Job Discussion Forums

[piratejenny]

Sorry if this has been posted prior (I couldn't find any results myself), but I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with Pacific English School in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka.

I came across this post in the job forum today (http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=21341), but had to search for a name to the school via Google. I was directed to this homepage (http://www.pacifices.jp/), and although it looks rather nifty, I'd like some word of mouth as well, considering that whoever is recruiting didn't even put the school's name in their post.

If anyone could please give me plus or minus points about working at this school, I'd be very appreciative.

[Mr_Monkey]

What pretty web 2.0 elements they have! What pretty foreigners they have!

This is not word of mouth, but I've started writing now...

Anyway, the job looks fair - they state the salary, although they don't state the level of support for the apartment - they find and furnish it; what about key money/deposit? The 'gift' to the landlord? If they cover that, and the apartment is not a shitty hole, then it seems better than many of the ads I've seen recently.

The bonus is interesting too, although it seems that if they do not choose to renew the contract, they won't give you a bonus.

Incidentally, it does give the name of the school in the ad. Look again.

The only thing I really take issue with is the specification of a female teacher. I'm pretty sure that's illegal, but if you're female, it's probably not an issue.

*edit*

and btw, what the hell is a "restaurant scene"?

[gwynnie86]

Hamamatsu is awesome! And it DOES have a good "restaurant scene"... a very multicultural city so expect a variety of cuisine

[smurfwin]

This is coming a bit late, but if the topic ever comes up again...I actually used to work at this school. It's small (two teachers and owned by a couple), and there are about 60 students. It's a very nice place to work, especially for someone new to Japan. As long as you are respectful and encouraging to the students, you will be treated in kind. There's none of the squirrelly business here that you can find in other schools, in regards to late pay or having to pitch books or what not. The owners expect you to work hard at teaching and are very fair. They also allow socializing with students outside the school (in a non-dating context) because they want the students to get comfortable with natural English and they want the teachers to enjoy themselves. The one thing I would say is that for teachers who enjoy creating their own syllabus, this wouldn't be the ideal job, as all the material is predetermined by the owners. However, for teachers who want to work in a friendly environment, learn more about their own language and, most importantly, meet a lot of nice people, this is the perfect job.

If they post for another teacher again (but they probably won't; teachers tend to stay there a long time), please feel free to contact me.