Job Discussion Forums

[Micky777]

Hi, I'm thinking about applying for teaching jobs in Japan when I finish my MA in August. Probabably one of the 'big four' as I have no TESL/CELTA and these seem the best option as I'm in the UK and looking for some semblance of stability before I arrive in Japan. I have a question about the moaners/complainers I find on many message boards.

It seems to me that a lot of the people moaning do so because their life in Japan is slightly stressful. Is it just that these people were expecting a cushy job and a year-long party vacation, or are there more systemic problems with the whole operation?

I've done a BA and MA while always working 25+ hours a week at the same time. I'm not looking for a holiday, but a job with some responsibility, where I can learn skills, contribute to students lives, and earn a fair wage while doing it. Am I barking up the wrong tree?

I do have debts in the UK, so would be looking to send some money home. As I have no great desire to travel excessively (to begin with) or use Japan as a 'gateway' to Asia (??!), do the packages offered by the 'big four' offer a realistic chance of doing this.

Any advice/opinions from some experienced people would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[PAULH]

[Glenski]

Not all eikaiwas give you 7-8 lessons per day. Some will offer 15-18 per week, which means you might teach only 2 or 3 per day sometimes, and 4 or 5 on other days. That gives you a lot of office time to prepare for the next lesson, do assorted other paperwork, or do what other things the office demands of you. That could include giving prospective students an interview to assess their levels before joining a class, just sitting in the lobby lounge to attract students or chat with them, etc.

By the way, what are your BA and MA in? You should be aware that if they are actually in the teaching field, you might be considered overqualified by some eikaiwas and therefore rejected for employment because they want fresh-faced newbies that they can mold into their own images instead of shuddering that you will try to change the given teaching format. Just be prepared for that.

As for your debts back home, how much were you hoping to pay off each month? Figure on having 70,000-90,000 yen left over each month after paying for basic necessities and a bit of other expenses. Of course, it will vary with your lifestyle, rent and location, and if you are thrifty, you could have more than this. Look for the thread labeled "cheapskates" that I started to see how people try to scrimp on money. And, there are always private lessons to bring in supplemental income, but realize that those would be taught in your off time, which might not be too plentiful, and during which you might just rather relax, sightsee, veg out, etc. rather than sit somewhere and do what you have already been doing for 7-8 hours a day (teaching).

[Micky777]

My BA in Politics and MA in International Law, so not much chance of being overqualified. I think if i could save/send back Y60000, that would be enough, so a figure of 70000-90000 would be comfortable.

Thanks for your help. It's just so difficult. I personally know two people who are getting on great in Japan, but then read things like "englishteacherx" and other comments and it sounds terrible.

My choice is an entry-level job here, which would probably be mind-numbing for the first year, or a teaching job in Japan, which though it might have mind-numbing elements, would surely make up for it with the experience and the value it adds to my cv.

Think I'm gonna do it. GEOS seem good. Have applied to NOVA, but reading things (and recent pay-cut?) have put me off. Also James English School. Any comments on these? Also, any options I have missed?

[Micky777]

Forgot to ask something. Don't private lessons get you the sack? Is this just a formality which is overlooked in reality, or a real threat. With the large company sponsoring your Visa, it surely wouldn't be worth it, woudl it?

[PAULH]

[AndyH]

Hi, Micky

A lot of the complaints you may hear/read are legitimate, and many consist of little more than bit**ing by young adults who are fresh out of college and don't really know what "the real world" is like (ie, companies usually are in business to make a profit!!). A lot of recent college graduates come over here with the expectation that they are in Asia on a cultural exchange or one-year paid vacation, and when they see that their employer has different expectations, they can sometimes feel resentful. I've worked at three eikaiwas since 2002, and the first two were very underhanded. My co-workers and I complained a lot, and just about every gripe was justified. I currently work in a medium-sized company, and my employer seems to do a lot to try to keep the teachers reasonably happy. Still, some complain. I don't think this will ever end.
I would encourage you to listen to the complaints and take them seriously, but try to discern for yourself what seems to be legit and what is merely bellyaching from 20-something year old crybabies. Also, most of the complaints that are legitimate tend to come from employees of the big chain eikaiwas, or small schools that already have a dodgy reputation, so take that into consideration.

Good luck!

[Micky777]

But in my situation, a medium size school is highly unlikely. It seems to be the big ones or nothing? I can't afford to go without knowing I have something. I know this means accepting the bad things about big schools and its a trade-off, certainty-for-sh*ttiness. but as long as the certain isn't unbearable, it seems seems desirable. Would I rather be doing a robot-job here with all the costs high prices of the west, or doing a robot-job in japan, where i can save, have some novelty value and do something that looks good on a cv????[/i][/b]

Also, the big schools can't be that bad. I mean, no company would survive if the stories on here were the norm, or even likely. Is there any research out there, looking at the proportion of ESLs who are happy/unhappy after one year?

[PAULH]

[Gordon]

One more thing to add to Paul's list: Nova will lend you money to tide you over if you don't have enough money off the bat. Not many employers will do that.
I think Paul made some good points about how your attitude is the biggest determiner in your own work satisfaction. I have a great university job and I often hear moanings and complaints. Nothing is perfect.

[PAULH]