Job Discussion Forums

[jezebel]

With Nova's demise, which are the biggest language schools in Japan? Is it still a wise idea for a new teacher to start with one of the bigger schools? Or is it just important to select a school with years of experience and good references from other teachers, regardless of size?

[ripslyme]

In no particular order, I'd say the big ones are now:
Aeon
Geos
ECC
Berlitz
Gaba

Oh and don't forget about the dispatch agencies:
Interac
Westgate
Heart School
W5
Ziac
RCS
Sagan Speak
etc...

As far as being a new teacher goes, I'd say go with one of the larger outfits as they generally have decent support for newbies. Once one arrives, settles in and gets a feel for the place/market, then start looking at other options.

[southofreality]

[ripslyme]

[Glenski]

Actually, people should forget about most of those names on the dispatch list. Not many have a decent reputation.

jezebel,
Teachers just starting out may have several options. The first question I usually ask is whether they are coming here to look for work, or if they are going to do it from the comfort of their homelands (or even elsewhere!). That helps steer the next round of questions, simply because if one is not in Japan, options are limited.

If one is in Japan and looking for work, it depends on the time of year and location. The market is saturated right now, and with May looming around the corner, the number of job ads is going to plummet for a while this year simply because April was the peak starting date.

If one is in Japan, there are other factors to consider, too -- experience (if you have any), certification, Japanese language ability, goals (who do you want to teach? why? where do you want to be in 5-10 years?), visa status, etc.

[vancouver_syndicate]

gaba is tiny. they're just well know because they're a bit different only offering private classes.

[fat_chris]

[southofreality]

Chris, I thought you said you abstain from drinking.

[jezebel]

Thanks for your help. So for someone who wants to sign a contract from the comfort of their home, get the school to pay for a flight, and not be screwed over by the school upon arrival. Maybe that's the lazy way of looking.

Do you recommend a novice negotiate the waters of small local language schools? Or is it better to come with a contract at a larger school and then think of looking for other jobs later on?

I'm not in any hurry - I have a few things to take care of around here before I'm ready to move. What are some of the better times of year to look for work as a teacher, particularly if you have little-to-no experience? Is it better to wait around here a little longer and get english teacher certification?

[Glenski]

[Hoser]

It's a little sad to see the big schools listed without Nova being there. Perhaps we could throw them in as well, just for old time sake?

[fat_chris]

[Miyazaki]