Job Discussion Forums

T-Bomb · Joined: 04 Aug 2015 Posts: 10

Hi Im currently going through the Westgate interview process- I'm at the 3 stage awaiting on an offer by email..I know it takes a while, but I really like the way it is set up as Im a Japan-noob though Ive taught elsewhere. So my question is are there any other options for teaching in Japan with the same soft landing that Westgate offers. I really want to go with them but obviously I cant leave all my eggs in one bask|et. I have a Masters in Communication, Bachelors in Communication, TESOL cert and over 1500 hours of teaching ESL, so Im kinda confident I will fit the Westgate criteria; but if anyone has any inside info or knows of anyone reputable that is hiring please let me know. Thanks in advance for your wealth of knowledge Wink

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

I think Westgate is an okay way in.. The other main recruiters are the chain schools like Aeon, Geos, what is left of Nova, and Berlitz.

There is the Jet program as well..

Rooster. · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 247

Nemu_Yoake · Joined: 02 Aug 2015 Posts: 47 Location: Iwate

T-Bomb · Joined: 04 Aug 2015 Posts: 10

Ideally I would like to secure a long term agreement. I know Westgate is the obvious "foot in the door" agency as a means of getting into Japan for a quick-fire seasonal run, but being a Japan noob and having only been approached initially by Westgate I can see the danger of putting all my eggs in one basket especially as they take a lifetime to reply or update application progress. I'm not picky regarding student age; I have taught from 0-18 years in a kindergarten and Foreign Language Boarding School environment. I would like to think there are options other than a single agency, and of course I'm yet to know if the Westgate app has been successful.. I would be happy to converse with a foreign teacher in Japan with a view to securing a direct mode of hiring or possibly replacing them if applicable.

Nemu_Yoake · Joined: 02 Aug 2015 Posts: 47 Location: Iwate

I think it'll be very difficult for you to be directly hired if you know nobody in Japan...

T-Bomb · Joined: 04 Aug 2015 Posts: 10

ummm... yeah....hence this thread.

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Direct hire jobs aren't available until you're already carrying a visa and have a handle on the language and culture.

T-Bomb · Joined: 04 Aug 2015 Posts: 10

Sydney · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2015 1:37 pm Post subject:

I have worked for JET, Westgate and Interac. JET is by far the best, there is no question. In my experience, and this was more than seven years ago, the Westgate people will tell you ANYTHING they think you want to hear, but they will later deny what they promised you. Their promises have no meaning at all. Interac is year-by-year lowering the wages and vacation time and increasing work hours. Avoid Westgate and Interac if at all possible.

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

With Westgate you must wear a suit, could live in their apartment,
and you can have a bad commute. I think the contracts are short.
Depending on what you want it could be a start.
Some people do like working for them.

I knew a teacher who worked for them. Later he worked at a junior high
and got sick of it and left Japan at the end of his contract.
So for him, Westgate was better. I think he had university students.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

Every day you have to wear it at Westgate.
Most places don't care but sometimes it is needed.

Even now at my present job a suit is needed rarely.

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

At Berlitz teachers have to dress up.
At university I would wear a suit a few times a year.
At high school I don't even wear a tie, except on certain days.