Job Discussion Forums

[jar]

I returned home to the UK from Fukuoka City after one year with JET last August.
My grandfather was seriously ill and so there was no real choice in the matter. I had to be with my family throughout the difficult times that were to come.
I'm sad to say that my grandfather passed away a few months ago and although I am bearing up, I absolutely miss Japan to bits.

I really want to go back, possibly to Osaka or to Tokyo. I'd also like to possibly teach kids of kindergarten age. So I have 2 questions:

1) Has anyone like me left JET (either regretably or because of exceptional circumstances) only to return back soon after and work for another company? If so, how did you find your post JET years?

2) Apart from the sub-sector of AEON I'm not really sure of where to look with regards to teaching kids of an early age. Any ideas?

Any help would be great.

(and sorry for the sad nature of the post!)

[MindlessFudge]

From what I understand, eikaiwas are more interested in people who did JET than people who didn't. Even having done just a year in JET, I think you're in better shape than most applicants.

Most eikaiwas nowadays require you to teach kids, at least that's what my research suggests. Just about every eikaiwa I've investigated has some sort of kids program in which every teacher must participate.

Hopefully someone with more authority on this subject will give a post. I wish you luck.

[Speed]

Jar

If it's kids that you wanna teach, then you're gonna be in demand.

For example, ECC hardly had any kids classes up until 6 or 7 years ago, but now it's their bread and butter. And it keeps growing and growing.

Their kids classes start from 1 1/2 years old on up to about 12. They also have junior high level classes if you're interested.

Most ECC teachers teach some kids classes, but if you specifically ask for them, then you'll be up to your neck in kids classes (dreams do come true).

Here's ECC website if you want to look into it.

http://www.japanbound.com/contract.html

(There's tons of other schools advertising for kids teachers so look around the internet.)


As for your question about how post JET life has been in Japan:

They've been great for me. But it'll depend a lot on what company you end up working for and especially which branch you work at.

I've worked for two different eikawas and they've both been pretty good to work for.

To repeat the JET mantra, ESID "every situation is different". This also goes for eikawas.

I really enjoy being back in Japan now, especially after going back to the States for a few years. (Well, actually this is my 4th time around in Japan.)

If your heart's really set on coming back to Japan, there's a good chance it'll be a good experience for you.

One thing I do want to mention though is that living in the city has been a very different experience from the countryside living of JET.

Anyway good luck.

Sorry to hear about your loss.

[stretch]

Well I can tell you this.
I left after my year contract (with JET) due to a terminally ill family member.
I have been wanting to return for the past three years and am hopefully returning this April. PM me and I'll let ya know what I did.
Good luck

[shmooj]

[jar]

Cheers for all your help. I was placed in Fukuoka City which was great but I fancy a change. I loved Osaka when I was there and there's so much to do in the surrounding area that I reckon that'll be my preference if given the choice.

[prlester]

i have your same exact story, but i was a jet in kobe. definitely want to go back but am scared because i wont have that support group of other jets and the school office staff. i also lost contact with most of my friends which are leaving japan soon anyway.