Job Discussion Forums

[cormac]

I tried the search a few times but it didn't work.

Anyway I'm of the understanding that corporate training or the business English set up in Japan is a lot more regulated than other Asian countries, however I've been unable to find any decent requirements listed anywhere.

Just wondering if anyone here is working in that role, what their qualifications are, and what they believe the min requirements might be? Some of their experiences, and wage scales would handy also.

I have a basic Tesol cert, A Bachelor in Business Studies (4years), and 13 years working in Bus Admin. Wondering if its feasible with my qualifications/experience or if I should go back to considering China since its easier to get a foothold there?

Any info would be appreciated.

[CENTROVERT]

I've done enough research to come to three conclusions on that.

1. Aeon makes it a possibility, or at least, adult classes.

2. Going there and applying for dispatch work would help, but most employers seem to want you to have a visa.

3. Human networking once on the ground in Japan.

Try the classifieds at gaijinpot.com for more on requirements.

[dove]

I teach business English at companies around the Tokyo metropolitan area. Most of the people who do this are doing it part-time (like me). You apply to a number of places (kind of an agency, if you will) that send teachers out to various companies. I think you will find these listed in a sticky (not sure if the stickies are working). The classes are basically early morning (7:30am....oops, we just lost a bunch of people right there) and in the evening (6:30pm) There are very few classes during afternoon hours. The classes are usually 90 minutes or 2 hours. The salary is around 4,000 yen per hour (around 40 US$).

I have heard of a few of these companies taking on full-time teachers, but most of the teachers are like me, free-lancers. We already have visas (I self-sponsor). Most of the teachers are a bit older (over 30). This is not kindergarten teaching so being blonde, blue-eyed and perky is not required. The companies definitely prefer people who have experience in business (I only had experience teaching business English) and who have had some experience teaching in Japan. Using Japanese in class is absolutely forbidden in class. One of the companies I work for forbids games in class. The students I teach have all been very motivated, friendly, hard-working( so sometimes a bit tired). They often are told that they have to reach a certain score on the TOEIC so they really have a reason to study.

The recession has slowed sown the number of contracts, but I am doing OK. I really tried to prove myself when I was hired--never late, always turning in paper work on time (mostly done online), not asking for too much time off. I guess that's why I always seem to get contracts.

Good luck!

[Glenski]

More "regulated"? How?

The following is a list of business English agencies in Japan. See what they are asking for. I would say you stand an excellent chance of getting interviewed.

Aside from the list of agencies below, you might also get hired directly by a company interested in teaching its employees business English.

dove's experience is good to know. Don't let the lack of a visa dissuade you, though.

AIT http://english.itp.ne.jp/bj/web/1140129300/std/1140129300.htm
Many foreign languages taught, as in-house or corporate lessons.

English Langauge Education Council (ELEC) http://www.elec.or.jp/
Japanese site, but here's some English about them. http://www.elec.or.jp/aboutelec06.html

Japan Concept Corporation http://www2.gol.com/users/jconcept/en/index.html
From the Web site, they offer classes in "Survival Skills, Cross-cultural Awareness, Business Writing Skills, Speed Reading, Pronunciation, TOEIC/ TOEFL, Deep Listening Program, Technical Language, Business Negotiations/Presentations/Debating Skills, Public Speaking, Business Correspondence Skills, Project/Time Management, Case Analysis, Financial Language, Overseas Study Program, Socializing etc. "

Phoenix Associates www.phoenixassoc.com
Offices in Tokyo and Osaka.

Simul http://www.simul.co.jp/english/index6.html
The Corporate Training Center provides language training for corporations mainly in English, Chinese, German, and French.

Sumikin International www.sumikin-intercom.com/e/default.aspx
They are based in Kansai and basically service Proctor & Gamble, Sumitomo and Mitsubishi. People who work there need to have a business background and/or bona fide TESL experience.

The Tokyo Center for Language and Culture (TCLC) http://www.tclc-web.co.jp/
Offices in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kitakyushu. From their Web site, they offer "offer English, Chinese, Spanish, French, Thai, Indonesian, Korean, German, Portuguese and Japanese conversation seminars, English business and technical writing programs, correspondence education
courses, overseas study programs, interpretation and translation, and a wide range of language and communication consultation services."

[cormac]

Seriously... thank you all for the information. It helps to put things in perspective.