing wasn't encouraged.

As for James English School, which is an eikaiwa (English Language School), sounds like a nice deal. I've always wanted to work there. I missed out this year, though and also last year since I came home and they didn't have openings in the Yamagata area (that was my preference). When they called me this year to interview with them (the second one), I turned it down because I accepted a job elsewhere. I do know some who works there (and some on this board) and seems what it said on the site can be taken to heart. The only thing, though is that I would advise for you to not even bother with this place since JES have schools in the Tohoku region.

The rest of the jobs, not sure what to say about them.

sam.ye · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 17

Oh no no I was just wondering if there more more semi-big companies out there other than the ones listed on that site I linke you to. At the moment, I don't eve know who company names to put into the search box of the forum haha

Also, is there mid-year intake of teachers by schools?

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

sam.ye · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 17

oh so it's a guaranteed renewal? As long as i haven't done something drastically wrong.

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

As mentioned, Aussies get special treatment with three 6-month WHV stints, but you won't find that on any official documentation. And, no, nothing is ever guaranteed for renewals.

Want travel cost info? Use www.hyperdia.com for rough info. If you don't have money now, I'd say you will be pretty bad off to travel.

There are 2 "best times" to look for work. Feb/March is open for many types of jobs, including most eikaiwa. ALT work is advertised in November or December, but it starts in April with the beginning of the academic year here. You might also find the occasional opening any time of year, but it depends on what you want.

Don't expect all employers to take WHV holders. Also, if the employer goes by the law, you can expect 20% to be taken out of your paycheck.

What do you consider "reasonable hours"? Beggars can't be choosers, and part-time work can be just about any time of day or any day of the week.

Don't ask what eikaiwas there are here. There are hundreds or thousands. Do some basic research. Lots of web sites have the info. Start with OhayoSensei.com and go from there. To say "Jobs in Japan seem to be limited" only shows you have not looked around.

Direct hires in public schools are more often for people with work visas, not WHV, and those types of jobs usually require teaching experience and contacts who can vouch for your teaching experience in Japan.

"Mid-year" intake for eikaiwas is common, although the peak is in March for April starts.

OneJoelFifty · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 463

I think Apsara mentioned something worth thinking about. You could come over at the start of the year and work at a ski resort, something you might be able to sort out before you arrive. I have friends that have done that, and it's a great deal if you enjoy skiing and snowboarding. But even if you don't, you might be able to land a job with accommodation thrown in, then doing bar work or manning the lifts means you can save a lot of money. There's not a lot to spend it on when you're there. Then you could head to Osaka in a better financial position, perhaps with a couple of interviews already scheduled, or even try and get a couple while you're working at the resort.

sam.ye · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 17

Sorry I didn't mean to say it's limited in general. Just on this forum's job board, jobs in Japan don't seem to be abundant. I'll actually be in Osaka next week for the 3 weeks. Is it acceptable practise to just walk into an eikaiwas school's office and hand in my resume/cover letter? If so I might do that during my visit there.

By reasonable hours I mean, I'm not working working 12 hours a day.

ssjup81 · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 5:35 am Post subject:

Tsian · Joined: 10 Jan 2012 Posts: 85

The WH visa, as others have pointed out, is designed for a long-term holiday.

That said, you aren't likely to have your credentials checked or work refused because you are on a WH visa -- especially were you to work at a smaller language school.

It is also, in general, possible to change WH visas into other types, though.

I seem to recall that you need to have ~$5000 in funds secured before coming.

In terms of the renewal, it is a fairly simple process and can be done up to 3 months before the expiry of your current visa... just entails filling out a form and paying the fee.

Generally speaking, if you aren't too picky (and are looking for part time work) I think you will have the best chance to start looking once you are in the country.

sam.ye · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 17

The money in my account is not an issue. I just can't spend that money because I'll have to return that amount to my parents when I no longer need it there to qualify for the WHV. What visa can i move onto from the WHV?

I just called the Japanese embassy in Australia, and I was not told that I can upgrade my visa after obtaining a WHV. They also stated that it is not a governmenr requirement to have a degree in order to obtain the working visa. I was told that as long as my employer is willing sign a contract with me without requiring a degree then by all means the government will issue me with a working visa. So if I'm able to convince a smaller company to sign a contract with me, then I'm all set?

So it is ok to just go into the offices to deliver my resume? It's common practise in Australia, not sure if it is ok in Japan

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

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

I would say that just showing up at an eikaiwa without a preliminary call or email is rude in the Japanese eyes. If you insist, be prepared to face receptionists who don't speak much English (yes, even in an eikaiwa) and you'd better be dressed well and groomed. You might not see anyone in authority there if you go without an appointment.

You can switch to any work visa you like in Japan as long as you meet the requirements. Process might take 2-8 weeks, though.

sam.ye · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 17

I'm quite happy not to directly contact them. So i guess that saves me the trouble. Guess I'll just mass send applications for the week in the hope to get some sort of interview by the time I'm there for my short holiday haha.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 6:33 pm Post subject:

sam.ye · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 17

So I called up my embassy again, and it seems like they think differently to us. They consider the Certificate of Eligibility as a different thing to the Visa. The requirements you all talk about are requirements of the CoE, but the visa requires a CoE. So therefore, when I asked what the requirements of obtain a visa are, they said a degree is not required. Even for a CoE, depending on where I want to work in, I may not need a degree to obtain a CoE.

Here is a direct quote of the criteria from the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act