Job Discussion Forums

[Canuck2112]

My TESL instructor claimed that basically every ESL teacher in Japan tutored on the side in addition to their regular class hours (at one of the big four schools), although the practice is actually illegal. Can anyone confirm this?

[Glenski]

Which part would you like confirmed?

[Canuck2112]

Exactly what I was looking for, thanks.

Have you heard of any ramifications of teaching on the side....loss of job, deportation, etc?

[Nagoyaguy]

Really, it depends on where you work in the first place.

If you work for a big English Factory and are poaching their students, I can see that they would be a tad upset. If, OTOH, you work in a public school setting and are teaching, for example, business or adult classes in your spare time, I don't think there would be much trouble.

Technically, if you are being sponsored by a company or other organization, I can see their point. THEY went through the hassle and paperwork to get you a visa, but others are benefiting from it. If you can self sponsor, through a spouse visa for example, they don't have much to get upset about.

For private teaching, I recommend charging a minimum of 4000 yen per hour. Business classes and groups, more. My basic fee is 2500 yen per student per lesson for a group of 6, the lesson being 2 hours long. works out to 7500 an hour for me. Good cash, and also a bargain for the students compared to what they would pay at a major Eikaiwa.

Be professional, get the cash up front every month, and everything will tick along well.

[Celeste]

I have been in Japan for a year. I know of one EFL teacher who doesn't tutor in her spare time. I have never heard of anyone getting in trouble. We do keep it discreet though. I wouldn't broadcast it around the office that you were looking to tutor your school's students for extra cash.

[PAULH]