Job Discussion Forums

[The Goblin Queen]

Can anyone tell me about Westgate Corporation? It looks like they will hire individuals that are TESL certified for the Young Learners' Program. Of course, they will pay higher wages if you have a degree, but hey.

What about Starbook, or any other alternatives?

This is my original post:---> http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=19828

It explains my current situation/questions, etc..

Thanks!!

[PAULH]

[The Goblin Queen]

This is basically what I'm inquiring about. Why would they have salaries listed for people w/o degrees? Did I just read this wrong?



(This is from their website)

[Nagoyaguy]

I think the assumption is that you have at least a BA in something. Basket weaving, victimization studies, anything. The upper level is for the basic BA, plus a TESL cert., but with less than 500 hrs of teaching.

The next line is for the same, but 500-1000 hours. OR, a BA with TESL specialization, or a teaching cred.

The final line is for those without anything (just a basic BA), but with more than 1000 hours in classroom.

That's my read, anyway. I think a BA is necessary for a company to sponsor your visa as a Specialist in Humanities/whatever.

[PAULH]

Immigration will not issue you a work visa unless you have a university degree, Westgate could not hire you even if they wanted to, and a TESL certificate does not qualify for a work visa in Japan.



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:

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.

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.

3. The applicant should receive no less salary than a Japanese national would receive for comparable work.

[Arabica]

Paulh, I wonder if you could clarify your above post for me. It says

"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:

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.

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. "


Reading the above, I understand that you do not need a degree if you wish to teach, if you have 3 years of experience. Am I correct in thinking that? This is purely a query, as I have a degree, but I find it interesting


Thanks

[PAULH]

[Arabica]

Thanks Paul.

Does anyone have any more views about Westgate? I am thinking of applying as I would like to work at a Japanese university. However, I am questionning whether the Westgate experience would be fulfilling.

I have previously worked in Japan for three years, for NOVA and in a private high school. After completing a Masters degree (Linguistics) and working in an Indonesian University I am looking to continue to develop my skills and want something more than a conversation school.

[PAULH]

[Mark]

I thought I'd add a comment about Westgate, as I plan to start with them in May.

My friend taught for them last year. He did two terms and really enjoyed the experience. His PC was very busy, but he didn't have any problems interacting with him. As I recall, my friend didn't have any problems on the job, and rarely needed to talk to his PC.

He was an experienced teacher, and just taught the classes as he saw fit. The students learned and everyone was happy.

As I see it, there are two major advantages of Westgate. The first is that you get to experience teaching in a university environment and with this experience on your resume you may be more likely to be able to get a regular university position. The second is that the Westgate program is extra-curricular, so the students are generally genuinely interested in learning English, which may not be the case in mandatory classes.

My friend didn't use their housing, so I can't say anything about that. But 81,000 for a private apartment in Tokyo isn't too bad. It depends on the location, of course. My understanding is that Westgate apartments are often in less-than-desirable locations, but I don't really know.

[The Goblin Queen]

[Arabica]

Thanks for the replies.

I had already seen Kirsten's post on the other thread, and supposed that Westgate can end up being like many JET experiences - your experience depends much on how your point of contact treats you.

I agree that Westgate seems to be a good way to get the word "university" on your resume, one of my reasons for contemplating it, as I suspect my Indonesian univeristy experience won't count for much.

I worry that on this programme you won't get much contact with others at the university. I had heard something about being forced to eat lunch with the students or something, whereas I would apprieciate spending my time with teachers/lecturers at the university.

I wouldn't need an apartment as I'll have my own place, but if I were going to Japan for the first time, I think I would take their appartment, it doesn't sound any worse than any other offered by the big language schools, and they seem to privide you with a lot of stuff.

[PAULH]

[PAULH]

[Mark]

I know that teachers are expected to eat lunch in the student cafeteria. You would probably be with other Westgate teachers, although perhaps regular staff might eat in there as well. You are expected to socialize with students during your lunch period. However, you should have other spare periods during your day to do other things.

As well, it might not be so bad. The students might not even know when your lunch period is, as it's likely to be different every day. Students might prefer to eat with their friends rather than you, or they might be intimidated by a group of teachers and stay away. If you're at a big school, there might be so many people that the students never find you!