Job Discussion Forums

Ferfichkin · Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 140

I know that no large chain school is perfect, I work for one in Taiwan, but, in your opinion, which one of Japan's large chains is the best?

I would like to come to Japan after I finish my contract in Taiwan, and am trying to get a feel for which school has the best reputation.

Thanks,
fich

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Best how? What would you like people to rate?

Something I learned from a Shane employee - Shane English requires a CELTA/TESOL/PGCE or other qualification. They raised the bar on professionalism it seems. That may make it a more satisfying job experience for dedicated entry level ESL/EFL teachers.

japanman · Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 281 Location: England

Couldn't vote because I have no idea.I worked at Nova first of all, the a couple of years of privates, then ECC, the some more privates and now an ALT. The time I had in the big schools was easy but wholly unsatisfying, very bland and colourless. So if you are coming over from taiwan, try an ALT job.

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Ditto on that. When I first came, I worked a year at an eikaiwa but it was not one of the big 4 chain schools. They were a fairly large regional contender with a number of branches.

In any event, personally, I think that anyone who is limiting themselves to one of the poll options is closing a lot of other doors for themselves. I really don't think I'd want to work for any of them.

japanman · Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 281 Location: England

I wouldn't like to go back to any form of adult teaching in Japan since I became an ALT, but that's a different topic.
Often though, you are limited to the big schools as a starter, so that's fair enough. If I were to choose between ECC or Nova then ECC is worse, or rather was worse for me. But that's a very long story. I was basicaly subjected to some horrific racism of the worse level. So stay way from them. Don7t want this to turn into a bitching thread though. Hope it doesn't turn that way.

japan_01 · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 89 Location: Gifu Ken

I dont know if you can call GABA a "large chain' but they are a great company to work for. I have had no troubles and can have holidays/break whenever I want. I love it! Given, the pay isn't is grand as ECC/NOVA however you dont have to put up with 8 year old screaming kids running around the room. Each lesson is 40minutes and planning takes about 2minutes. It's heaven.

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 9:23 am Post subject: Re: GABA

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Japanman said

Mark · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 500 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Like a Rolling Stone · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 872

Ferfichkin · Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 140

Hey Stone,

So what conclusion did you come to? Did you go to Japan? Are you working for any of the schools in your poll? Do you have any advice for me as to which schools are better? Let me know.

Thanks,
fich

Like a Rolling Stone · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 872

Sour Grape · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 241

japan_01 · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 89 Location: Gifu Ken

GABA is 1500 yen per 40minute lesson. Planning is literally 1minute (95% of the time). You can make anywhere up to 300,000yen depending on your avaiability. I work Tuesday nights, Wednesday Days, Thursday Days, Friday Nights, Saturday Day and Sunday Day and am taking home in the 250,000 - 300,000 range. I much prefer having the freedom to chose when I want to work because travelling from Japan is sooo cheap. You give GABA your roster 20 days prior so you can do anything, whenever you want.

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan