Job Discussion Forums

steve52563 · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 5 Location: U.S.

First off - thanks for so much information. It answered a lot of initial questions but, predictably, generated more.
I am 46 and given the money need to move over there, won't be coming for a year or two until I can save up. I have eight years public school teaching experience, often with a high percentage of ESL kids here in the states. I have my M.Ed in Bilingual and Multicultural Education and also have TESOL presentation experience at a university in Arizona. I feel pretty qualified but the age remarks I've seen concern me. Am I too old to get a visa or find employment? By the time I can reasonable come over, I'll be 48.
I am looking at Japan b/c I worked in the Zushi area for two years with the Department of Defense school system from '05-'07 and fell in love with the country. I'm familiar with much of the day-to-day world of living there.
Still...bottom line - is my age going to work against me?

Thanks to all,

Steve

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

With your background, I'd say shoot for a university position. Your age will be less of a factor to boot. Good luck!

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

steve52563 · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 5 Location: U.S.

I appreciate the age comments! From what I have read, so many of the postings seem to be from recent grads or people in their 20s, so I wasn't sure.

I have looked into international schools but the last time I looked (granted, a few years ago) the Japanese options were limited. I read the webpage for Westgate and wondered about them as well. I like Japan and, while I am not limiting my options, Japan first, Asia in general second is my preference. With a M.Ed and 8 years of teaching in mostly ESL school districts, I feel pretty qualified for most openings.

Has anyone worked for Westgate or what are some thoughts on the best options? I know there is lots of expertise out there in ForumLand, so any one with an informed opinion would be of great value to me. Thanks in advance!

seklarwia · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 8:50 pm Post subject:

It would be your experience and qualifications that would be more of a disadvantage than your age if you were competing against recent grads for entry level jobs, especially in Eikawa with prescripted lesson plans.

Is there a reason you are looking at Westgate? Do you plan to only spend a short amount of time here? If you want to read about some people's experiences or opinions of Wesgate just do a search of this forum... there's plenty to find.

I'm not knocking the people who work there, but it is still dispatch. Like all dispatch companies, priorites no.1, 2 and 3 are to make as much money as they can from their teachers.

If you were desperate to get a foot in Japan now or only wanted to stay for less than a year, then Westgate might have been the option for you, but this doesn't seem to be the case.

If I had your qualifications, experience and planning time, I'd be looking at international schools and proper university jobs.

steve52563 · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 5 Location: U.S.

Westgate was one of the first places, but I have no loyalty to them, they just stuck out in my early searches. I get the international thing and know where to go to apply therein, but as far as university jobs, are these jobs I would find through this site or is there a better place to look?

RollingStone · Joined: 19 Jan 2009 Posts: 138

If I had that pedigree I would be asking potential employers - what can you offer me?

Wouldn`t I?

Sir, with all due respect, by *considering* the Westgates and the like, with your background, is sort of like asking:

*I have degrees in finance and accounting, an MBA, several years at the Federal level, and am applying for entry-level, assistant management at WalMart. Will my age be a factor?*

Were I the HR guy I might think:

1. Who-boy! My lucky day! Someone immensely over-qualified and so in love with Japan that he will take anything to live there!

2. What`s his problem? Seriously.

Aim high, my friend. Do not apologize for having lived this long. Smile

steve52563 · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 5 Location: U.S.

Okay...no Westgate. Hey, I'm a novice, what the hell do I know? Hahahaha. I appreciate the candor, I really do. It's exactly why I posted. I know there are many very experienced people who have been where I am at some point and I highly value their insight and advice.

Anyone working in the university sector who has a next logical step? This is somewhat overwhelming.

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

steve52563 · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 5 Location: U.S.

No to all of the questions. I have worked only in public elementary schools thus far. I would love to begin publishing work, however, so that aspect is quite appealing. Would those three no answers make it hard for me to get in? I will refer to your articles, however, and I appreciate very much all the data to research.