Teaching English/learning Japanese

[Sideroller]

That sounds cool! So you weren't doing it through JET? What's the best way to start teaching ESL over there? And if you did apply with an organization like JET would you have to keep re-applying if you did want to go back another year?

[Breetai]

So you weren't doing it through JET?

Nope, but I do recommend it if you want to be in an actual school.

What's the best way to start teaching ESL over there?

Kind of a relative question. Perhaps the simplest would be to get hired with a company that hires from near where you live. That isn't necessarily the "best", but it might be the easiest way to get started.

And if you did apply with an organization like JET would you have to keep re-applying if you did want to go back another year?

Do you mean if you already worked through JET (it isn't an organization; it's a government programme), would you have to reapply to work through it again? No, you would just resign on another contract; presumably for a period of time such as a year or two or three (whatever is specified). There are a certain number of years you can renew for.

If you search through an ESL teaching forum like eslcafe.com, most of your questions are already answered in the stickies there.

[CFFJR]

Breetai, may I ask what about these companies makes them illegal? That's a wrinkle I was completely unaware of. Its not that I'm interested in doing this or anything, but after you said that I was struck by curiosity.

Also, sorry if this seems stupid, but what's the meaning of cowboy industry? I've never heard that expression.

[Breetai]

Breetai, may I ask what about these companies makes them illegal? That's a wrinkle I was completely unaware of. Its not that I'm interested in doing this or anything, but after you said that I was struck by curiosity.

Also, sorry if this seems stupid, but what's the meaning of cowboy industry? I've never heard that expression.

I'm really not sure of the legalities of it. If you google search, you can find some information like thislink

"Cowboy industry" just means that the industry is not very well regulated. A lot of places get away with things they shouldn't get away with, so you have to watch your back in order to not get screwed over. It's better in Japan than a lot of other countries, but there are quite a few scams that go on (ie. told to come and work and the work visa will get sorted out after you arrive, then they don't bother doing it for months... making you work under the gov't radar, meaning you have no rights at all).

[D.D.D.]

Breetai, may I ask what about these companies makes them illegal? That's a wrinkle I was completely unaware of. Its not that I'm interested in doing this or anything, but after you said that I was struck by curiosity.

Also, sorry if this seems stupid, but what's the meaning of cowboy industry? I've never heard that expression.

I'm really not sure of the legalities of it. If you google search, you can find some information like thislink

"Cowboy industry" just means that the industry is not very well regulated. A lot of places get away with things they shouldn't get away with, so you have to watch your back in order to not get screwed over. It's better in Japan than a lot of other countries, but there are quite a few scams that go on (ie. told to come and work and the work visa will get sorted out after you arrive, then they don't bother doing it for months... making you work under the gov't radar, meaning you have no rights at all).

Feels like it especially in Kanto... so many shady ALT companies here (and just more than other places too). My friend has worked for 4 (or 5) ALT/staffing companies and he has seen (and experienced) some pretty messed up stuff. There are a few that are good but you really need to read your contract and be very meticulous in all aspects of it (regardless of whatever job you take here).
I've worked in a few different industries here and even outside of the abundant "English teacher" variety, you need to be careful in how you agree to work for companies here. Many if not all normal western-presumptions can be thrown away as, well, it's Japan.

I agree 100% w/Breetai on the "cowboy" aspect as it's not just the industry, it's the Boards of Education that are also loose in their regulation, area to area.

And not to dismay you from doing "English teaching" work but, unless it's JET, more than likely you will have absolutely no benefits (no paid leave of any kind, sick days, etc）, no paid transportation/reimbursement, you have to pay for all of your apartment leasing fees (which can be from $1,500 and up, some parts non-refundable), and more (which more than likely you will get free with JET and more possibly). Several friend's of mine that have come here after me were broke for several months or even half-year.
If you can get into JET, and put up with the 7month application process, go for it. It can be hard (or complete BS randomness) but totally worth it compared to the contract-style "regular ALT" work I did years after it.

[Sideroller]

Thanks. Sounds like JET is probably the way to go if I do decide. Still not sure about taking Japanese yet, I'll have to think about it this week.

[D.D.D.]

Thanks. Sounds like JET is probably the way to go if I do decide. Still not sure about taking Japanese yet, I'll have to think about it this week.

No worries~
Knowing Japanese is highly over-rated if your intention is to simply come and do JET & enjoy the country for a few years. Even with the same group I came over (& worked with) 9 of 13 didn't know any Japanese and did just fine.
If you take Japanese 101 or something it will help with the daily stuff in life & more if your intention is to mingle with locals (tons of peeps here only associate with English-speaking &/or foreign crowds). But even so, IMO Japanese people (who can speak some~moderate~fluent English) seem to like foreigners who can't speak JP more than the fluent or pseudo-fluent (so they can use English )... I mix it up everyday regardless based on people who I hang out with.
No matter what you do, how you do it, or any variables by it, if you come to Japan, life will certainly not be boring, no matter where you live here.

EDIT: Oh, since the whole Fukushima-thing is going on still, that region is having a bitchofatime getting people to go/work/live there (damn right ) so don't be surprised if you get into JET and they place you near meltdown-town. Have back-up plans in place if you really wanna come here so you can pick & choose your best scenario. Good luck~

[Breetai]

And not to dismay you from doing "English teaching" work but, unless it's JET, more than likely you will have absolutely no benefits (no paid leave of any kind, sick days, etc）, no paid transportation/reimbursement, you have to pay for all of your apartment leasing fees (which can be from $1,500 and up, some parts non-refundable), and more (which more than likely you will get free with JET and more possibly). Several friend's of mine that have come here after me were broke for several months or even half-year.
If you can get into JET, and put up with the 7month application process, go for it. It can be hard (or complete BS randomness) but totally worth it compared to the contract-style "regular ALT" work I did years after it.

The larger English teaching companies all give you your 10 sick days/holidays and pay your transportation. They also generally pay your initial apartment fees, so that you only need to pay monthly rent and utilities. JET often subsidized rent, too, but ESL companies either don't at all, or do minimally. It is LAW that you get 10 paid days off a year for sick/holiday/whatever. Unfortunately, a lot of smaller outfits (and some larger ones) still try to find ways to screw you over on this. The main eikaiwa chains all give you this stuff, though.

I did some ALT as a direct hire, and some through a company. It's no comparison. If you can get a direct hire (rare!), then do that. You'll probably need some Japan experience and/or connections first. They are very hard to find.


As for studying Japanese, it's not like it's going to hurt you. If you have some optional classes you need to take for credits, why not take Japanese? It has a lot more potential to be useful to you in your life than a lot of other courses!

[wip3outguy7]

Interesting thread. Makes me wish I was 10 years younger.

[Breetai]

Interesting thread. Makes me wish I was 10 years younger.

Are you married with kids?