Job Discussion Forums

[yangyoseop]

Here's my situation:

I'm a recent college graduate with a BA and some teaching experience. I'd like to try my hand at teaching in an Eikaiwa (chain or smaller, doesn't matter). I've done quite a bit of research (painstakingly), but I think I'm in a position that is kind of rare. I want to work in Greater Tokyo and only Greater Tokyo. I'd like to know the best way of doing this.

I'm prepared for both applying/interviewing in the USA and traveling to Tokyo for job hunting. What do you think would be the best way? Applying to large eikaiwa here and hoping I get placed in Greater Tokyo? Or should I head over for a few months searching in the area?

Also, is a TESOL/TEFL certification really that important/helpful when applying to the smaller schools in Tokyo (if I end up heading over there)? And are there any large eikaiwa I can apply to/interview with here that are known to give positions in Tokyo? And just to be clear, I don't want an ALT position.

Sorry for all the questions. Thanks for your time!

[fluffyhamster]

Unfortunately a LOT of English teachers seem to want to live and work just in Tokyo, but not every Japanese person taking English classes lives there! So (and as dddaiyamondo has pointed out) unless you fly yourself over, pitch your tent and refuse to budge, you could get placed anywhere and have to work and inch your way slowly oh so slowly towards your goal (that luxury flat in Ginza or wherever). And I hate to say it, but you might even need to consider AETing (not that I particularly recommend dispatch!).

There was an interesting thread or two a year or so ago from a guy called mrtwist, who although IIRC wanting the exact opposite workwise (no eikaiwa, only AETing) was as similarly desirous of working somewhere pretty central and bustling. It'd be interesting to know how he's getting on! (OK, I hope!).

Regarding certification, my advice is to save the money for living/survival costs once over here, and some eikaiwa can be funny about you being too ambitious, or will provide their own, "approved" methodology-training (however scant) anyhow. But by all means go for a cert beforehand if you've got the time and money, and don't think you'd pick up enough knowledge or confidence from just a few teaching books.

[Bread]

Yeah, you have a very, very low chance of getting something in Tokyo with a major eikaiwa chain, especially when you don't have a visa. They sponsor your visa, you pay your dues by living in some horrible inaka where nobody else wants to work.

And I have no idea why you'd choose eikaiwa over ALT, eikaiwa can be pretty horrible as well.

edit: Just noticed that you thought your position of only wanting to live in Tokyo was "rare"! Hahahahhaahha

PS I lived in "Greater Tokyo" and my apartment was surrounded by rice fields. Greater Tokyo doesn't mean anything.

[Apsara]

[mushroomyakuza]

Sorry guys but I disagree. You're making it sound impossible. It isn't. Yeah, there's competition, but it is possible.

OP, PM me if you want.

[yangyoseop]

[seklarwia]

[Glenski]

[yangyoseop]

[Apsara]

[projectrook]

If you are planning on applying outside and Japan and are really looking for only jobs in Tokyo, you are cutting out a lot of your options.
Also, many many schools use "flexibility" as a strong hiring point. Not just flexibility in location but also in time of placement. Upon reading a resume/CV, the HR staff know very little about you. Basically they are making a judgement of your character and value from just a few pages of information. Is that necessarily fair? Perhaps not. But that is just part of the business world.
So, with that said, showing a lack of flexability might greatly hurt your chances of passing the resume stage and getting an interview.

Now, as others have said, if you were to come to Tokyo and do your job searching there, your odds do improve. But, you will be competeing with others who have already worked in the Tokyo area for some time, and some employers might favor those who have already gained experience in Tokyo.

If I could offer any advice, I would suggest trying to get a job somewhere in Japan and hope you get placed in Tokyo. But if you dont, then work the job and gain some experience, and then when your contract runs out, try to get something in Tokyo.

[klis]

I think that some of the replies do have a good point.

[namerae]

I'm like you, OP. I'd like to have a job NEAR Tokyo, but it doesn't have to be right in the city. However, I am super flexible where I get placed my first year. I could be on the other end of the island and I'll be happy. It's not that I'm desperate (honestly, I'm not, I care about the quality of the employer), but I understand that actually getting a job in Japan is difficult right now.

Living in a rural area might actually be a GREAT opportunity! You get to see a side of Japan that most people don't see. You can form intimate relationships with people in your community (THAT won't happen in a city!)... of course, I'm just speaking on a general assumption. I'm sure there are TONS of cons about living in the country. But think about it, if you've got a good personality and are good with people, sensitive about the culture and language, I'm sure you could have a great time working and relaxing in the country. :)

I do wish you luck, though! :D

[Glenski]

[PO1]

I definitely noticed this in more rural parts. I lived in a small city in Fukushima and people didn't stare at me so much. In Tokyo, no one stared at all. But when I went out in the countryside, I got lots of strange looks. Some older people would move if I sat next to them on the train. I didn't take offense to it though. Rural areas can be great, but I wouldn't expect the locals to shower you with affection necessarily.