Job Discussion Forums

Dude Love Japan · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 111

Dear friends,
I'm a 32 year-old Canadian male, have a B.A. in English, CELTA, years of relevant experience in Korea and have applied for the Distance DELTA. If I show up in late Feb. will I be able to find work in the greater Tokyo area or Yoshioka? I'm quite flexible with schedules and locations and have no strong age preference. Thanks for your help and any and all advice.

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

Should be a good time. How many years experience? It may not matter, and you might end up doing eikaiwa or ALT work, but at least that would be a foot in the door.

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

I had to google Yoshioka because I hadn't heard of it. Seems like it's a small town (less than 20,000 people) in central Gunma, so your chances of finding work there are probably quite low. Are you planning to live in Yoshioka? If so, you would have a very long and expensive commute to get to the Tokyo area, so you would be looking more at working in one of the larger cities in Gunma like Maebashi (which is still not very big), or perhaps somewhere in Saitama (next prefecture to the south, much higher population).

Dude Love Japan · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 111

Thanks, Aspara and Glenski. What else is there besides eikawa and ALT work? Either would be fine (wouldn't expect Uni. work w/o MA).
I meant Yoshioka would be ok if I couldn't find something in Tokyo (famous aikido dojo there). As long as I can get to Shinjuku, Kodaira or Tokorozawa in an hour or so I'll be fine. Sound good if I show up around Feb. 18th and look for a job? thanks again

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

Dude Love Japan · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 111

7 1/2 years in South Korea, mostly teaching, mostly children in lang. institutes but also adults and also elementary school. I know in Japan they prefer local experience but I'd think with a B.A. in English and CELTA I'd be able to find a job. What do you think? Show up in mid-to-late Feb. and find work starting in April? thanks everyone on all counts, by you a beer if I go

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

You have at least what is needed for entry level work here (the degree). Whether an employer considers your experience appropriate enough for other types of work is a case by case scenario. You're planning to come at a good time of year, but with the flooded market here, you'll still have to keep your wits about you and hustle.