Job Discussion Forums

[badfish]

Hi everyone,

I had an offer from Shane English Schools Japan a while ago as well as from Jade Eikaiwa, and I am hoping to get one from WinBe Schools too.

Does anyone out there have any experiences with these schools? It's a little difficult to get balanced reviews with all the naysayers out there and I am still trying to weigh up my options. Of course, there will be something negative about every school, but I am inclined not to believe any review that is purely fire and brimstone - there has to be a positive for each one too.

So, any tips or suggestions about these schools or in general? I'd be really grateful!

Thank you

[inuzuki8605]

I haven't worked in a Japanese school yet but I'm also doing some research and interviews for different schools and I've found more people suggest working as an ALT rather than in an Eikawa. But I'm not sure how true that is. So I would put Jade last on the list but keep it as a possibility.

[Bread]

[inuzuki8605]

I thought WinBe had ALT possibilities in public schools. Maybe I was wrong. Sorry.

[seklarwia]

[Glenski]

eikaiwa vs. ALT

Choosing either one is an individual preference. Here are some differences to ponder.

1. They require different visas. The one you get for an eikaiwa (specialist in humanities/international relations) will also let you do other types of FT work. With either visa, you can always apply for special permission to do PT work that is not under the guidelines of that visa.

2. Class sizes are different, far smaller in eikaiwa.

3. You are in charge of the eikaiwa class. As an ALT, you might be given latitude for that, or you may not, but ultimately you are an assistant to a Japanese teacher (who may / may not have good English communications skills, or who may/not even want an ALT but has one thrust upon them). As an ALT, you may be told to do various things (or not), which may or may not appeal to you. The term "human tape recorder" is often used for the more menial tasks. In eikaiwa, you may have a format to follow or not, but at least you are the only person in the room.

4. Work hours are different. Eikaiwas usually operate 7 days a week from noonish to 9pm, so you could find yourself working a Sat or Sun and having a "weekend as a Tuesday. ALTs generally work Mon-Fri, roughly 9 to 5.

5. At an eikaiwa, your employer manages the school where you work. As an ALT, your employer farms you out to the board of education. This difference may have certain repercussions in terms of hiring/firing and other contractual issues.

6. Because of #5, you are far more likely to be in one spot when working for an eikaiwa, but as an ALT you may have to travel to more than one school per week. Not only does this involve differences in transportation itself, but your contact time with students may be low as an ALT.

7. Eikaiwa students generally pay for their lessons and want to be there. ALT students are taking courses that are mandatory. Differences in attitudes will be obvious.

8. Eikaiwas often screen their students to put them in classes that suit their English level. Not so as an ALT most of the time.

9. ALTs are more likely to have homework to check and tests to make.

10. Eikaiwa teachers may have more say in what textbooks they use. Depends on the employer.

[badfish]

Thanks for the replies so far!

My choices at the moment are only Eikaiwa so really I'm just wondering which out of the ones I mentioned people have anything to say about.

I think my favourite choice is Shane. We shall see. I guess my attitude is that I'm happy as long as it's good enough to get me to Japan and experiencing life over there.

[longlivecool]

hello-

i have been applying for english teacher positions in japan. has anyone ever heard of ACE english school? i have not been able to find anything substancial other than their own site (that has spelling errors! *warning sign!*)

i know to be cautious and know what i'm signing up for regarding english teaching positions in japan as some working institutions can be shady. on the other hand, i'd hate to dismiss a job lead. however, that is what i am leaning toward.

--> http://www.ace-nice.com/company/

[Glenski]

"ACE dispatches teachers to colleges"

Well, that's illegal now...

"Job positions are open throughout the year to people with AA, BA, BS, BFA, MA, MBA, university graduate degrees"

AA degrees? Nope, not allowed by immigration for work visas.

[midas224]

I know this accounts for very little, but I knew several recruiters for Jade personally, and they were all solid, decent people.