Job Discussion Forums

Kibara · Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 8

Hi everyone, I�m a long time reader, but first time poster.

I would just like to say that if I break any rules of conduct or etiquette, I would like to apologize in advance.

So hear is my deal. I�m about to graduate this May with my BA in journalism. I have no teaching experience, and a very basic command of the Japanese language (I took a class a couple years ago, but I study on my own when I have time). I have dreamed of a teaching job in Japan for almost 2 years now. The first time I went to Japan, I knew I wanted to work there.

I just had an interview with Amity, and sadly they didn�t offer me a position. This has gotten me really down because I was so excited about working for them. Also, I had myself convinced that was the only opportunity for me to teach in Japan. So I�m pretty depressed I didn�t get the job (even though they told me I could reapply in 6 months).

However, after reading though the forums here, the idea of being an ALT seems even more intriguing to me.

Is it too far out of the question for me to try for a job at being an ALT? Do you guys think I still have a shot at being an ALT even though I didn�t get in at Amity?

This brings me to my next question, what do you guys think are the best dispatch services for me here in America? Of course I know of Interac, but I have heard some horror stories about them. I realize though that no place is going to have 100% positive feedback, right? Please forgive me if I missed something very basic in my research.

I�m not going to be picky about where I get placed, I just want to make sure I have a place to sleep preferably with an internet connection, and Ill be happy. Maybe, close to a train that will take me to the bigger cities on my off time. I realize I won�t make much money, and I�m ok with that (I�m expecting to make less than I do now) and I have about $5,000 saved up. I just don�t want to get to Japan and get screwed out of a place to live. That�s my biggest concern.

Sorry about the long winded message, but what do you guys think? Do I still have a shot at getting a teaching job in Japan as an ALT? It has been a dream of mine for so long, I want to do absolutely everything I can to make it a reality.

I would truly, truly appreciate any input you guys could give a noob like me. Thanks for taking the time to read my drawn out post.

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

Kibara · Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 8

Thank you very much for your advise, and words of encouragement ripslyme, that puts me a little more at ease.

I really appreciate that you guys are willing to take the time to answer my noobish questions. It means a lot.

I have also done some research on Aclipse, but I haven't heard much about them either. But they have an office near where I live, so that may be an option. Also, JET sounds great, but I have a friend that has been turned down by them for the past 3 years, so I figure I wont have a chance.

I realize that any place I work for will not be the best, but I am prepared to try and deal with any situation (I hope).

Any more advise?

Thanks again everyone, your input really means a lot to me.

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

G Cthulhu · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 12:02 am Post subject:

Kibara · Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 8

Thank you guys so much for your replies and valuable advice.

I think Im pretty lucky in that I wont have any loans to pay off when I graduate, and since I have money saved up, I think Ill be able to get by on about 250,000 yen/month relatively ok right?

But again, my biggest fear is getting to Japan and having no place to live, or no Visa or something. I'm just afraid of getting screwed on something big like that.

I say that about JET because my friend actually has a little bit of teaching experience, whereas I have practically nil. But you are right, I wont know unless I apply next year.

But I want to try for something sooner. I would like to start interviewing for Interac ect. as soon as possible, so I can start fairly soon after I graduate. I realize this is a long process, so I want to get it started as soon as I can.

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

Kibara · Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 8

Your right Glenski, sorry for rehashing the same question you already helped me with. I dont think I would have a problem living on what they decide pay me as long as its enough to live. I'm not doing this for the money.

I just want to make sure I have a place to live secured before I hop on a plane. I don't think I'm resourceful enough to find a place to live, or get a job on my own, especially with my rudimentary Japanese skills. I also wouldn't want to use the money I have saved living in a hotel for an extended amount of time.

I read on the Interac website that you have to furnish an apartment yourself. I'm sure I will have to spend plenty of money on that. But I even worry about that, how will I know where to go to buy what I need? Something like that would worry me.

But, it seems from other posts, that Interac would be my best shot if I want to go through a Dispatch Service.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Kibara · Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 8

Yeah, your right Apsara. I didn't mean it like that, when I visited Japan I went to tons of stores like that, but I was only in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. I never went to the suburban or remote areas. I know I wont get to work in any of those big cities though, so I'm not even expecting that.

I'm just thinking of worst case scenarios here. My head is full of little daemons that keep saying "what if this" and "what if that", always filling my mind with images of getting stranded or something. So I apologize to everyone if I have made a pest out of myself.

I really should just take the plunge and start applying to places other than Amity. Especially now that I think I would rather be an ALT.

I definitely want to apply with Interac and Aclipse, but I'm not sure who else I should try for here in the US. I want to try everywhere I can, so I have the best chances of landing a job.

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

Kibara · Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 8

Thanks Glenski, FAQs are wonderful things. I had a look at theirs myself, I just wounder what they leave out. I think I made up my mind to apply with Interac, then the only question on my mind now is if I can/should apply now, or wait until May when I actually graduate? Even though all their recruiting dates in America say "To be advised" whatever that means.