Job Discussion Forums

[kylamarie]

Hi everyone!

So, this is my first post, but I've been reading many of the threads here over the past couple weeks. While much of the information is helpful, a lot is, well, vague. I know that an individual's experience with a company can vary hugely based on where they are placed as well as their attitude toward the program. I would like to know what company or companies would be the best for me to pursue and eventually apply for.

Here are a few things about me that might be helpful to know:

- I'm going into my 3rd year of a BA, honouring in English
- I have TESOL certification
- I've had two Japanese exchange students live with me, each for a year
- I volunteer at my local High School doing ESL lessons twice a week, and have done so for 3 1/2 years
- I am in the process of learning Japanese
- I plan to teach ESL long term

I've heard that JET is the best option for Japan, but are there any others that would be worth looking into? I feel as though I might not be qualified enough for JET's standards, but don't want to settle with an unreliable company. Is Japan even my best option? I feel the most comfortable with Japanese culture, but Korea has a lower cost of living, and my long-term boyfriend is fluent in Cantonese (he also has a degree in Accounting and hopes to get work if/when we go abroad), so Hong Kong might be an option. Furthermore, my aunt and uncle are a superintendent and educational advisor, respectively, in the United Arab Emirates; therefore, I could get work there, but it would be a last resort.

Sorry for the long message. Any advice? I'm feeling pretty conflicted at this point...

[RustyShackleford]

Either way. It's all irrelevant until you get your BA in your hand. Japan will probably involve the least jerking around and JET will treat especially well. Your qualifications would be more than enough to earn you an interview especially given I went over on it with practically zero ESL qualifications.

Korea was pretty nice in my brief vacation there lifestyle-wise but my buddy teaching ESL seems to have been thrown one raw deal after another by his companies (never mind that they own your right to work there). Don't know anything about Hong Kong but if your boyfriend can find a good job there and you can supplement your income on teaching well more power to you. The fact that you have family in high-level positions in a high-paying place like UAE is a great fallback plan too.

Overall, the fact that you're asking shows that you're thinking but I wouldn't start worrying until graduation day comes.

[Rooster.]

I disagree with your last statement. I would make sure that you have everything in line so that when you do have your diploma that you will be ready. You can also still apply for jobs before you get you diploma anyway just as long as you will have it by a certain time.

Great name by the way.

[HungryteacherY]

"teach ESL long term"

Madness! This. Is. Japan!!

*kicks OP into pit*

"I feel comfortable with J-culture"

This is because....you have lived in Japan previously?

"I've heard that JET is the best option for Japan, but are there any others that would be worth looking into?"

it is the best in terms of not getting exploited, terrible in terms of competition and speed of getting hired. I have read they are tripling the number of teachers for JET next year so it'll take a while for that to materialize. Outside of JET it is bad but survivable.


If this is really what you want to do I'd start planning and applying for jobs now. Most employers will not want to touch you if you live outside of Japan. Either you start applying now or move to Japan and apply. The latter is less time consuming. I hope you can save 3~4000USD on top of your flight tickets to Japan.

[kah5217]

I think Japanese media in the US needs to be less big eyes, crazy hair, and samurai; and more shoes off at the door, put the money in the tray, laundry hanging outside, squatty potties at work/super toilets at home, and apologize for everything.

Most of the companies try to weed out the long-termers, but it's quite possible to company hop until you build up the CV for direct hire.

[eledoremassis02]