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susanpink
Joined: 03 Mar 2006
Posts: 5
Location: UK
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 Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2006 11:20 pm Post subject: Japan career change |
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Have posted this in newbie forum but perhaps here is the best place for it...
I live in UK and have done lots of research on TEFL and decided that Japan may be the way forward for myself and husband.
We have looked at the 'Big 4' and my question is - it doesn't look hard to get accepted with Nova (looking on blogs/forums etc) but is this is a true picture and what kind of person are they looking for? Most reviews I have seen are US - I am english and not sure if they prefer American.
Also has anyone else experience of moving abroad with partner and both teaching?
Our Ppan would be to teach in Japan for 1-2 years...then do a celta/equiv and continue back to EU with teaching qualifcation and experience, anyone else done this?? final question - am I too old?! I am 28, and working for 4 +years but feel like seeing the world and escaping corporate race.. and maybe learn a language too!
advice apreciated- what got you where you are?? |
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seanmcginty
Joined: 27 Sep 2005
Posts: 203
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| Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2006 11:27 pm Post subject: |
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I never worked with NOVA but I did work for some of its competitors. 28 is not that old, there are a lot of people older working for the big 4. I don't think there is any preference for Americans, what I found is that most of the big schools like to have a balance of nationalities at each branch school (ie an American, a Brit and an Australian or something like that).
When I was working for AEON a boyfriend and girlfriend from the states got hired and were working at neighboring schools, so it is possible for couples to come over though its likely to be a bit of a pain getting work in the same city. |
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Doglover
Joined: 14 Dec 2004
Posts: 305
Location: Kansai
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| Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2006 11:43 pm Post subject: Re: Japan career change |
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| susanpink wrote: |
| -We have looked at the 'Big 4' and my question is - it doesn't look hard to get accepted with Nova (looking on blogs/forums etc) but is this is a true picture and what kind of person are they looking for? Most reviews I have seen are US - I am english and not sure if they prefer American. |
NOVA and the big chain schools conduct interviews overseas and accept native speakers with a degree. That includes Australia, New Zealand, Canada and UK nationals. Non-native speakers of English also teach other languages than English.
For good info look at the stickie above on NOVA and this site
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| Also has anyone else experience of moving abroad with partner and both teaching? |
Does partner (does that mean boyfriend, husband?) have a degree? Not all companies here (they are profitable businesses more than bastions of learning) accept unmarried couples in the company accomodation and if he doesnt work for the same company they dont always accept non-employee partners. NOVA makes money from renting rooms to employees. You can both find jobs but not always in the same area, and it depends on where you look for work. I'm in Osaka/Kansai if thats any help. For jobs here look at http://www.kfm.to
If you rent your own apartment they may act as your guarantor. Finding your own accomodation is recommended rather than have employer control your job and housing together.
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| Our plan would be to teach in Japan for 1-2 years...then do a celta/equiv and continue back to EU with teaching qualification and experience, anyone else done this?? final question - am I too old?! I am 28, and working for 4 +years but feel like seeing the world and escaping corporate race.. and maybe learn a language too! |
NOVA and GEOS etc are not considered career-track type jobs and nowadays there is a bit of a backpacker mentality where people come here not that serious about teaching but to pay off loans, go on working holiday and save some money and move on. Its considered the Australian equivalent of fruit picking in summer. Turnover each year at NOVA is high and the average teacher works there 6-8 months. You can work at least a year and renew your contract if you want to stay.
As for age,the average age is between 27-30 at language conversation schools. I work at a unversity and am in my 40's. 28 is still young here and there will be some teachers here older than you.
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| advice appreciated- what got you where you are?? |
Air New Zealand, and lots of hard work and persistence. |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2006 7:56 am Post subject: |
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| it doesn't look hard to get accepted with Nova (looking on blogs/forums etc) but is this is a true picture and what kind of person are they looking for? |
They want people who are fairly green to Japan so they have that air of wonder about them and will attract customers with it. They want energetic types. They want people who won't freak out with culture shock. They DON'T usually want seasoned teachers who will try to use their own teaching theories, but who WILL follow the school's format to the letter, no matter how silly it may be at times.
28 is perfect age for places like NOVA.
As Paul asked, and I will add, do either of you have bachelor's degrees? It is needed for the work visa. If you don't have one, you might get a working holiday visa. It is supposed to be for people 18-30 years of age, but some people have reported problems getting the British one if they are older than 25. Ask if you fall into this situation (no degree).
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| advice apreciated- what got you where you are?? |
Lots of research, a lucky break or two, tons of contacts, and persistence. I've been in Japan teaching for almost 8 years. No teaching experience beforehand, but a TESL certificate before I came. I worked my way up through the ranks of eikaiwa, private lessons, part-time work, private high school. |
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stillnosheep
Joined: 01 Mar 2004
Posts: 2068
Location: eslcafe
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| Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2006 10:53 pm Post subject: |
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As posted in the newbie forum: Aeon will hire couples and place them in the same town, if requested, qlthough of course the placement process may take a little longer waiting for two appropriate vacancies to occur.
Getting the Celta prior to commencing teaching, if affordable, is to be recommended; quality training and invaluable observed teaching practice. |
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womblingfree
Joined: 04 Mar 2006
Posts: 826
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| Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 2:25 pm Post subject: |
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CELTA is definitely recommended by me. Not because it's required, in fact the 'big' 4 couldn't care less if you have one or not.
By doing a CELTA or recognised TEFL (the Trinity one's good) you'll be doing your students a favour and also be able to get basic teaching work when you move back to the UK. |
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