Job Discussion Forums

[mrAndrew]

I know this subject has been up before, but if memory serves...not too many replies.
I am of the mind that this position could be a very cool and rewarding experience. I just had a general offer from NOVA and would like to go down this road if I can.
1)Have you worked in the multi-media position, and what do/did you think.
2)Did you cross-train and work in branch schools ?
3)Pros/cons
4)How is Osaka?
4.5)anything else constructice on the subject.
5)many thanks in advance for your comments.

[foster]

Well, having just moved away from the MM center, allow me to enlighten you.
There are about 400 English teachers there right now. They get a new group in every Monday afternoon. It is so fun to watch them parade the newbies up and down the 15th floor and the teaching floors.
There are technically 4 available shifts.
730 to 3
3 to 1040
1050pm to 730am
Split shifts from 1000am to 130pm and 1750 to 2100

Usually, you have to apply for the splits and graveyards as they are not USUALLY handed out..I say that having heard of some poor guy who got stuck on graveyards as a trainee. ONce you are off probation (2months) you are able to apply for a shift change. You should have 2 consecutive days off, but that is not always the case. Some newbies are getting broken days off. If you expect Sat/Sun off, good luck!

For awhile, they were doing cross training and people could work in both branch and MM, but now, they are sticking to one or the other. You can get TOPATSU cover training, which means you teach a branch class over the Ginganet system. Can't comment as I never did that.

PROS:

There are sometimes free lessons in the day. That is not the case in branches and it is becoming less common at the MM.
Since we are on computer, there are many tech glitches that can cut your lesson short at times. (pro or con - you decide - I personally think it is a pro)
You rarely see students twice (again - pro/con - you decide) This mean should you get a particulary rough student, you may never have to deal with them again.
Easy mindless job. Log in, say hello, do introductions, teach a 40 minute lesson and log out.
Lots of new people to meet if you are into the sort of stuff.
Location. Right in downtown Osaka. Close to some great indian restaurants (asiyana is highly recommended), 100Yen shop and tourist info, post office, 300Yen shop and sunkust(convenience store).

CONS:

Mindless work that does get tedious.
Trainers that are not very friendly/helpful. If you are their friend, great. If not, forget it. Some are ok, but others are very power hungry and mean. I could tell you stories...but not on a public forum!!
The LS(language Sevices) staff are also not the most helpful. I have had my share of run ins with some of the Japanese ladies. However, if you are a guy, they will smootchie your butt.
High school like atmophere. Seriously, we have lockers! Most of the instructors are very young and just out of uni. If you want to be taken seriously as a teacher, this is NOT the place to do it.

Osaka is a big ulgy city. Seriously, not a nice looking place. Go to Kyoto, Kobe, Nara if you want to see nature and life.
Osaka is great for food and bars...many many many of them especially right around work.
280 bar, Spatz, Rooftop bar, and many more in Shinsaibashi and Amemura.
Subways are expensive and shut down before midnight. If you live on a JR line, they are cheaper and run a little later...maybe 1230?

Living is Osaka is as cheap or as expensive as you make it. You can get some good deals at the local supermarkets if you go daily. Chicken for 58Yen /100g.
I lived in Imazato area and it was very nice and cozy...and far enough away from the city that I had some peace and quiet.

I dont know if this is helpful or not. If you have any more questions, please ask away. I will try to help you as much as possible should you end up at the MM center. I know people there who would be willing to help you as well.

GAMBATTE!!!

[canuck]

Foster hit most of the points really well. I had friends stay at the multimedia centre for a couple years and they finally went brain dead, got sick of drinking and frustrated with their lack of Japanese, they went home.