Job Discussion Forums

[Blixxa]

Hey all. I have wanted to teach in Japan since I was little and now that I am FINALY done my degree I want to head out there in 10 months or so (yay money issues). BUT I dont know if I should apply to a big eikaiwa like NOVA/GEOS/ect or just start sending out applications to other private schools? How did you start out?
Thanks!

[Glenski]

I started out much later in life than you. I had another career for many years at the time. Even though my command of English was/is pretty good, I chose to get a TESL certificate anyway, and it was worth it. In the middle of the program, I saw an ad right here on the Cafe, answered it, and got hired.

I was VERY lucky -- they came to the city where I lived to interview me, they paid for my airfare (reimbursed after I arrived), they paid for my rent, and they kept me for over 3 years.

For newbies, I would have to say this. If you have half an inkling about teaching seriously (instead of using it as a means to travel or fund your partying overseas), get certified. And, you have 2 choices for getting hired -- come here or go through the very few places that come to you for recruitment (and offer visa sponsorship) -- so if you can't afford a couple of months of your time, plus about US$4000 to support yourself over here before you get hired, then go with the second option. That means places like NOVA (which pay about 250,000 yen/month and put you in a classroom with a handful of students all under your management) or the JET programme (or Earlham College, both of which put you in public schools with 30-45 kids in a room and you as the assistant to a Japanese teacher). JET pays more (300,000); I think Earlham pays eikaiwa rates.

[ripslyme]

After doing 4 years in the US Navy (East Coast, Atlantic - never made it out to Asia), I went back to school and got a bachelor's degree. Had no real prospects to speak of until my Japanese professor recommended the JET Program. I think I brought $2000 US with me then. I did that for 2 years. Liked it enough that I decided to go to grad school and do an MA-TESOL.

I returned to Japan with NOVA. I brought $1500 US and also took the salary advance. I managed to not spend the advance, keeping it as a sort of "just in case" fund. Anyway, I did a year with them and fulfilled my contract obligation. Now I solo teach English at a private elementary school in a suburb of Tokyo. This gig is sweet.

[Yawarakaijin]

Im not sure where you are from Bilxxa but if you are in a city with an ESL industry I think you may have an easier time breaking into teaching English.

I agree completely that either TEFL or TESL certification is worth the initial cost. Most ESL schools in North America also offter these courses with a wide variety of options. Some start at approximately 600$ and are considered 1 week intensive programs. Typically though they run about 3 months and the costs can vary. The school where I did my course even offered it through distance ed.

Now, if you dont quite have the cash and are not ready to head off to Japan right away here is what I would also recommend. If there is an ESL industry where you are from try landing a job in ESL , even a part time job will be of great benefit.

I got lucky and actually landed a job at the school where I did my TESL program. The people I had the chance to work with were complete pro's and I learned so much from them. I got the chance to teach students from many different backgrounds with many different goals. The experience was invaluable and makes teaching in Japan alot more pleasurable and relaxing. Knowing in your own head what you are doing and being confident about your skills will make your time here much more productive and enjoyable. Your students will notice it too!

[JimDunlop2]