Job Discussion Forums

[derekorourke]

Hey guys,
I'm looking for something to keep me busy for the period of early-mid September to early-mid December (2004). Will consider jobs of two or three month length. I have two and a half years ESL teaching experience (institute and camps), teaching all ages, all levels, all kinds of behaviour, and a BA in Media and Cultural Studies (I know....).
I've been to Japan a bunch of times (but never worked there), speak Japanese at a basic level, love Japanese food and will have no problem fitting in...
I'm Irish, hard-working, I don't often complain. Don't have phone number right now, as I've been on the move, but you can email me at [email protected]....
Looking forwad to hearing from you....
Cheers,
Derek O'Rourke

[Glenski]

Contact Westgate Corporation. They are about the only outfit that hires for 3-4 month periods. Everyone else hires for year-long contracts.

I don't know their recruiting schedule at the moment, but unless you have a visa already in hand, you are probably out of luck at this late stage.

[chitownesl]

Oh boy, here comes Mike L. ready to bash and bemoan the 'evils' of Westgate and the short term contracts. Sigh....

[Mike L.]

[Ludwig]

I have never heard of anyone ever securing a three-month visa for TEFL in Japan. Has anyone else? I certainly never heard of such a thing during my time there.

[Big Chris]

Tough call,

If this is true I would love to learn more about the procedure as I have several ESL certifications but no degree and would be happy to teach for a short period of time.

[Glenski]

Big Chris,

What is your visa status? No degree means no work visa unless you can prove several years of related work experience.

There are other visa options that don't require a degree, but this has been mentioned countless times before. Inform us first, and it'll be easier to direct you to some route, if there is one.

nationality
age
current visa status
marital status (and to what nationality)

[Big Chris]

I hold a TESOL, National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) certificate in 3 different sports. All of which are one year programs coupled with a year of practical experience in each sport working preferably with children. (Meaning you can't join a beer league softball or hockey team for a season and call it coaching.)

I also have seven years of teaching and coaching experience with students and athletes of all ages and almost every skill level imaginable as well.

I have heard in the past that you can add up a number or certifications if they equate to four years and be able to obtain a visa. (Not everything is cut and dried as people do seek alternative educations that fit their profession and trade.)

[J.]

Derek:

You sound well qualified to work in Japan. Unfortunately it is rather short notice to get a short-term job but if it were in about a year I might offer you my job for a few months on a substitute basis. We would have to work out the visa thing, but as I am multi-sponsored and arranged my own visa, it might just work. Anyway, though I am not now suggesting I will give you a job, I am throwing out the idea that someone who may be here longer term and wanting a long vacation or break at home might be willing to offer you sub work. At least it's another avenue for you to explore. Good luck!

[derekorourke]

J. that's exactly the type of avenue I was trying to explore. I just didn't think I needed to spell out "substitute teaching" and "temporary work" for the likes of Ludwig....lesson learnt for the future...
Anyway J, many thanks for your help but I got hold of a substitute job in Singapore....
all the best
D[/quote]

[PAULH]

The applicant must fulfill the following conditions. However, these conditions shall not apply in cases where the applicant plans to engage in work involving proxy duties in procedures relating to international arbitration cases as designated in Article 58-2 of the Foreign Lawyer's Law (Law No. 66 of 1986).
1. When planning to engage in work requiring knowledge in the humanities, the applicant must have acquired the relevant knowledge by graduating from college majoring in a subject relevant to the knowledge required for performing the work concerned, or by receiving an equivalent or higher level of education, or by accumulating at least 10 years of practical experience in the planned work (including the period of time spent majoring in a subject related to the required knowledge at college, "Koto senmongakko", senior high school, the latter half of unified secondary school, or during specialized course of study at an advanced vocational school ("Senshugakko")).
2. When planning to engage in work requiring specific ways of thought or sensitivity based on experience with foreign culture, the applicant must fulfill the following conditions:

a. The applicant is to engage in translation, interpretation, language instruction, public relations, advertising, overseas transactions, fashion or interior design, product development, or other similar work.
b. The applicant must have at least 3 years of experience in work relating to the relevant job. However, this does not apply if the applicant has graduated from college and is planning to engage in work involving translation, interpreting, or language instruction.


Talk to me like I'm a six year old, but this says that if you plan to teach EFL or TESOL here you need a degree. If you want to be a fashion designer or an advertising exec for Dentsu you can get by on 3 years experience with no degree. Not so for language teaching. Or is this just saying if you have a degree the 3-year requirement doesnt count?

Glenski,have you actually met or heard of anyone anyone with a foreign ESL qualification and experience, no degree, but still got a visa? Ive never hear of one, have you?

[canuck]