Job Discussion Forums

[PO1]

I recently returned back from Japan from working there in 2009. The original plan was to go to different countries every 1 or 2 years, and try to "globe trot" a bit. Shortly after returning to America to plan my next move, I decided I didn't want to leave Japan after all. Things intensified with my now-girlfriend, who came to visit me shortly after I came back to America. Now we are really serious about each other, and I want to come back to Japan pretty badly. I'm working in America now, but would give up my job here to go back there since it's only temporary anyway.

The problem is I've been applying mostly to small schools, with absolutely no response. I have a Master's and 2 years teaching experience, 1 year with Japanese students of all ages. But nothing.

The school I worked for before wasn't huge, but wasn't small either. They had several branches.

I applied to Gaba and got rejected and didn't get an ALT job because my Japanese is only basic level. So far those are my only two interviews. But I've submitted at least 50 applications since March.

Should I move on to the bigger schools? Berlitz hasn't written back and I'm eyeing ECC and AEON now.

Any thoughts?

[JLL]

I worked at ECC for 3.5 years and really liked the company. They support teachers, have a growing union, and are very professional (always paying on time, etc).

The "big" size of ECC is one of its strengths, I think. They won't suddenly disappear with your money or anything. Plus there is a lot of overtime, as much or as little as you want. They also have different types of things to break up the monotony -- kids and adults, but also web lessons and sometimes a shift at a university or business can be on your schedule. They try to accommodate your desires as best they can, which certainly isn't always -- but they do try.

This was just before the collapse of Nova and Geos though; I don't know if anything is different since 2007. But I would recommend them.

[Mr_Monkey]

You missed the peak hiring period, which (partially) explains why you got such a poor response to your applications. The bigger schools tend to hire throughout the year, so you may garner a response from them.

[PO1]

I guess last time I was hired in Japan, it wasn't a peak period, so I didn't really take that into account. Timing seems to be more important than qualifications and experience. I guess the big schools are my best bet for this year or possibly getting on doing ALT when September hirings begin.

I preferred the intimacy of a smaller school (mine only had 2 teachers) but I'm open to trying a big one this time around. Just wanted some input from some people who have gone the "big school" route.

Not really sure what Gaba wanted or why I failed the interview. I've heard 20 year olds with no experience or any knowledge of teaching whatsoever have been hired there.

[Glenski]

If you're not in Japan, don't expect most smaller schools to reply. You will have to be here to interview, and since there are tons of teachers already here, you are facing unseen competition from those with a foot in the door.

Berlitz is undergoing a major law suit and countersuit that's been going on for over a year. I wouldn't recommend sending them an inquiry.

Applying from the USA limits you to a dozen or so employers who have the resources to deal with interviews abroad. Come back and try, or stay there and be limited but save money. Come here, and you have just learned that timing is very important.

GABA has a horrible reputation. Don't know why you even tried there. Pay is low, and you are paid by the lesson, not on a regular contract, either.

ECC and AEON are two of the formerly Big 4 that had more positive reviews, so they are good candidates, but you're probably considering where you want to be placed. Dispel any notions that you will get a branch office where you want. It might happen, but with the glut of teachers, I wouldn't count on it. Take what you can get from them.

[gaijinalways]

As Glenski noted, Gaba won't guarantee you a set salary, though some posters here and some people I know like teaching there.

The Berlitz lawsuit is more of a union issue; personally as an employee of Berlitz for over 10 years, it won't affect you that much unless you also hope to significantly change labor laws in Japan. Berlitz is still hiring now and again, though business, like anywhere in this industry, is down. Berlitz will usually try to place you near where you live, but if you're flexible and not tied down to any one location, you could increase your chances of being employed.