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avahanian
Joined: 19 Jan 2003
Posts: 123
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 Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 6:29 am Post subject: If I want to work in April, when should I apply to the Big 4 |
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HI all,
As I've read this forum it appears to me that it is financially a better idea to try to get a job before arriving to Japan. Not to mention that I wouldn't have to deal with the uncertainty of not being able to find a job quickly.
It also appears to me that going with the Big 4 schools isn't such a bad idea, if you know what you're getting into.
I've read the Job Information Journal in its entirety as well as this forum, so I know what I would be getting into working for one of the Big 4 schools.
My questions are as follows:
1. Based on what I've read, is it safe to assume that the best time to find work in an eikawa is around January - March (to start in April)?
2. If I want to start working in April for one of the Big 4, should I apply right now?
3. Does it matter if I can make one of the recruiting trips, or should I just walk into their office and apply right then and there?
4. In spite of all the bad things I've heard about Nova, if you do get hired with them, are they reliable?
many thanks for any advice you could give me
best wishes |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 7:13 am Post subject: Re: If I want to work in April, when should I apply to the B |
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| avahanian wrote: |
HI all,
As I've read this forum it appears to me that it is financially a better idea to try to get a job before arriving to Japan. Not to mention that I wouldn't have to deal with the uncertainty of not being able to find a job quickly.
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Im not sure about financially better as it depends on whether they provide accomodation and it depends on what your set up costs will be. Most schools do not pay airfare. NOVA will lend you money to cover set up costs but this will come out of your first two months income, as well as being on a probation income.
| avahanian wrote: |
It also appears to me that going with the Big 4 schools isn't such a bad idea, if you know what you're getting into.
best wishes |
read the contract, talk to teachers who have worked there (past and present and not just the naysayers) know what your priorities are and find the school that is the best fit for you. Its amazing the number of degreed people who discover each companies faults AFTER they arrive in Japan.
Applying from overseas you really have little other choice anyway, apart from flying to Japan and looking for yourself.
| avahanian wrote: |
HI all,
I've read the Job Information Journal in its entirety as well as this forum, so I know what I would be getting into working for one of the Big 4 schools.best wishes |
I would also read the FAQs pages on http://www.eltnews.com, http://www.teachinginjapn.com and http://www.gaijinpot.com
| avahanian wrote: |
1. Based on what I've read, is it safe to assume that the best time to find work in an eikawa is around January - March (to start in April)?
The school year starts in April, expect your visa to take 4-6 weeks to be issued so February March is probably OK. You are not going anywhere without your visa in your passport. The school can wait till you have your visa.
best wishes |
| avahanian wrote: |
2. If I want to start working in April for one of the Big 4, should I apply right now?
3. Does it matter if I can make one of the recruiting trips, or should I just walk into their office and apply right then and there?
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Now is as good a time as any. applying for jobs is a numbers game, and it make take them 2-3 weeks to get back to you.
Im not sure how they recruit in Canada and the Us but its my understanding they do a mass recruiting and have everyone meet at a hotel. Im not sure if they have full time offices there or whether you can walk in off the street. Why dont you send them an email about their next interviews?
| avahanian wrote: |
4. In spite of all the bad things I've heard about Nova, if you do get hired with them, are they reliable?
best wishes |
NOVA has a certain profile of candidate that they look for- people do get turned down for jobs with them. people with CELTA degrees or Masters, people whom they think wouldnt feel comfortable working in that particular setting using their methods or they feel will get easily bored; people they think will jump ship or just use them for the visa.
When you say reliable what do you mean? As long as you teach your classes, are punctual, dont try and bed the students, or do anything that may tarnish their image you will get paid, like clockwork, on time every month. That is all you can ask for from an employer.
They will provide you with housing, set up loans, insurance, an 8-hour work schedule a 'competitive' (minimum salary- you wont get rich on it) wage. |
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avahanian
Joined: 19 Jan 2003
Posts: 123
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| Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 7:40 am Post subject: Re: If I want to work in April, when should I apply to the B |
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Im not sure about financially better as it depends on whether they provide accomodation and it depends on what your set up costs will be. Most schools do not pay airfare. NOVA will lend you money to cover set up costs but this will come out of your first two months income, as well as being on a probation income.[/quote]
Hi Paul,
I dont expect any school to pay for the airfare (though that would be great), but they do help subsidise your rent, correct?
What I meant was, it might be cheaper to apply from outside of Japan and if you are hired you arrive there and things are set up for you (as far as your flat, etc)?
| Quote: |
| Im not sure how they recruit in Canada and the Us but its my understanding they do a mass recruiting and have everyone meet at a hotel. Im not sure if they have full time offices there or whether you can walk in off the street. Why dont you send them an email about their next interviews? |
Well I have checked out the NOVA website and have glanced at their recruitment schedule, but it's not very clear. At the San Francisco office, for example, it says that interviews are held every Wednesday and Friday, but there is also a schedule below with other dates and cities. Does this mean they are visiting those cities on those dates? I suppose I should enquire as to where exactly they will be meeting then?
| Quote: |
| NOVA has a certain profile of candidate that they look for- people do get turned down for jobs with them. people with CELTA degrees or Masters, people whom they think wouldnt feel comfortable working in that particular setting using their methods or they feel will get easily bored; people they think will jump ship or just use them for the visa. |
I have a BA degree, a TEFL certificate, and almost two years teaching experience....would you say I am overqualified for NOVA?
| Quote: |
| When you say reliable what do you mean? As long as you teach your classes, are punctual, dont try and bed the students, or do anything that may tarnish their image you will get paid, like clockwork, on time every month. That is all you can ask for from an employer. |
Yes that's exactly what I meant, getting paid like clockwork (I haven't heard this to be a problem in Japan).
Many thanks for your advice Paul |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 8:19 am Post subject: Re: If I want to work in April, when should I apply to the B |
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[quote="avahanian
I dont expect any school to pay for the airfare (though that would be great), but they do help subsidise your rent, correct?
| avahanian wrote: |
Im a bit out of the loop here as I work at a university but its my understanding depending on the school, some will rent apartments to you themselves (NOVA) others will introduce you to agents and will provide key money. I have not heard of schools paying some of your rent but they may give you a housing allowance, however small.
| avahanian wrote: |
[What I meant was, it might be cheaper to apply from outside of Japan and if you are hired you arrive there and things are set up for you (as far as your flat, etc)?
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Some schools like NOVA will meet you at the airport, take you to your apartment and hold your hand through the whole process until you get on your feet. bear in mind you may not see a pay check for 6 weeks after arriving and you have to have enough to live on, perhaps furnish and apartment, buy a phone, pay your utilities, and get yourself to work each day. Look at start up costs of US$3000-4000 before you receive your first paycheck. I would not recommend arriving empty-handed as you will have many initial expenses such as food etc.
Some apartments are empty (not even a washing machine or drapes) and you will have to furnish it yourself. You will have to find out what they provide, what you need to provide yourself, but obviously if you have a walk-in situation its much better.
[quote="avahanian"]
| Quote: |
Well I have checked out the NOVA website and have glanced at their recruitment schedule, but it's not very clear. At the San Francisco office, for example, it says that interviews are held every Wednesday and Friday, but there is also a schedule below with other dates and cities. Does this mean they are visiting those cities on those dates? I suppose I should enquire as to where exactly they will be meeting then?
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Pretty much what it says.
No point going to other cities and they dont have interviews scheduled. they will mainly do interviews in SF and then branch out at periodic intervals to satelitte cities. im not from the US and am now in Japan so i couldnt tell you.
| avahanian wrote: |
| Quote: |
| NOVA has a certain profile of candidate that they look for- people do get turned down for jobs with them. people with CELTA degrees or Masters, people whom they think wouldnt feel comfortable working in that particular setting using their methods or they feel will get easily bored; people they think will jump ship or just use them for the visa. |
I have a BA degree, a TEFL certificate, and almost two years teaching experience....would you say I am overqualified for NOVA?
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I am probably a little biased, but having worked for NOVA myself, having professional TEFL training (Masters) I wont say that what you will get is necessarily bad, but that the system they have is teacher-proof, one-size fits all, cookie-cutter teaching methodology. You will learn the ropes in about a week and the actual teaching method if there is such a thing, will go against everything you have learnt in a professional TEFL course. TPR, communicative techniques, Natural approach etc is not used much and the big thing is whether you would soon find that you lose interest or enthusiasm for what you are doing. NOVA wants to avoid teachers going against the grain, re-inventing the wheel or trying to invent a better mousetrap. As long as you know that is what they offer, and you can live with that, you will be OK. Wave your CELTA and teaching experience and try and re-invent the company and they will sign you off. I have a Masters, 10 years teaching experience here and I would probably have a hard time getting a job there because I know 3 times what any of their managers know about teaching.
remember a large majority of young people applying for these jobs are not professional or serious teachers, have no English degrees, no TESL and dont speak Japanese and are coming for a one year jaunt in Asia. the lowest common denominator and are a bum on a seat.
| avahanian wrote: |
| Quote: |
| When you say reliable what do you mean? As long as you teach your classes, are punctual, dont try and bed the students, or do anything that may tarnish their image you will get paid, like clockwork, on time every month. That is all you can ask for from an employer. |
Yes that's exactly what I meant, getting paid like clockwork (I haven't heard this to be a problem in Japan).
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The only other company I know of that pays late is Interac which pays half its teachers two weeks late.
Beware of clauses in contracts that talk about numerous fines and penalties for small infractions (being late, not using the standard text etc)
Raises many red flags if they start docking your salary for every small thing.
FWIW NOVA has been around as a language school since before many current teachers were born and survived the 10-year depression during the 90's, including a major earthquake which killed 6,000 people.
May not be Gods gift to language schools but they pay on time and they will be around far longer than you will ever be in Japan (and Ive been her 15 years) |
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shmooj
Joined: 11 Sep 2003
Posts: 1758
Location: Seoul, ROK
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| Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 3:36 pm Post subject: Re: If I want to work in April, when should I apply to the B |
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| avahanian wrote: |
| I have a BA degree, a TEFL certificate, and almost two years teaching experience....would you say I am overqualified for NOVA? |
I'm taking a wild guess here. I'd say that you got those qualifications and experience because you want to work in EFL. Am I right?
If so, the question now is not whether you are overqualified for NOVA, but whether they are underqualified for you.
Think about it 
....[sings] how low can you go.... |
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viddy
Joined: 07 Jan 2004
Posts: 50
Location: London, England
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| Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 7:24 pm Post subject: |
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I applied to NOVA on 27th December. I had my interview with them on Monday, in which they said I should be getting out there in late April or early May (if successful).
I suggest you apply ASAP. |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 11:48 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| I dont expect any school to pay for the airfare (though that would be great), but they do help subsidise your rent, correct? |
This answer may have been lost in Paul's large post.
No, for the most part, they don't. You should expect to pay the full cost of your rent. Some provide assistance (AEON, for example). Rare ones pay for your entire rent (mine did). Most pay for the key money, and if one looks at this logically, they should. From my POV, teacher apartments are recycled, so the key money should have been paid from the very first teacher who lived in them. Any school/company that expects a subsequent teacher to fly here and pay key money for such a place is to be avoided, IMO. |
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avahanian
Joined: 19 Jan 2003
Posts: 123
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| Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2004 5:43 am Post subject: |
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| viddy wrote: |
I applied to NOVA on 27th December. I had my interview with them on Monday, in which they said I should be getting out there in late April or early May (if successful).
I suggest you apply ASAP. |
Hi viddy,
would love to know what the interview entails....could you send me a private message with your email address?
I'm going to apply with them ASAP
thanks
cheers |
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avahanian
Joined: 19 Jan 2003
Posts: 123
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| Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2004 5:47 am Post subject: Re: If I want to work in April, when should I apply to the B |
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| shmooj wrote: |
I'm taking a wild guess here. I'd say that you got those qualifications and experience because you want to work in EFL. Am I right?
If so, the question now is not whether you are overqualified for NOVA, but whether they are underqualified for you.
Think about it
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ha ha good point there.
Yes they are underqualified for me, but other than NOVA, GEOS, AEON, etc I don't see any other way to get a job before arriving? Can you recommend any other schools that hire from outside Japan?
Yes I do enjoy the EFL field, I have worked in Spain and enjoyed it immensely.
I'm keen on getting back into the teaching field again, hence my interest in going to Japan.
Also, one more question, if I do interview with one of the big four, what is the chance that I would be placed in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka?
I absolutely do not want to go anywhere other than a big city (preferably the aforementioned cities, in that order). |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2004 6:09 am Post subject: Re: If I want to work in April, when should I apply to the B |
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| avahanian wrote: |
[Yes they are underqualified for me, but other than NOVA, GEOS, AEON, etc I don't see any other way to get a job before arriving? Can you recommend any other schools that hire from outside Japan?
). |
James English School (Tohoku)
Peppy's English School
Interac
Language House (Shikoku, no website)
Berlitz.
Websearch should be able to dig up web addresses. |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2004 6:11 am Post subject: Re: If I want to work in April, when should I apply to the B |
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[quote="avahanian
Also, one more question, if I do interview with one of the big four, what is the chance that I would be placed in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka?
I absolutely do not want to go anywhere other than a big city (preferably the aforementioned cities, in that order).[/quote]
How about Kyoto or Nara? Not bustling metropolises like Osaka but within commuting distance and much cheaper cost of living.
Kyoto has probably over a million people in it. |
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shmooj
Joined: 11 Sep 2003
Posts: 1758
Location: Seoul, ROK
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| Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2004 7:22 am Post subject: Re: If I want to work in April, when should I apply to the B |
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| avahanian wrote: |
ha ha good point there.
Yes they are underqualified for me, but other than NOVA, GEOS, AEON, etc I don't see any other way to get a job before arriving? Can you recommend any other schools that hire from outside Japan? |
There are lots. My school was tiny and it hired me from outside Japan. It's no big deal. Things may have changed though with schools requiring you to have your own visa but check out www.ohayosensei.com or the job list on this site and you'll see some willing to hire from abroad.
Can't say they are going to be any better for your teaching than working at the Big4 though |
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