Job Discussion Forums

[JohnBankier]

I worked for Nova in probably one of its best branches, with good staff, mostly good teachers who'd been around for a couple of years and a markedly better working environment and teaching atmosphere than the numerous other branches I shift-swapped or relieved at. I had a pretty good experience, and didn't fall foul of the management structure as much as most people.

Since I left Japan, I've done my Cambridge CELTA, and been teaching in two languages school here in New Zealand. Classes of 3-14 students, mostly early twenties, mixed nationalities, Asian, South American, Middle-Eastern, European. It's great, and I've learnt heaps teaching and planning my own regular classes of motivated learners. But, for various reasons, I'm coming back to Japan.

My Visa here expires on October 4, so I'd ideally want to have a job lined up in Japan by then. From looking around, I think my realistic options in the time frame are either Nova or Shane. I do not hear great things about Shane's scheduling, especially this jazz about teaching in 5 different schools a week, and teaching 50/50 kids/adults. I'm also frankly sceptical about the idea of teaching English while ignoring the largest English speaking nation and most dominant linguistic force in the world (that's the USA by the way, but that's another debate...). So I'm feeling Nova is the way. I know what to expect. Maybe I'd prefer a job teaching my own class, or some good ALT work, but from what I can tell that is more or less impossible to get outside of the country. So I think my best bet is to go over with a company I know who can place me more-or-less where I want to live, I hope, and won't rip me off unduly for rent while I'm looking for an apaato.

I realise it might seem like I've already made my decision, but I am curious what anyone else has to offer. My primary motivation for returning to Japan, aside from personal reasons, is to pay off my vast student loan and have another crack at understanding the culture and the language. Please let me know what you all think.

[canuck]

NOVA is an entry into Japan. You know what the environment is like and the expectations. When you get settled again, you can start looking for a new job. Pretty simple. Good luck.

[Apsara]

Ah, I did almost exactly the same thing as you- spent a year here at Nova, went back to NZ for about 18 months, was horrified at how the interest was making my student loan go through the roof, so came back with Nova again. At the time it was about 55 yen to the NZD though- I wish for those days back again!

There were a few "I can't believe I'm doing this again" moments, but I did get my student loan paid off quite quickly, and once I managed to get a 3 year visa sponsored by Nova I left and got other jobs.

It's not a bad way to get set up here again- after a few months you'll no doubt be ready to move on and you'll be in a good position to look for other jobs.

[Sour Grape]

Your reservations about teaching in up to 5 schools a week are correct.

I did about a year and a half at Shane. The first year I was teaching a 50/590 adult/kids split. The second year I requested more adults, and it was granted - about 80/20, but that was just my DOS, not company policy I dare say. I had a good time, and would go back there if I had my time over again.

I wouldn't say they ignore American English as such. In fact, their kids books point out the spelling differences (grey/gray etc) and then proceed to use US English throughout! A lot of Shane's adult students want to live / work / study in the UK or just have some particular interest in it, hence they prefer to learn British pronunciation. Anyway, I would hardly say it is a big issue.

The holidays at Shane are longer than most language schools, but you can't choose when to take ANY of them.

I haven't worked at Nova, so I can't comment. And I left Shane a few years ago, so things might have changed. However, I hope this helps.

[Hoser]

[Apsara]

I don't know why I got 3 years, I hear it can be pretty arbitrary and can depend on what kind of day whoever makes the decisions is having. I've had two 3 year visas now, one from Yokohama immigration office and one from the new Shinagawa place.

Before that I had had two one year visas. The first time I got a 3 year extension I had requested a one year extension because at that point I didn't know the 3 year option existed. The next time I requested 3 years and got it.

[ironopolis]

[Apsara]

After I got my first 3 year extension I not only left Nova within 6 months, I also spent the next 6 months outside Japan, and was missing a few of the documents I needed for applying for the extension 2 years later due to Nova ignoring my requests to send them, so I wasn't exactly a model of stability and reliability, but someone still decided to give me 3 years- maybe I've used up all my good visa karma now and I won't be so lucky next time...