Job Discussion Forums

[nijdis]

Hello, I am a 24 year old recent college grad who is doing some research into ESL teaching in Japan. To wit, I have some questions I'd like to ask that I am sure have been asked time and time again. I apologize if I bore anyone with the same tired old questions. I would post this in the newbie section, but since I am specifically asking about Japan, I thought this would be a more appropriate forum.

Question #1: Which certificate is the most recognized in Japan? From what has been said, it seems that any generic TEFL cert will do (As I live in Connecticut USA, I've been taking a look at the Boston Institute's International TEFL Certificate), but if there is one that will be better received in Japan, which would it be?

Question #2: I've seen so many horror stories regarding eikawa schools such as GABA, NOVA, etc. It almost seems as if they are the butt of the joke for ESL. Is this a misconception? If not, which company proivdes best for both student and teacher (meaning training, pay, bonuses, support, etc.)? Is one more respectable than the other? I've heard good things about AEON, but would it be more to my advantage to apply directly to a Japanese school system, or though an American University (such as the Institute for Education on Japan of Earlham College)

Question #3: How will money work in Japan? More specifically, how would I go about setting up a new bank account? Will I be able to use my American Credit card (Visa)? Should I use another credit card? Should I wait until I go to Japan? Furthermore, how much in cash should I carry?

Question #4: How active is the ESL community? Do you all look out for each other or is it sink or swim?

Question #5: For a first timer, would it more productive to go to a major city, or more on that outskirts? Does it matter?

Question #6: I suppose this is more of a personal item. For those who have more experience in doing this, I ask this of you: Has it been worth it? Have you enjoyed yourselves in Japan and has it been good to you?

I thank all in advance who read my inquiries and took the time to answer them, to you I am grateful.

[Glenski]

Question #1: Which certificate is the most recognized in Japan?
Any will do, but you don't need one to teach or to get a teaching job.

Question #2: I've seen so many horror stories regarding eikawa schools such as GABA, NOVA, etc. It almost seems as if they are the butt of the joke for ESL. Is this a misconception? If not, which company proivdes best for both student and teacher (meaning training, pay, bonuses, support, etc.)? Is one more respectable than the other?
Very difficult to answer because there are thousands of eikaiwas. If you want to pin down your selections a bit, we can help, perhaps. For example, if you say which of the Big Four is best...
Bear in mind, too, that these "horror stories" are often real, and that they are often written because the people who come here have absolutely no experience working/teaching/living abroad. There ARE some real bad outfits to work for. It is often easier to name those than to say which one is best.
Pay is about the same for eikaiwas. NOVA is known to offer the least vacation time. AEON helps the most with housing costs, but they don't allow couples to live together. Many provide end of contract bonuses. VERY FEW pay airfare, but the bonuses may make up for that.

Question #3: How will money work in Japan? More specifically, how would I go about setting up a new bank account? Will I be able to use my American Credit card (Visa)? Should I use another credit card? Should I wait until I go to Japan? Furthermore, how much in cash should I carry?
Your company/school usually sets up your bank account for you so they can pay you through direct deposit. You can have all of your utilities paid this way, too, or you can pay them yourself with cash at most convenience stores. Your American VISA card will probably work, but like situations even in the USA, not all stores take it. Don't count on it working here all the time, especially in small towns. And, you have to consider the fees and exchange rates when you use it. How much cash you should carry? Do you mean how much to bring here, or how much to carry around daily? Bring USD4000, and I suggest doing so in travelers cheques. Pocket money is up to you, but you can feel safe carrying the equivalent of a few hundred dollars. You won't need it, though.

Question #4: How active is the ESL community? Do you all look out for each other or is it sink or swim?
It is usually sink or swim, in my opinion. Depending on your school/company, your co-workers may be friendly or loners. You may not even HAVE foreign co-workers! You can join the teachers union, too. What sort of things did you hope for to "look out for each other"?

Question #5: For a first timer, would it more productive to go to a major city, or more on that outskirts? Does it matter?
This is an entirely individual decision, of course, but you have to give a little more background to answer it. For example, are you fairly independent? How much Japanese do you know? Are you willing to live where there are no foreigners or English? How much have you lived away from your friends and family? What kind of personal life support system to you really need? Yes, it matters! Some people experience severe culture shock here, and in my opinion most of it stems from not being prepared for what they are about to face.

Question #6: I suppose this is more of a personal item. For those who have more experience in doing this, I ask this of you: Has it been worth it? Have you enjoyed yourselves in Japan and has it been good to you?
For me, absolutely yes. Of course, this is the third time I have been here (first time was for different work, second time was for solo vacation), so I was very prepared. I started with a nice job in a nice city, and I have moved up in salary and benefits, plus I got married here.

[PAULH]

[nijdis]

Thank you for replying . . .

Well, Glenski, I suppose I am refering to "the big four". AEON, NOVA, GEOS, etc. My fear is that I would be running with a company that has poor reputation (e.g. teachers who don't get paid regularly or at all, provide no training, etc.) I only ask about this because of some stories regarding GABA and a few others.
As far a why respectability is so important PaulH, I would figure this would be an important attribute of a good company. Is it a company laughed at by its own workers or even hated? Would Japanese student prefer to take courses provided by one company over another?
As a side note, I think its funny the reputation of the wet-behind-the-ears have received. I suppose then that the most important attribute a newbie needs is a solid work ethic. Thats good to know.

In repsonse to what I mean by the EFL (thanks PaulH, I didn't realize my faux pas) community supporting one another, let me rephrase: once I do get to Japan, can I rely on other workers to help out if I have questions. ESL Cafe is testament to support from the community to be sure, I was just curious to know the environment of teacher relations within a given company.

Thanks again for being so kind and helpful.