Job Discussion Forums

Baribari · Joined: 21 Mar 2008 Posts: 19

I'm looking at getting an ESL job in Japan, but I was wondering what everyone thought about privately-owned and operated schools versus big chain-run schools.

It seems that the big schools tend to get more bad press, with more involved hiring processes, and are more standardized when it comes to salary, hours, etc...

Whereas private schools are probably more personal, don't require pushing books and stuff on your students, and a more disconnected hiring process (phone interviews and such), but are extremely inconsistent when it comes to requirements, salary, hours (some are 6 days a week...which is nuts)...

Also, who is generally more picky in terms of applicants versus positions?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Well, the market is dominated in terms of numbers of students by a handful of big chain schools. Picky? Some administer grammar exams (and other forms of English or EFL tests) as well as general knowledge exams, demonstration lessons, etc. Smaller schools are not known for most of that, but they can still be picky in terms of what subtle requirements they may have, I suppose. In either case, you are likely to have lots of competition regardless of which you choose, unless you happen to live in a smaller town not inhabited by many foreigners.

Bottom line in my opinion is, aside from the more notorious names, you shouldn't really try to be too picky yourself. With the market as flooded as it is nowadays with teachers, you really can't be the one to choose who you work for very much, or at least be the one calling the shots on negotiations.

The other thing to consider is whether you are willing/able to come here and look around or do your job hunting from home. The former opens up more opportunities, but you have to support yourself for 2-4 months before seeing a paycheck. The latter may allow you the comforts of home before you get on a plane, but there are very few outfits that recruit from overseas.

Baribari · Joined: 21 Mar 2008 Posts: 19

How picky should you be a company that wants you to work 6 days a week?...

ripslyme · Joined: 29 Jan 2005 Posts: 481 Location: Japan

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Baribari · Joined: 21 Mar 2008 Posts: 19

No, but I haven't been turned down as of yet, so it remains a potential employer (albeit not an ideal one). (It's possible that it's a 50-hour a week job with no overtime, but complaining about labor law violations don't get you hired.)

And I've been rejected for whatever reason by a number of places already.

I'm looking at AEON, but it seems like another evil corporation, and I don't have the slightest clue as how to go about making a 30-minute lesson plan... or a lesson plan in general.

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

With the small, privately-owned schools, it all depends. Some are great, others are a nightmare to work for. The first school I worked for in Japan was in a great location, but owned by someone who was dishonest, expoitive, and cared nothing about the quality of education or her employees and customers. The second place I worked was a medium-sized company, with about ten branch schools. Professionalism was encouraged and teachers were, for the most part, free to teach classes how they wanted, as long as the text material was covered and the students were happy.
I interviewed for a job with one of the big chains, and despite having had expereince and references, was rejected by them. The feeling was mutual, as I wasn't impressed by them in the interview, either.

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Baribari · Joined: 21 Mar 2008 Posts: 19

Isn't AEON basically the slightly lesser of several evils?

I don't have any qualifications except fluent Japanese and a bachelors degree... since I've never taught English before (besides a few random one-point lessons with friends and bosses).

ripslyme · Joined: 29 Jan 2005 Posts: 481 Location: Japan

Baribari · Joined: 21 Mar 2008 Posts: 19

I imagine that fluent people are also more likely to jump ship for better jobs...

ripslyme · Joined: 29 Jan 2005 Posts: 481 Location: Japan

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Baribari · Joined: 21 Mar 2008 Posts: 19

Well, you've got me there.

I don't entirely agree with their rumored policies involving pushing textbooks on their students (and making the teachers do the pushing), considering you can apparently buy the same books at a book store for much less.

I guess I picked the wrong time to get rejected by the JET program... market saturation is a bitch.