Job Discussion Forums

[sigmoid]

It seems about 95% of job ads in Japan state "must currently reside in Japan" or "must have valid visa", etc.

Is the market just too saturated? Is it really necessary to go to Japan to look for a teaching job? The cost involved must be stupendous...

How have others who are working in Japan dealt with this?

I'm a native speaker [US] with a BA and years of teaching experience, currently in Vietnam. Also, I'm over 40 which I know is not very helpful.

Any suggestions/info would be greatly appreciated.

[Glenski]

ECC
GEOS
AEON
Altia
JET Programme
James English School
David English House
Westgate Corporation
Peppy Kids Club

Nobody seems to broadcast names of any others, so these are the names I provide. I think they are also in the FAQ sticky. If anyone knows actual names of other employers hiring from abroad, sing out. I get tired of writing this same info again and again.

If you're in Vietnam, find a way to come here and job hunt. The employers above, with a couple of exceptions, only show physical presence in native English speaking countries for interviews. The exceptions (WC, PKC, maybe a couple more) do phone interviews.

Don't let your age get you down.

[markle]

sigmoid of Thailand sigmoid?

Heya.

Well Glenski has drawn out a pretty accurate sketch of what you are up against.

My advice 1) save like crazy and aim to come here for peak hiring season.
2) aim for Korea/Taiwan first then with bit better financial position look at Japan.

I myself got my first job here from Oz and came over.

Actually being over 40, Japan is a good place to be. Takes less out of you than SEA.

[sigmoid]

Thanks for the info guy. I appreciate it.

I will do some more research on these schools.

But teaching in Japan is just one of many options.

[Glenski]

If you want to come to Japan to do your job hunting, you could be fortunate enough to land a job tomorrow. Unlike, but remotely possible. It is more likely that depending on when you come, you will need 1-2 months. A month later (4-6 weeks, depending on the employer's accounting schedule), you would get your first paycheck.

So, how much do you need to support yourself for 2-3 months? Average figures for a person living alone suggest about US$4000-5000.

If you stay at home and get interviewed from abroad, you may only have to spend the money needed to attend the interview (and pay for the plane ticket).

[Mapleblondie]

I did my interview for ECC here in Canada, and they still told all of us that we should bring about $3000 minimum to get set up in Japan, as we will not get our first paycheck for a month and the first month's pay will be lower anyways due to the lower pay rate for training (2 weeks long). Moreover, even though ECC pays any key money that might be asked for my landlords, there is still the issue of a damage deposit (which usually accounts for one month's rent). So, count on paying 2 months worth of rent in the first month in Japan, and bring enough money for all you food and other costs. It's always better to be safe than sorry.