Job Discussion Forums

Butters · Joined: 22 Aug 2004 Posts: 9

Hi guys and gals,
I have made up my mind to head to Japan and do the ESL thing. I lived in South Korea for 2 years and in looking back I know there were a few things I could have done to make my life easier while abroad last time(network, network, network).
On that note, let the networking Begin!

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

Ok, so what kind of teaching work are you interested in?
What locations?
What are your qualifications, age, and nationality?
What are your goals long-term?
Where are you now?

chi-chi- · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 194 Location: In la-la land

Parlez-vous Francais? Laughing

Butters · Joined: 22 Aug 2004 Posts: 9

I am a 27 year old Canadian male and I am in Canada (east coast). I hold a B.A. and I taught ESL in South Korea for 2 years. I really loved working with young learners so that's where I feel I would be happy and effective. I'd like to work for perhaps another 2-3 years and then I'll go back to school. I will be a Gaijin Newbie and I don't know *beep* from shinola about the schools, locations, jobs or culture. This site seemed like it could help me gather information and help me find people who are in Japan already. It may take a while but I'll slowly put a better picture together in my head:)

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

If you want to learn about teaching here I would suggest you look at the relevant links on http://www.eltnews.com on Teaching English in Japan and the FAQS on http://www.teachinginjapan.com

Daves is OK but these sites are more Japan-specific and should answer most of your initial questions. Before Glenski beats me to the punch, you are only really qualified for language school conversation jobs so the only question that remains is whether you want to find a job from Canada or come to japan to look for work. A few companies hire in Canada but here you have more choices. most online job ads demand you are a japan resident with a valid work visa.

Where you live depends on your personal preferences, climate and your outside interests e.g. do you prefer skiing or scuba diving? mountain climbing or fishing? Do you want a big city like tokyo or Osaka or a one-gaijin hamlet in Shikoku?

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Butters · Joined: 22 Aug 2004 Posts: 9

Language school conversation jobs are indeed what I was expecting. I think I'll be finding my job in Canada and before I leave since I am a newbie and all. I know I may be limiting myself but for the 1st year I just want a foot in the door.
Thank you for the links and reply.

P.s. I was in Osaka for 1/2 a day (visa run) in 2002. Here is a lil something you can lord over the South Korea ESLers. The Osaka McDonalds has Canada Dry Gingerale, but in all the Korean McDonalds locations I ordered from...not a drop of the stuff.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

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

Aside from everything Paul has written, you should consider getting a working holiday visa. It will be good for only a year, but since you have a bachelor's degree, you could probably convert that to a regular work visa after you are here and find a job to sponsor you for it. The working holiday visa does not require that, and you can start work immediately.

Of course, you'll have to support yourself while you job hunt. Can you bring over US$4000 to tide you over for a couple of months?

Check out those links Paul mentioned, and if you haven't already done it, read the FAQ here.