Job Discussion Forums

[DZNZ]

Could anyone tell me what a "conversation school" is, exactly? Additionally, could someone list the more reputable ones? I am thinking specifically of those in Japan and Taiwan . . .

Many thanks,

DZNZ

[stillnosheep]

Conversation school: Convenient back translation of 'Eikaiwa'; itself a transliteration of the Japanese acronym for the Japanese translation of 'English Conversation School'. They are private schools used by many Japanese people to improve their English. They focus on spoken, function-based English, although some grammar may be taught on certain courses.
The age-range of your students may range from not-yet-born (pregnant mothers wishing to give their prospective newborns a head start) to retired people who wish to remain mentally active and/or learn a new skill, or who just enjoy speaking English. Many students are high school students or 'Office Ladies' wishing to improve their English.

The vast majority of EFL teachers in Japan are employed by Eikaiwas. To obtain a work visa as an English teacher you must have a degree (any discipline). The large Eikaiwa chains will sponser you through the process of obtaining a Japanese work and residence permit. Once you arrive the visa belongs to you, not the school, and you may work for whoever you wish.

The big 5 are AEON, GEOS, Nova, ECC and Berlitz. When considering coming to Japan and wishing to know to whom I should best apply I was advised "Aeon, Geos and Nova, in that order". I don't know enough about the other two to know which side of Geos I would place them in that list but the basic ordering seems sound.

The alternative is to come out with JET as an Assistant Language Teacher in a public (ie state) school.

Many threads on the advantages and disadvantages of JET and eikaiwa teaching; as well as on the individuale eikaiwa chains can be found by using the search facility here or on Gaijinpot.

sns

[DZNZ]

Thanks a million for all of the info.