Job Discussion Forums

MBee · Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 68

Hi everybody,

I'm looking to teach in Japan with a start date of mid to late May. I know April is when Spring semesters seem to start...what are the chances of getting hired for a job and starting around mid-May (I'll be applying from abroad)? What recruiters/companies could I look in to, if there are any?

Just FYI: I will have a TEFL cert. by March, 4 years college teaching experience, an MA in Geography, and 1 year exp. TEFLing in Indonesia (at a public high school).

Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time. Hope you're having a great night, wherever you are in the world!

Very Happy

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

I wouldn't count on any ALT jobs then. As you've surmised, most jobs will already have been taken. Look for eikaiwa, but since you aren't going to be here physically, you won't have that many choices. Only a few do interviews outside Japan. Some will do Skype, but that has its disadvantages, too.

OneJoelFifty · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 463

You might be able to get yourself placed on a reserve list with a dispatch company, at which point you'll be called on to replace someone who decided they didn't fancy the job. Which might mean their school, location, apartment or whatever is awful. I wouldn't count on getting anything.

Some companies also place ALTs in August/September, you might be better off applying with that in mind. Save some more money in the meantime.

Ryu Hayabusa · Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 182

Altia Central had Kashiwara City jobs last year in Osaka prefecture that were May-Dec ES and JHS ALT positions. They will probably get the contract again this year. It's probably too late for overseas hires but it won't hurt to apply.

Interac had positions that started in May/June in 2011 and 2012. Those were mainly in Kansai but they probably had positions elsewhere. Not sure about this year. But check them out and apply anyway. In my experience, for overseas hiring it's best to apply in December/January.

Good luck!

gr3ndel · Joined: 15 Jan 2013 Posts: 2 Location: USA

Earlier this month I got a job with AEON that begins in mid-May. Good luck with your search!

ETA: I interviewed in the US.