Job Discussion Forums

nawlinsgurl · Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 8:54 am Post subject: What do you think of this?

Hey everyone! I'm back again...with another question, specifically for those who know about NOVA practices/policies.

I aplied for my passport in May. I have not received it back as of yet, but the passport people have received it from my end. Nova sent me a letter in the mail saying that b/c all my paperwork wasn't in by the deadline (ie, passport to get my visa) that my departure date has been pushed from Sept to Jan. The letter added that they still want me to teach with them, but I have to wait until Jan. Not only does this pose some major problems for me, but the "true meaning" of the letter boggles me. Do I really still have the job or is this a trick? Am I reading to deep into it?

And does anyone know why the Passport people (I think it is Natl immigration and Passport Office, correct name) have a bootleg phone system? When I call it says "We are experiencing high call volume, please try your call later" and hangs up!!! Confused

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Fwiw, a friend worked at Nova and before the first week was over he had decided to find another job and did.

I wouldn't plan my life around McNova.

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

I'm not responding about Nova. I'm responding because I'm in shock that it took you so long to get a passport in the US. It's been a while since I got my passport but I'm positive I got it within two weeks. I think it was less than one. Is this delay 9/11 related or is Georgia just really inefficient?

As for Nova tell them that you really want to work for them, but that sooner is better than later. In the mean time pursue other and better options, and take the time to get a certificate like Celta if you haven't got one. People say that you don't need one in Japan, but it will put your name near the top of the resume stack if you apply to a school outside the big four. I also see it requested by name a lot on Ohayo Sensei.

melirae · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 145 Location: Korea

It's not GA that's inefficient, it's New Orleans Smile

(that's where the passports for the southeastern US are processed). Do you think you have the delay, Kelsey, because of your marriage and name change? That's what I'm guessing may have caused the hold up.

Knowing a little more about your situation than you've posted here since we've been emailing outside the board, I think you really do have the job; it's just going to take them until January to get your paperwork in order since they don't have everything they need for your COE yet. I sent in everything to them April 15th and I finally got my COE July 7th.

If you really want to come, I would say keep the NOVA offer on your plate, but go with Guest's advice and seek out other things that can get you over sooner and see what turns up. Maybe a smaller school processes the paperwork for your visa faster than NOVA who probably does it in big batches. You'll make it over somehow!! Very Happy

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 1:59 pm Post subject:

Do yourself and the Japanese people a favour. Don't choose Nova. They are a ruthless, deceitful, totalitarian and money-grabbing organisation whose 'mission statement' probably reads:

(1) Screw the staff - there's plenty more where they came from.
(1) Screw the customers - there's plenty more where they came from and they don' know any better anyway.

If you don't believe me now, you will later.

Best of Luck

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

1. It's too late for you, but other people who are in this situation (applying for a passport) may have it expedited for an additional fee. That's what I did when changing my juvenille passport to an adult one before going to Korea, and the job wanted me there yesterday.
2. GO WITH NOVA. You can find another job upon arrival. Yes, Nova has a bad rep. However, there are many schools these days that find it "very difficult to sponsor a visa" and will ask you to work illegally, stringing you along with a visa like it's a damned carrot. *beep* that. Go with NOVA. So what if you use them? There are many more schools waiting to use you, trust me, and Japan's an expensive country in which to get lied to.

nawlinsgurl · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 6:34 am Post subject: ok

Hello everyone...
I got a reply email today stating my passport was shipped on July 20 Today!) from New Orleans...geez if I knew it was coming form there I would have picked the shit up myself. Mad

What a coincidence that it was shipped the DAY after I called/emailed the people about it!!!! Rolling Eyes

Anyways I am planning on taking everyone's advice and working at Nova til I hate it or find something better.
Questions:
1. Anyone know of a good Celta online course?
2. Melarie are you in Japan yet?

Thanks

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

Actually my advice was to tell Nova you still wanted to work for them so you have a back up plan and in the meantime look for something else.

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

melirae · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 145 Location: Korea

There is an online TEFL course- only 40 hours- that's offered by i-to-i for around $300 that sounds pretty good. It doesn't qualify you for a pay increase with NOVA though- they want the 120 hr one that Paul referred to above with the observation.

I'm leaving ATL on Sept 1st, so I'll be in Japan soon! Anyone flying through Detroit into KIX on Northwest (FLT #69) on Sept 1st?