Job Discussion Forums

superstevieg · Joined: 21 Dec 2008 Posts: 18

Hi,

I have secured a Working Holiday Visa and was hoping to arrive into Japan around March time during the peak hiring time hopefully to teach as an ALT or in another role teaching children (between now and then I will try to pre-arrange some employment but I am prepared to arrive there searching for jobs),

I understand Japan is feeling effects of the recession and I'm worried I should may be delay my arrival time to later in the year (I believe August is good time of the year for September terms). I was always under the impression that teaching would be one of more secure jobs during a reccession because education needs to remain intact, and the fact that English is compulsory in schools means native english speakers are always required.

In time likes this, if you were in a position, do you think it is daft for me to arrive in March and find a job? I have considered AEON or GEOS (JET deadline has passed) but I'm worried I may be given an unsuitable location. I have a BA degree but no teaching experience.

If I can't make March time, I've read that August is the next best time to go for the September term start?

Many thanks for any help given
Steve

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

Most ALTs may get hired earlier than March, but I wouldn't know. Since the school year begins in April, some dispatch firms will start looking for ALTs sooner just to be sure they have someone on hand.

Come in August? No. Slow time of year at best. Why reduce your chances anyway by coming then? The recession is not going to get any better by then, if that's what you're thinking.

StephenAlexander · Joined: 28 Oct 2008 Posts: 10

Very informative response. Thanks!

superstevieg · Joined: 21 Dec 2008 Posts: 18

yeah, thanks, I've been thinking it through, and decided that march would be a bgetter option than sept-october. Ideally I would have liked to have come in Feb-March 2010 but I have to enter Japan within one year of my WHV being issued, which would be Dec 2009 for me (I deeply regret applying for my visa so soon but its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I can't do anything now),

One last question, when in April does the school year begin? I've read in some job advertisements that the school year does not begin until Mid-April. Do school term start dates vary by region? This may help me decide whether to arrive w/c 9th March or 16th March - I'm assuming that if the school year begins mid-april, then some schools may leave it until the last 2 weeks in March to recruit.

Thanks again for any advice provided,

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

As early in April as possible. Yes, it is slightly regional in nature, but if you are debating whether to come March 9 or 16, I'd say the earlier the better.

Forget about when schools recruit (at least in terms of early or late March). In any case, it takes 4-8 weeks to get the visa processed! Heads up.