Job Discussion Forums

[americanmom]

I've read countless missives on this website about places NOT to go and employers NOT to work for, but those of you who list Japan as your place of residence, are obviously working for SOMEBODY! As a novice to this game, kindly share the pros and cons of your current employer as well as any past companies you've worked for. I'm seriously considering pulling up stakes here in the northwest so that my horizons may be broadened and I seem to be gravitating toward teaching in Japan. I'm still looking for the "best" school to get my TEFL certification and any tidbits in that respect would be kindly regarded. I'm a Libra, people, I research stuff to death before making the leap - I need your help! Thanks. Incidentally, it's raining right now in Portland - what a surprise, huh?

[lajzar]

Most people aren't going to identify themselves like this. At some point, we may have already, or may in the future, say something derogatory about our employers, and it would be foolish to say something that our employers could use against us.

Employers read these forums too you know.

[blue jay]

I won't say specifically who I worked for when I was living in Japan for the reasons posted by lajzar even though I no longer work there, out of respect to my former employers. But these are schools I've heard have good reputations (others may disagree which is fine with me):

in alphabetical order:

AEON
American Language School (ALS)
Britannica (may no longer exist?)
ECC
NCB

Ps.
I'm Pisces, I live in Vancouver & it's raining here too!
We need the rain after a long heat wave & worry about forest fires!
I've heard from Japanese friends that it's hot & humid in Osaka these days.

Where do you want to work in Japan? Are you interested in the Kansai area? I would definately recommend Kobe, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka as great cities to live in or live near.

Not sure where would be a good place for you to take your TEFL in Portland. But do you have your BA? Just wondering...

When I went to Japan to teach I had my BA & some experience teaching English in Mexico. I didn't get my TESL Certificate until after I came back from Japan, but only because I was considering teaching in Europe. I found the TESL Certificate more helpful for teaching ESL in Canada actually, along with the experience teaching English in Mexico & Japan.

[denise]

I agree with lajzar. We never know who might be reading! I mentioned my school once, and I regret having done so because somebody remembers it!

You could do what others have done--if you're looking into a specific school, post a question about it. If people don't feel comfortable replying here, they can still PM you.

I'm a Libra, too, and I also research everything to death! Oh, why can't we be a more spontaneous sign?

d

[Glenski]

I used to work for a place that no longer sponsors visas and that currently hires only PT teachers. At present, their roster is full, so it would be useless to list them.

I currently work at a private high school, and for reasons of confidentiality, it'd be better if I didn't list their name. Besides, they have already finished their hiring process for 2005.

[PAULH]

[Gordon]

I also will not give the name of my school on this board. One or two of you know and that is good enough. I want to speak my mind on this forum and do not want to worry if something I say will make its way to my employer. I understand if you have a bad experience and want to share with others. You probably wouldn't use them as a reference anyways.

[madeira]

If you have the time, I`d recommend Vancouver Community College for a TESOL diploma. I`m not sure how much it costs for international students, though.

It`s not a short course. Even the `Summer Intensive` takes more than just a summer. (You have to complete the practicum in the fall, and there`s lots of electives to do.)

As far as work goes, I worked at GEOS for 4 years full-time, and now work there part-time in e-learning. There`s lots of good things about the job: your own classroom, pretty decent texts, loads of supplementary materials, motivated students. There ARE opportunities to advance or transfer to other countries/divisions/areas in Japan. If you`re qualified, GEOS also teaches other languages. (I think NOVA does, too...)

The money is average, and the bonuses are smallish. You are expected to do some socializing after class with the students, but sometimes you get paid for it. (O-hanami, Halloween, Christmas parties...)

The teaching schedules can be brutal... and some schools have kids classes. I need a long break now... like maybe a year or two... I am burnt out. Lots of my friends/co-workers have been there for much longer than me, and are still going strong, though.

Oh, if you don`t want your GEOS apartment, moving out is no problem. They just want one month`s notice. AEON has cheaper apartments, but I`ve heard you still have to pay even if you don`t live there.

Anyhoo, just my 2 yen!

[worldwidealive]

That's why you always here people blasting the big schools - you are just a number and it is easy to blend in. Saying I work for Nova, AEON, etc. in Tokyo hardly makes you known. Plus, the turnover rates are high enough that there are plenty of disgruntled past employees to bi*ch.

WWA

[TokyoLiz]

I'll second what Madeira says - the quality of Vancouver Community College's TESOL program is first rate. The instructors are knowledgeable and present practical methods of teaching ESL/EFL.

The agent who represents me hires only within Japan. There are a few out there that keep their eyes out for former JET participants and people changing jobs or reentering the teaching field.

[canuck]

[madeira]

The VCC TESOL program doesn`t make you any more money in Japan, (although NOVA offered me more than their regular salary) BUT it qualifies you to work in public schools in Canada teaching ESL. I don`t think the shorter programs do. (Especially if they`re EFL.)

So, there`s a Plan B if Asia doesn`t work out.

My rationale for taking VCC`s course was: The tuition is the same or less than the short courses. I paid about $2000. CAD for over three months of schooling. I figured I`d learn more and remember more with a longer course. Also, the tax deductions are bigger for full-time study!

The teachers are mostly well-known in the field, and you work with a number of them.

If you`re on the Canada Ski Team (EI), they`ll sometimes let you keep receiving benefits while you take the course. I didn`t get approved, but some of my classmates did. (EI for some reason would only approve management courses for me...)

There`s lots of courses out there... and CELTA is more recognized in Europe. It all comes down to your teaching goals and the time you have now. If your goal is simply a year in Japan/Korea, etc. you don`t NEED any training. (I taught without training before, though... and boy did I feel lost.)

If you eventually want to work in High Schools, the VCC diploma is a decent start. If you want Uni work, go get your Masters. Then your Phd.

As far as agents go, a lot of public and private schools go through them... they don`t hire directly.

[americanmom]

My apologies to all of you for asking such a loaded question ... (sitting here red-faced) I guess when I posted the question, I hadn't thought that employers would actually read the correspondence on this site. Hmmmmmmm ... Well, as I'm sure you've heard it said before, it's good to learn at least one new thing every day. 'Course the trick is remembering it after you've learned it! Anyway, I truly appreciate all of your responses. In answer to one of you, yes, I do have a B.S. (Social and Behavioral Sciences). I've been a legal assistant for the last 12 years and have done secretarial work most of my adult life. I've raised two children who are now on their own. This is probably more than you want to know, but a great deal of my self-identity comes from the relationships I have with my children - I'm not ashamed to admit it: I'm a mom first and whatever else, second. Both of them have encouraged me wholeheartedly to teach - for some reason, they both believe I'd be a great teacher. It's good to have your children's blessing.

I have one more question and I'll use just use this forum: if you had it to do ALL OVER AGAIN, would you have chosen Japan or would you have gone another direction - say, Europe, China, Thailand, Mexico, Latin or South America ??? Just interested ...

[Glenski]

Where in the northwest are you? I got a TESL certification from the Washington Academy of Languages in Seattle. It is offered through the Seattle Pacific University campus.

[BenJ]

I wouldn't have come to Japan given magical powers to go back in time, but I feel I've learnt a lot, seen a lot and done a lot here regardless.