Job Discussion Forums

tebrighteyes · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 13

Hi everyone,

I was just offered a position in Isesaki Gunma with RCS. I was just wondering how the area is. I didn't really find that much information on it. Also anyone know what the transportation system is like? Ideally I would like to find something in Kanagawa close to Atsugi. So would it be pretty easy to travel between these two places?

I also have an interview with NOVA in a few days. I think I want that one more since it has places closer to Kanagawa but if I don't get that one I'll probably just go with RCS. They want me to be in Japan by March 16th. I applied for JET so still don't know if I have the interview yet.

Thanks for any help!

Tsian · Joined: 10 Jan 2012 Posts: 85

Isesaki would lie on the rural end of the scale for Kanto. If you are looking for somewhere with easy access to atsugi, then you'll probably want to keeping looking, as its about a 3 hour trip.

In terms of transportation in general, a bicycle would definitely be your friend in Isesaki, if not a scooter or car.

tebrighteyes · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 13

Ah, Thanks! That helps a lot. What about just going with RCS and trying to find something in Kanagawa later?

Tsian · Joined: 10 Jan 2012 Posts: 85

Well, that is certainly one option, assuming you are happy with spending your initial time in Isesaki...

I guess it depends on why/how often you want to be able to go to Atsugi! ^^

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

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

From pretty much every account I have ever read online about RCS, I would agree with rxk22

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

seklarwia · Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 2:02 pm Post subject:

tebrighteyes · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 13

Wow, I check back and there's already 6 replies. You guys are awesome!

I'm really hoping I'll just get something with NOVA. I am thinking about turning RCS down but I've wanted to go to Japan so badly for awhile so now that I actually have something it would be hard to turn it down. But I've pretty much heard all the stories about RCS too. Right now I'm just stalling with them.

Also I don't drive due to my vision so I'd have to take the train.

I did have an interview in the location I want but the guy said I had to be in the country and just let him know if I was going to be in Japan soon. There was another place too that would sponsor a visa and give me a room for teaching 12 hours a week. But they also want me to be there for the interview. Maybe I can just go and wing it or something lol probably a really bad idea.

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

It takes about 3 hours by train from Isesaki to Atsugi, with a lot of changes, so if you have to be in Atsugi often, it probably isn't the location for you.

Better off looking for something in Kanagawa prefecture or the western outskirts of Tokyo which is "rural" by Japanese standards although can still be pretty built up.

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

Yep, that's pretty much the same story that I've heard about RCS. If they don't truly pay for your transportation, then they can give 2 schools on the opposite side of the prefecture. It won't bother them, as it doesn't cost them anything, so they are more likely to do it.

Heart, RCS, and Borderlink are the big 3 to steer clear of imho.
TS, I would ask about NOVA though. I really don't know much about it.

marley'sghost · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 255

When will you know if you have a JET interview or not? I would suggest just stay cool until you know. If you are not picky about where in Japan you end up, and would be happy out in the countryside, JET would give you the best deal. (Much, much, much better than RCS!) If it doesn't pan out, well there will aways be NOVA/AEON/Interac/etc.

tebrighteyes · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 13

I should know by early February if I have the interview for JET. I got my card saying they received the application. Although, I really do want to end up in the Kanto region at least. I heard JET mainly places you in rural areas.

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

jar · Joined: 31 Jan 2005 Posts: 39 Location: UK

I'm playing the JET waiting game too and it's not looking good. Where are you from? If you're US then you're still OK, but I'm UK and it's pretty much game over for me.