Job Discussion Forums

[Phillip]

I shall be moving from England to Kyoto with my Japanese wife in July. I have already started sending letters to schools to try and get the ball rolling beforehand but can anyone recommend any particular schools to approach.

[PAULH]

Philip

I assume you have a spouse visa (or do you?) and most schools will also ask for a degree even if you have a spouse visa. With no degree you can expect to pick up entry-level and lower paying jobs. Youc an also teach privates and with a spouse visa you can consider non-teaching jobs as well (these usually require some Japanese ability as well).

You dont say what kinds of schools you are referring to- high schools or conversation schools? High schools will require a Bachelors degree, TEFL and previous teaching experience.

I live in Kyoto but dont have much experience looking for eikaiwa (English conversation) jobs here- there are not as many schools in Kyoto as there are in Osaka and it may be an idea to also consider surrounding and outlying areas as well- Shiga, Maibara and Nara in the south. Osaka is 30 minutes away by train

For a list of schools in kyoto you can go to this site and click on the teaching page

http://www.ksckyoto.com but its a couple of years out of date- I have no idea if the phone numbers are still current.

[Phillip]

Paul
Thanks for your reply, I do have a spousal visa, don't have a degree but do have a qualification in TEFL.
I had looked at the conversational schools as opposed to high schools. A couple of schools up to now have shown interest 9one of which is Berlitz who would like to arrange an interview once I arrive in Kyoto.
Thanks for the advice and I think I'll broaden tehy net to Osaka.

[PAULH]

Philip

If you have never been here before you might be interested to know that Kyoto has an authentic English pub (Pig and Whistle) in Sanjo in the middle of Kyoto, and a good Irish pub nearby with live music.

Good luck with the job hunt and i hope everything goes well for you.