People decide to come to Japan for so many interesting reasons. Some expats have an extreme fascination with Japanese culture: anime, J-pop, Japanese festivals, and the Japanese language. Others may be seeking a way to broaden their horizons, broaden their resumes, give their dating game a much-needed boost (let’s be honest), or even find a professional change of pace.
Regardless of the reason, one of the most common vehicles for people to realize their live-in-Japan dream is via teaching English. While teaching English here in Japan is quite common, not all English teaching companies are created equal.
Some of them suck...hard!
Let's take a look at five companies that don't. Here are my top five, best companies to teach for in Japan:
QUICK NOTES
Before we look at the five best companies to teach for, let’s quickly look at a quick list of different styles of teaching we can encounter when teaching English in Japan:
英会話 Eikaiwa - English Conversation School
These are tuition-based, English conversation school businesses;
Student base - Adults and kids
Kindergarten (幼稚園 - youchien), Elementary School (小学校 - shougakko), Middle school (中学校 - chugakko) or
High School (高校 - koukou)
Schools created by the Japanese government and in close conjunction with Japan’s Ministry of education
Student base - Kids/teenager
Private Kindergarten (幼稚園), Elementary School (小学校), Middle school (中学校) or High School (高校)
These are also tuition based schools
Student base - Kids/teenagers
Private Lessons
One-on-one lessons arranged through intermediary company's student database, or on your own;
Student base - Usually adults, but parents will sometimes request private lessons for their children
University (大学)
English lessons can either be taught as extracurricular courses at a university or as classes for college credit;
Student base - College students
Business English Dispatch
Teachers are sent to businesses to teach employee groups or one-on-one business English lessons
Student base - Business professionals, managers
1. THE JET PROGRAMME
Perhaps one of the most coveted Assistant Language Teaching (ALT) positions to get into. Although I haven’t had the chance to work for them personally, I’ve only heard good feedback from friends and other colleagues who have worked for JET.
Here's Why It’s Good:
JET appears to be one of the best hybrids English teaching positions you can find in Japan. What do I mean by hybrid? You get the best of two very important things:
- 1) Schedule - You get the benefits of an ALT schedule, which means having a summer vacation.
- 2) Salary - Often the biggest gripe for public school teachers is that the salary sucks big, fat bootie cheeks (and from my experience it does). However, with JET (from what I understand) your pay would be comparable to what you receive at a good-paying English conversation school. While this doesn't mean you'll be rich, a $500-$600 each and every month (the difference I saw between eikaiwa and ALT pay) is VERY noticeable.
(if any JETs or former JETs care to share salaries, I’m curious to know).
Japanese Practice
Being that you’re in a school where people speak Japanese every day, and you eat lunch with the kids everyday, it's kinda hard not to pick up some useful Japanese. JET is like having your English teaching cake and eating it, too!
The Downside
The downside is that unless you’re a member of management, the number of years you can teach for JET is limited.
Official Website
2. JIEC
This is a smaller, tighter-knit company that focuses primarily on teaching kindergarten. I just joined them this year. As far as teaching jobs go, it’s one of the best deals you can find.
Here's Why It’s Good:
JIEC has a great system set up for its teachers.
- a) Staff - JIEC is every bit as professional as any other English-teaching company that I’ve taught for.
It’s professional, but in a laid back way (if that makes any sense) - b) Pay - My probational salary was 280,000 but jumped to 300,000/month after the first 60 days on the job. For a first year salary, you’d be hard pressed to find an English-teaching company to match that.
- c) Schedule - Although I don’t have a full summer vacation anymore. The kindergarten schedule is one that allows me to have some form of work-life balance. SUPER IMPORTANT!
- d) Japanese - You will often be the only foreigner in the kindergartens you teach for. This means you often have no choice but to interact in Japanese.
- e) Resources - Teaching kindergarten means you're going to have to do some preparation to keep kids engaged. However, JIEC really goes out of their way to make sure you have access to resources
(both physical & digital resources) that make your job both easy and fun to do.
JIEC rocks!
The Downside
Honestly? Sometimes kindergarten kids can wear you the freak out (if you’re not a kid person, this won’t be the job for you). Energy required.
Official Website
3. AEON & ECC
Aww, this was the company that got me started on this Japan journey. Sure, I’m a bit biased on this one because I worked for them and had a good experience. Not every company I’ve taught for will be on this list.
Here's Why It’s Good:
- a) Professionalism – You may think this doesn’t matter, but when you encounter a company that isn’t so professional, you instantly feel the difference.
- b) Salary- I’m not sure about you, but this DOES MATTER. Being a nice teacher is important, but working for a salary that leaves you struggling downright sucks. AEON offered a very comfortable 280,000 to start (I’m not sure if it has changed) with raises every year until reaching salary cap.
- c) Assistance – Don’t take this for granted, but having a company that offers top notch assistance when you don’t understand something is worth its weight in yen. AEON was very good about that.
- d) Logical System – AEON trains you on exactly what you need to teach and it takes away so much of the guess work.
The Downside
It’s much harder to get a grasp of Japanese language at this job (and most English conversation school jobs). More than likely will be expected to speak English whenever you’re at the school. Freedom to teach the lessons you want to is another issue for some teachers mention.
*ECC and AEON are similar eikaiwas which is why I grouped them together. I haven’t worked for ECC, but from what I hear the overall systems are quite similar.
Official Website
AEON’s Official Website: http://www.aeonet.com
ECC’s Official Website: http://www.ecc.co.jp/htm/english/
4. WESTGATE
I actually interviewed with Westgate because it was recommended by two friends. I landed the position but ended up going the JIEC route instead. Westgate appears to be a very solid choice because it gives you a chance to teach English at the university level. People drool over the opportunity to do that, especially teachers that don't want to teach kids; not everyone does.
Here's Why It’s Good:
- Salary: At 275,000 yen to start, Westgate's pay is competitive.
- The Magic Words: Flight Reimbursement! For those who are coming to Japan for the first time, that flight isn't cheap.
Westgate reimburses up to $1200 USD of that flight! I can't say whether that will change or not (AEON used to do something similar) but it's a wonderful perk. - Breaks: Although I don't think these are paid, teachers at the collegiate level have more vacation blocks/per year than most teachers.
The Downside
I'm not exactly sure how it works. But if Westgate is on a university term system, I would imagine you may have to be reevaluated term by term for employment.
Official Website
5. JAPANESE BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE)
Okay maybe this isn’t a company, and maybe it’s a little easier said than done. But if you get hired directly by a BOE, you can bypass the public school middle man. Often the low pay you receive as a standard ALT is the result of the dispatch company you work for. The dispatch company gives you a cut of what they receive from the BOE.
Here's Why It’s Good:
- a) Salary: Getting hired directly means that your salary can be SIGNIFICANTLY higher than the cut you receive from a dispatch company.
- b) Schedule: You still would have the ALT schedule with the full summer vacation.
- c) Japanese: Public school is one of the best places to improve your Japanese skills.
The Downside
I've never had a direct BOE job, but if the summer pay cuts (which some English teaching dispatch companies do) still hold, it's a DEFINITE downside. Another one I want mention, is the isolation you can feel as the sole English teacher on staff.
Honorable Mention - SIMUL
I had a good experience with this Simul, but it was only for part-time work. Simul is a company that connects its teachers with business English clients. Because it's not full-time, it's on the honorable mention list.
Here's Why It’s Good:
This is another one of those "have your cake and eat it, too" situations.
- a) Flexibility: Simul jobs are contract based. Some can be shorter, some can be longer. You can choose whether or not to take a particular assignment. This is great for working around a busier schedule.
- b) Pay: Although this is a part-time gig, if you land a string of evening jobs (Simul teachers are paid more in the evenings and for longer lessons) you can earn really good coin for the hours you invest.
- c) Clients: You can end up teaching business English classes at some really cool places. My first assignment out of the gate was at Sony.
SIMUL UPDATE
I'm sad to say that Simul is no longer doing dispatch business English lessons. However, there are other companies that do the same. AEON has a corporate business English division (only available to teachers who've successfully completed conversation school contracts). There is also another similar company called Alpros.
Japan can offer the ultimate teaching experience if you’re truly interested. I know it’s been life-changing for me, in a good way. However, not everyone who comes to Japan loves it as much I do. A major part of having a Japan lifestyle you can enjoy is being happy with your job.
For the vast majority, the workplace is where you will spend the majority of your time. If you hate the company you work for, or if your job has you locked into a miserable situation, guess what? You’re probably not going to enjoy your stay in Japan either.
When it comes to selecting a school or company to teach for, weigh your options well and choose wisely.
Before You Go!
I created a short list of some frequently asked questions that prospective English teachers have before coming to Japan to teach. No email required for this one, guys.
Just click the book cover below. ENJOY!
What are Your Favorite Companies to Teach for in Japan?
I can't claim to have worked for every teaching company in Japan. Collectively though, I think there are a lot of readers out there who have worked for other companies. Maybe you had a great experience.
What English teaching company, here in Japan, gave you your best teaching experience?
What do you think are the best companies to teach for in Japan? Please share in the comments section below.
Feel free to give
your own top five list and let's see where everybody's lists overlap.
If you are looking at going down the ALT route, I’d recommend a company called ALTIA CENTRAL. They are based in Nagoya and have their ALTs go out to Elementary and Junior High Schools. Most of the contracts are in the Tokai Area (Aichi, Gifu, Mie, Shizuoka), but they also have positions in Hiroshima, Okayama, Shiga, Fukui and Nagano. What I like about ALTIA CENTRAL is the down to earth feel about the company, professionalism, industry leading training and resources and the fact that they pay full salary during vacation times!
I’ve heard of ALTIA CENTRAL but have never had the pleasure or working for them. Thanks for posting your recommendation, Japan Australia 🙂
Hey JapanGuy, do you have any suggestion for companies that recruit from the Caribbean? Most of the ones I have looked at, do not list countries in the Caribbean.
Hmm. I know Interac hires teachers from the Caribbean, but the pay isn’t so hot. I know JIEC does as well, but people snatch up those spots so fast it’s just crazy. Hmm, I’m not exactly sure which other companies do. I’ll keep my ears and eyes open to get more info.
Which caribbean country? I know Interac recruits from Jamaica
Yep. The teachers I met who were from the Caribbean, during my Interac days, were all from Jamaica.
I have applied to Interac as a trained teacher with a Masters. I was rejected 🙁 I did not make it past the 1st base which is the application process. What exactly do they look for?
Too qualified. You could expose the trainers.
People from non native countries should not be attempting to teach English in Japan. The last thing the Japanese students need is to learn is Pidgin English or lazy Rasta.
The last thing Japanese students need is to learn ignorance, so I hope you aren’t teaching.
I do take at that remark as a native speaker from Jamaica.I grew up learning to speak and write the Queen’s English although we do speak Creole as well. Surprising fact for you to chew on : Jamaica was colonised by the British in 1655.
WOOOOWW!!! This went downhill very quickly. To add my experience, I will say, I am a Jamaican currently teaching in one of Japan’s middle schools. I will not add my qualifications and experiences since my being here and my excellence is all the proof one would need. Koffee Kake, you keep trying. There are companies but as you have pointed out, Caribbean countries have fewer choices since they often run to Canada, USA and England first, for obvious reasons. Peppy Kids Club is an option. When you get here just keep adding to the excellence of the Caribbean people. To tell you the truth, they do value our people here. The English of many of these “native speakers” from countries I outlined above are worse than students I have taught back home. I wonder how they got here; erroneously spelt words and incorrect grammar that would leave other “non-native speakers” like myself (since that is what Civilization Rocks calls us (Ignorance is not always bliss)) blushing. So keep trying. They are out there. I am here on Interac.
You rock for sharing your thoughts!!! I know this reply is WAY late, but … better late than never? LOL
I like hearing other people’s good teaching experiences. So many people focus on the bad ones. That stuff has its place, too, but we need both sides (but we’ll start with the good one)
Dude, you totally missed a category: Business placements, like Berlitz, Interac Business or OTC. Also a good option. Well, maybe not Interac…
Nice catch, Cookie! Yeah, I’ll have to add that in for sure. Thank you!
(LOL @ your last statement)
Hey Japan Guy! What’s up!
Hey what would you say would be the best choice for a single mother of two? I have a 20 year old and a 4 year old. The 20 year old I do not worry about as much as she is mixed (Black, white and part Japanese) she went through Japanese Bilingual school here in San Francisco but I also have a 4 year old. Are most companies cool with you bringing kids along and are there programs I can put the little one in for Japanese lessons…there at a resonable price? I know the cost of living is high there and they pay is not fantastic. I would mostly be going for the experience for myself and the kids.
I currently have a Master’s in Psych and Counseling and teach for a Major Univeristy here in Cali. I have taught ESL and Elementary-High School for 14 years. I would like to come that way for the experience for my kids and myself.
Also, do you find you have plenty of free time to explore and get out. I would like to have me and the kids get into some sort of martial arts while we are there as I do MMA? Thoughts if you happen to know would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Lisa
also interested in this question! I lived in Japan for 3.5 years about 10 years ago. I absolutely loved the experience, and went on to do a post grad diploma in education. I am not considering my options to return to Japan to work for 12 months, but… I am now married to a Turkish man and have a 10 month old baby! I think my first choice would be JET program, second would be Westgate as I think you can do 3-4 month contracts, and I’ll now check out your number 1 suggestion.
It always seems a bit harder for foreigners coming from abroad with kids. I don’t know why it has to be like that, but some companies have to be sensitive to that. People with families want to travel and work, too! It’s something I’ll be looking into pretty closely, too. I hope you get set up with the right company, Rachel 😉
Lisa, I’m gonna have to research this one a bit more. I know some of the standard companies aren’t as family-friendly as they could be. But there has to be at least one out there! Detective Donnie…on the case!
You may find it to be impossible to support three people on an eikaiwa / ALT teacher’s salary, but usually most programs will work with you and seek out accommodations for couples/families. Affording them will be the problem, and your older daughter will likely be unable to work without a work visa, which I don’t think she could get. Definitely something to look into.
With a Master’s degree and ESL certification, you should look into university jobs as they tend to pay more. The problem with many, many jobs in Japan is that they don’t want to hire overseas. They want you to already reside in Japan, and often want you to already have your work visa. The reason so many eikaiwa and ALT schools can get away with such comparably low pay (among other reasons) is that they do “take the gamble” in hiring overseas (and/or have the money to sent out recruiters to foreign countries to interview) and they often sponsor visas. Many people come over, take one of the crap paying eikaiwa/ALT jobs to get their foot in the door and immediately bolt it to a new job as soon as their contract is up.
If you can’t get a job at a university making significantly more than the average 250,000 yen/month most ALT/eikaiwa offer, I hope you have a very good savings to live off of. Good luck!
I’ve thought of teaching in Japan (off and on for a few years now) but I’ve heard that ageism is still a problem over there. I am in my mid 30s and I come with a family (a spouse and three children). Is it worth my trying to apply or should I just let it go and just visit as a tourist?
The thing as, Black people are heavily discriminated against in Japan and all of Asia to the point that it’s not worth applying. They want to hire blonde-haired, blue-eyed whites, but will settle for other whites or non-Black foreigners. Blacks are last choice, and since there are a lot of people going for these jobs now, Black folks can just forget it. When it comes to the dating game, Black people are also last-choice in Asia, and most Black men stay celibate out there while other races get a new girl each night.
I discourage Black people from traveling to Asia, especially since Asians are heavily-invested in the destruction of Black people in the US and in Africa.
Protect yourselves at all times.
As much as I want to say, “Nah, man. It’s not like that.” I’d be lying.
I do have to agree with you to an extent. I’ll be the first to tell you that I have had my issues as both a foreigner and as an African American foreigner. Although it’s not usually right in your face discrimination there are times when a can be a bit more obvious.
I know that half-Japanese children who go through the Japanese school system run into some of it, too (to what extent, I can’t say for sure).
God knows I’ve run into my issues with dating here in Japan. I’ve even gone through my celibate phases,too…I thought it was just me, lol. Have I run into Caucasian men who were having WAY more success than me at dating here? HELL YEAH! Admittedly, though, being the type of dude that’s either at home, work, or the gym, I really don’t get out much. It’s not easy to meet women if you don’t put yourself in the situations to. So it’s hard to for me to say that it’s because of my race. I wouldn’t say black men are the last choice in Asia, it depends on the woman, right?
I do have to disagree with discouraging black people from applying or traveling to Asia. There are going to be ignorant people no matter where you go, even in the U.S.. If someone has an issue with, you, me, or anybody else being black, pink, or purple, “F” them.
There are people who DO have good experiences here and, all in all, I’m one of them. If you can land a job with a good/fair company, it’s totally worth the experience (it has been for me).
I truly appreciate such a candid comment. It’s important to discuss issues like these, or people just ignore them.
My sincere apologies for the off topic stuff. Maybe an article about it one day?
Man, it really ISN’T like that here. Whoever wrote that first reply has obviously never lived and worked in Japan, or ANY Asian nation. They’re “racist” (if you want to think in simple terms) against EVERYONE who isn’t from here.
“Asians are heavily-invested in the destruction of Black people in the US and in Africa.”
Da fuq??? That’s ridiculous, and shows your American racist paranoia is clouding your logical mind.
Having lived (and worked) in Cambodia, Thailand, and Japan, I can say that while it is slightly worse for black people, white people get discriminated against also in these countries. You may not think so, but do some basic online research and the facts reveal themselves. Or ask any white gaijin who has married into a Japanese family. Sometimes the marriage isn’t even possible because of family prejudice.
The thing is, in these parts of the world it isn’t so much racism as it is xenophobia and borderline nationalism. These things, supported by a monoculture, lead to a real but somewhat benign level of discrimination against all outsiders.
“Gaijin” (or “Farang” in Thailand) don’t refer to skin color but foreign nationality.
Also, any Eastern or SE Asian national can tell you…it isn’t black people who are last in this part of the world, it is Indian people and Muslims (I’m neither). Black people are just intimidating and very unfamiliar to them here. They are curious/scared to know if the stereotypes from american pop culture are true. Once they know you’re not a thug or a nigerian scammer, they open up. In fact, once they know you’re American/Canadian/British/French, you’re instantly seen as better than black people from African nations…you’re basically just seen as whatever country you’re from.
The color barrier is EXTREMELY easy to break through in this part of the world. The nationality barrier can be almost impossible to break through in Japan.
PLENTY of Japanese girls are totally open to dating black men. Perhaps your insecurities about American style racism are holding you back and tainting your experience? American style racism doesn’t exist here. Xenophobia and nationalism do…but those aren’t about skin tone.
PROOF:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qFpMqe5znM
Several women in this video say they would be fine dating black men…even the ones who have never dated any foreign men at all. The women who say the wouldn’t date a foreigner say nothing about skin color…its all about cultural compatibility.
That American racist mentality doesn’t translate to the rest of the world man. It just doesn’t. Live and work in more nations/cultures and this will become clear to you. Nationality, class, and ability to assimilate matter much more than skin color outside of N.America. And those times skin color and nationality do matter, black people aren’t last in line at all.
If you don’t understand that yet, you have a lot to learn about Japan my friend.
I went to japan, in smashed4 girls in 3 weeks. im mixed black/spanish/portuguese. i had a lot of luck. i got hired by Interac, and i’ll be going there soon. im excited. just know the game and what to look for. a lot of blonde and tanned skin asian girls love black men btw. although i prefer pale skin. GOOD LUCK GENTS
My wife is a Filipina and the Filipinos are treated at times like the Puerto Ricans or Blacks of Asia they are looked on by many folks as jungle Asians instead of city Asians.
First off man, you are funny as hell and love how I was educated and laughed reading all of this.
I am fortunate where the company I work for has an office in Tokyo and got to work there for a month and travel all over Japan. I am going to ask for a transfer to the Tokyo office for a year and if they decline I would like to teach English.
A few reasons, I love children, love the discipline taught in Japan schools, want to give back and really have a fulfilling experience. Plus Japan rocks.
Do most of the schools find you housing?
Sincerely,
Blonde white dude haha
(Great list, sorry to be off topic!)
I am a black man who has lived in Asia for nearly six years. I guess I can understand where you might be coming from. I heard a few black and white people say that Asians are “really racist” before I came to Asia. When I got here, I realized that a lot of it was nonsense. What everyone needs to understand is that if you appear to be different from the locals, you will, at least on occasion, be treated differently/worse than the locals. It’s as simple as that. White or Black or purple.
I assume that you have never lived in Asia. If you have, I am very sorry for your bad experience. I have never experienced out and out discrimination in person. I did once, and that was through a e-mail. There are lots of schools that want to hire the “typical white face” but you only need to get hired at one school so the odds are usually still in your favor. Asians tend to be a bit more reasonable than you think and if you show them that you have grace, intelligence and dignity they will have no choice but to respect you regardless of what they may have heard about blacks in the past.
Black people being the last choice in Asia, that might be true overall, but once again, you can only be with one girl at a time and there are enough who are willing to give it a shot. If you think that you can’t get a date, you wont get one, that’s for sure. If you are a black man in decent shape with a stable job and can hold a conversation, you won’t have any trouble meeting a nice girl. The same goes for any place on planet Earth. That whole celibacy thing you were talking about is greek to me.
If you were consistently unsuccessful with Asian women, it wasn’t because you were black. If (as a black man) you were consistently unsuccessful in finding a job in Japan, it was more likely related to something else like lack of professionalism.
I have lots of friends who are married to very attractive Asian women, more than half of them are black. I am too! If you have personality, you’ll meet someone, period.
I encourage all young black men who are willing to adapt and work hard to apply for jobs, especially in Japan. You won’t have any more trouble (racially) than you will in a predominantly white country.
I’ve been to Japan. I lived there for a short stint a few years ago during the “golden age”, back when Black men were very popular with a small (but sizable) segment of the Japanese female population.
You can be with more than one girl at a time if you are deemed attractive.
Professional Blacks are often passed up in Asia for any White that falls off of the plane.
Are you heterosexual?
Yo, Starwars, you ever heard of Lance Lee?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzk68pv_opU
I won’t say that his case is typical, just goes to show you what can be done. He is still in Japan, doing just as well as ever.
I used to think that it was cool to have 3 and 4 girlfriends, then I turned sixteen. I don’t know, I just don’t think it works so well for adults.
I just can’t relate, I guess. I had a chance to peruse your blog and it seems like you were intimidated by the prospect of being a black man in Asia and possibly more intimidated by white men who got more Asian girls than you. You mentioned in one of your posts that “asian women pretty much hate black guys”. Maybe they just hated you? I don’t know, I don’t know any heterosexual black men who had as much female trouble as you claim to have had in Asia, myself included. I just don’t get it.
The job thing is just… baloney. Not many (relatively speaking) black men are in a position to teach in Asia. The ones who are usually have other career paths in mind. That means very few will apply to teach in Asia. If the demand is as low as you say, I will say that the supply is just as low. It’s not like black men are beating down the door to get into Asia. If a black man applies to several companies in Japan and Korea for example, and he can’t land a single job, it would behoove him to re-examine his qualifications and do a better job selling himself rather than excusing away his mediocre performance by saying “it’s because I’m black”. I know this because I did terribly in high school and I worked my butt off through college. When I got to Asia, I sold myself like no other and got the first (and highest paying) job I applied for. Did the same thing in Japan, not once but twice. My resume is honest and reflects my true ability.
“Professional Blacks are often passed up in Asia for any White that falls off of the plane.”
This is just a gross exaggeration. While I won’t say that it’s completely untrue, it’s misleading to young black men who are curious and may have more than the means to make a success of their lives in Asia.
These are just a few reasons why I encourage ANY QUALIFIED YOUNG BLACK MEN who are interested in Asia to take the leap! I did it, the Japan Guy did it, Mr. Lee did it, it’s really quite simple.
Get it together bruh!
P.S. I am very curious about one thing, I didn’t know that my friendly butcher down the street was invested in my destruction. After all, he’d be losing a regular customer. How does all that work?
This was 2003. It’s 2013, going on 2014. The world is a much, much different (more competitive and hostile) place now.
There are Black dudes that are happy dating one fat, ugly Asian chick nobody else wants, or dating expat reject women, but that ain’t me. There are plenty of Black brokebacks and dudes that seem to be happy being celibate in Asia, but that ain’t me. Black dudes that fall into those categories may enjoy Asia, but they’ll still have hard times getting jobs, will still be disrespected, spat on, perhaps even killed in some places like Taiwan and get their organs harvested. Is that really worth it?
If you really have had the success that you claim, good for you, but let me ask: Are you light-skinned?
Also, the question still remains: Are you heterosexual?
Your butcher is only friendly because he’s making money off of you. When he discovers that you as a Black person are economically insignificant and easy to destroy, he will destroy you. The same applies to sistaz buying weaves, Pookie and Ray-Ray buying rims and 40s, and even me with computer parts.
You are the one that needs to get their mind right.
I don’t think you really read what I wrote, either time. I’ve never heard of organ harvesting going on in Taiwan, but who knows? I have plenty of friends in Taiwan, I’ve just never heard about any of that. China, however, is another story. I do know a friend of the family who they found gutted in China, a taxi driver drove off with her during her honeymoon, she was Korean. Organ harvesters don’t discriminate.
I keep in touch with Mr. Lee on a fairly regular basis and he seems to be doing better than ever. Even in 2013 going on 2014.
None of the dudes I talked about are with broke down broads. They are all decent, and my lady is bad bruh. I have never even heard of anyone, black or white being spat in Japan or Korea. Maybe in China, but what do you expect? I’ve seen Youtube vids of Chinese getting fresh with Germans and Frenchmen, it’s not as racial as you think my friend. No one has ever spit on me or even tried me, and I don’t expect that to change.
Where are all these “black celibates” you’re talking about?
I think there’s a disconnect between reality and your perception. You seem to be talking about ideas and whatever you may be imagining but I am talking about real people and real things. I’m here in the thick of it!
Light skin or not, a negro is a negro! Maybe you grew up in a place where blacks were concerned with skin color and having “good hair” and other nonsense like that, but I can’t relate relate bruh, sorry. What’s your agenda? I sense quite a bit of self loathing here…
My grandfather lived in a time and place where blacks faced outright discrimination but somehow managed to work up through the ranks, build his own home, buy cars for each of his children and retire comfortably and without debt. I come from a strong family that didn’t break down under the threat of real racism. I’m certainly not going to be “destroyed” out here in Asia, paranoid over imaginary racism. I’m out here doing it fam, I’m not scurred! What about you?
It seems that we’re cut from entirely different cloth.
P.S. When do you think the good old butcher will discover that I’m black and easy to destroy? Maybe I’ll tell him next time I see him.
Skin tone does matter. In Asia, a light-skinned Black may pass for a more acceptable race, or be more accepted for being better-looking (light skin is considered beautiful in Asia, and dark skin is seen as ugly).
I think that you are ill-informed. I hope that you learn before it is too late. Good luck in your endeavors so long as they do not infringe upon mine.
Been in Asia for six years, I know how it works out here. To suggest that you know more about where I’m living right now than I do is tantamount to calling me a fool. Is that what you mean to say?
What is a “more acceptable race”? Trust me, no one looks like a black person if they aren’t black. In Korea at least, whiteness of the skin is seen as beautiful, not being less dark than someone else. The two shouldn’t be confused. That too depends on the person. If dark Koreans are considered ugly, as you say, how did Hyori Lee stay so popular with men all over Korea?
Wow “the grand admiral” get a life. From what you’ve said you clearly have not a drop of class, but please, blame your problems on other people. Lol
You hope I learn before what? Before the yellow man “destroys” me? LOL!
Seems that he has already destroyed you. Zero confidence and scared to death to go out into the world that respects only those who truly respect themselves. Someone who imagines that he’s hated when he isn’t. That man is a destroyed man, not this one.
This is probable late, but there are lots of black girls in Asia who wants a man too. What’s the fixation on not getting a date from an Asian? Why not date a black girl? Every black guy I know are either married or have been engaged at least 3 times. The girls on the other hand are super lonely because no one wants then, not even their own black man.
I have yellow fever.
Hey Japan Guy. Love the content, but after the first few paragraphs because your share box on the left was more than in the way. I want to read more, so I hope you will get that fixed to make my read more fluid 😉 P.s. once I can give this a thorough read, I would love to feature your post in a post I’m creating about English schools over seas. 😉
Interesting article. I’m white but I’m still racially U accepted!
Magical Pop Kids
I’d recommend that anyone and everyone doesn’t work here. They are very shady and have no interest in providing quality English to the students. You don’t recieve a pay slip every month because they pay you what they like! My pay was short several times. The office staff pressured me to explain the lesson to parents in Japanese, “because they were understaffed” which I’m cool with but if you have 7 lessons back to back with 10mins in between for “counseling” the last thing you wanna do is think in Japanese. (At the same time 3 other JP halves were working and could have easily done it but didn’t, I was told to because I’m white) Especially if you are underpaid, not cool!
Furthermore at being hired the “2000-2500yen depending on experience” went totally out the window! Would you consider 10 years experienced? I would! I was paid 2000yen on an independent contractor contract, so after tax it’s like 1800yen. The kids spit on you, call you names, stick their fingers in your butt and throw objects at you! Constantly! The company cares little about it! The textbooks are very unprofessional and the only people that work there continuously are all Japanese with English ability or Filipinos. I wouldn’t recommend this school for students or teachers.
The company I work for has hired many African American teachers in the past and does not discriminate against them at all. In fact, the head trainer is African American. I currently work for Amity. It is an 英会話 （eikaiwa) that specializes in teaching to children. It was originally a subsidiary of AEON, but it separated and became its own company recently. It has a lot of the same professionalism as AEON but with a slightly higher starting salary (because working with kids is more difficult than children).
Do you like amity? I am currently in the application process.
Being white doesn`t guarantee that you get a girl every night, or a job. I`ve heard black dudes with the same job as me telling me it`s hard as a black dude to get a gf, but it`s hard for anyone to get a gf. Girls care more about money and confidence. Don`t come to japan looking for easy ladies no matter what skin color you are.
Oooowweeee!!! You better preach, homie!! That’s about a level-headed, fair advice as you can give. It also happens to be advice that I’ll agree with for the most part.
Hey Donald, I am an African from Nigeria and I am considering enrolling to become an English teacher in Japan. A question i want to ask you is, do Africans get the same opportunities to teach like black Americans ?. Cause In most cases I see they(companies) ask for native speakers of English. In Nigeria our official language is English and I was thought and trained in English ? Does this count ?
This is really pathetic. Why are you trying to go to a certain country on the premise of fucking chicks? The reasons for going to Japan should be that you like the culture, teaching, promoting international relations. (Or something along those lines). Just because white guys abuse their white privilege (Which is gaining growing attention now in Japan thanks to the asshole pick-up artist Julian Blanc), doesn’t mean that going to Japan should be a gateway for people to pick up chicks and use English teaching as an excuse.
Tell that to the White and other races of guys that have a new Asian girl every night. Black guys cannot even get any, nor can we get jobs, actually.
From reading your posts, I’m glad you can’t find work. You should consider other options.
I guess you’re either a faggot or a coon. Which is it?
Just so YES absolutely you’re right. Fuck racist Jpn and it IS fking racist. Met a lotta white Japan lovin nerds who deny this too.
This is stupid. complaining about racism when you are so clearly a sexist jerk who views Asian woman as sexual objects. Just a thought, maybe it is not your skin color that turns off Asian woman but your lousy personality and disrespect for woman.
They are sexual objects, just not for Black men. You know it too, they line up for white guys, and these are white guys that are far more disrespectful and “lousy” than you claim that I am.
Maybe these comics will help expose the true nature of many women around the world, Japanese included; you’re not fooling me anymore.
http://redpillcomics.blogspot.com
Thegrandadmiral you should be the grand wizard I know you are not black by your wack ass profile pic I want proof that you are black and not just another hating ass white boy!
If I were white I’d be a model in Beijing, getting paid to do nothing and dating top-tier Chinese women daily. I am Black, I just tell the truth, which I am not happy about, of course.
Perhaps my blog will clear things up: http://grandadmiralgame.blogspot.com
Anybody can have a blog with a fake profile I know you have seen catfish but that’s beside the point if you were a real man you could get a real girl in Japan period!!! So speak for yourself!!!!
And I know you are a bitch ass white boy now because I just saw you call somebody a coon. FYI black people don’t call other black people coons ass hole!!!
Yeah, some of us do. I take it that you don’t watch HarveySuperboy or Tariq Nasheed amongt others?
What, black guys get beautiful Japanese women ALL the time. It might be a “secret lover” type of thing but Japanese women love having a black “friend”. Dude, were you in Japan for 2 days?
For about a year in aggregate.
My nigga you’re embarrassing our entire race here. You blame white guys for taking advantage of a benefit thats not going to last forever. You blame black people that don’t support you. You accuse niggas you’ve never even seen of being ignorant,then gay and then light skinned? You disrespect women, you call them ugly, fat, rejects etc when they don’t fit your fantasy of what a woman should look like. Then you say that you have yellow fever? You can’t even respect black women, human beings that suffer the same damn discrimination you and I do in a white heteronormative world. You’ve made what are serious points sound like a joke. The ravings of a nutcase who tries to speak for his race but isn’t supported by a single person on this forum. I won’t even begin to make judgements on why you strike out with Japanese women. You strike out as a human being bruh. Disintegrate.
LOL. Keep white knighting as an SJW and see how far it gets you. Maybe you like the fat chicks that you pedestalize; yours truly doesn’t.
I don’t blame whites at all; I merely call out their lies and hypocrisy, and tell Black men what we are up against.
As far as the rest of your diatribe, you’re putting words in my mouth, but now that you mention it, I’m against white supremacy, but no supporter of feminist cunts, queers, trannies, pillow=-biters, shitdicks, et. al..
One year in aggregate. I’m an actual Black man too, so I speak from first-person experience.
I’m a white man and a black man that can’t pick up a Japanese woman at least once a week isn’t trying hard enough.
Ugg-fuggs don’t count.
Dude as a black guy myself you are so lame and so ignorant. You do this same shit on YouTube too, I saw you under the same name complaining about unfair treatment. Stop trying to speak on behalf of all black people you are making all of us look bad and not everybody has been discriminated against. Maybe if you checked your attitude at the god damn door you wouldn’t feel so wronged, it’s probably something YOU caused, not somebody else.
I’m starting to feel he’s actually a white troll.
Awesome! You’ve answered way more than the questions I asked. I’ll definitely look into each to see what works best for me. Thanks!
My pleasure, Lysa!
As others mentiones I only heard good things about ALTIA.
I’ve only ever worked for small, family-run eikaiwa in the 6 years I’ve been in Japan now. I really liked it, but I know it’s not for everybody and they can be great or absolutely horrible.
The only advice I can give for those is to make sure to contact previous or current teachers of those schools and ask them about working conditions and all. A problem that a lot of people have is that they don’t like living in the countryside – and the majority of small, family-run conversation schools are not in big cities.
Personally I love living in the Japanese countryside! ^_^
As for JET, yes it’s great, but may I add, that this is mostly an option for people who live in an English-speaking country?
I’m German and while we are part of the JET programme there’s like 1 ALT position per year – if at all. So, there’s almost no chance of getting in! 🙁
About the JET Programme – as a current JET I would just like to mention you don’t really get summer vacation off, unless you use your paid leave. You get 20 days’ leave all year long and during the summer holiday you participate in club activities (if you are part of a club) or you use your leave to take days off… Every situation is different thought, but usually it is the norm for ALTs to use their paid leave.
Mireille! Thank you so much for posting that! I always thought that JETs got the full summer vacations. That’s good info. I may have to chat with you a bit more on life as a JET.
Definitely good to know! Do you have any tips for getting hired as a JET? I’m planning to apply, but I’m 27 and I worry that they prefer to hire new college graduates. (Is this true? Or just a rumor?) I’ve been an ESL teacher in the U.S. and Peru for the last 2 years though, so I do have a bit of experience.
I know this is a bit late compared to your original post, but from lots of poking around on JET’s site if you’re under 35 you should still be fine, and being an ESL teacher already would be a great boon.
I wish I had experience working with JET, and I could tell you a bit more. But I know a couple of friends who did. I can see what they say.
Hey donnie can i still teach even if im in my mid 30’s is there an ageism problem if im going to apply? Tnx! GodBless
What I haven’t really seen on this site… or anywhere else, is the amount that someone can realistically save going on one of these programmes. My main purpose for going to Japan is so that I can save enough money over a two year period to go to university in Canada.
That’s a really good question, actually.
I never posted about it because how much a person is able to save is dependent on so many different factors: net income spending habits (how much you travel, party, etc.), other bills (like student loans), other expenses, financial discipline, etc.
What I did try to do is show exactly what my earnings were like as a teacher in Japan (for me it’s ranged from a low of 240000 yen (about $2400 USD) and 310,000 ($3100 USD) per month) and cost of living.
I may go have to go back and update those posts so people who have questions about stuff like that can get a better idea.
Thanks, Koffee Kake
Hey Adam Thank you so much nice words , still I would like to read more about JAPAN , can I have your email , cause Im going to study in JAPAN LLM but one reason make me really not to think about it is the earthquake to be honest , could you give me your email to ask you more about JAPAN thank you so much
Hello japan guy whats up. I have one question do people with a wife and kid ever get hired at these companies? Or is this job just for a single man. I have a Japanese wife and kid?
Hey judo guy, that is such a good question! Please check out my reply to Megan’s comment above.
Waseda International Corporation (WIC) is great. I taught there for 5 years and is an English language program within Waseda University. Teachers teach two 10 week semester (6 day or 5 day weeks). The remaining 32 weeks out of the year are fully paid vacation (base salary).
Pretty amazing deal.
Do they expect really high qualifications from those looking to get hired? What are they looking for.
Blonde hair and blue eyes.
Sad remark, but true. Qualification and experience are not requirements. Then they cry and wonder why the Japanese are not learning and speaking English. What phenomenon you do see taking place though is an increase in blonde blue eyed Japanese. That’s where the ‘improvement’ is.
Thanks for adding to the list, Eric! I mean that. I gave my five, but there have to be tons of great opportunities out there. Great!!!
This is a really helpful post! Do you have any advice on which company might work best for a couple? We don’t care if we teach at the same school but living together is a must!
Megan – did you get any answers to this question elsewhere? I’m in the same situation!
Hey Caitlin, just left a response above, I hope it helps a bit. I’m going to look into this topic a bit more closely, though. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. Cheers! 😀
Thanks! That’s helpful.
Hey Megan. Been on a rather long hiatus!
Your question is a SUPER good one. Honestly of the list that I’ve mentioned, I think they would all work equally well for a couple. I think the toughest think would be finding a school with two openings at the same time time. I would imagine if that rare situation does present itself, it couldn’t be to difficult to work out. I saw very few people (maybe only one) person at AEON who actually did it, but I haven’t talked to him in ages.
I kind of think the BOE option would be best, because a board of education WILL have several schools with open positions in the area, giving you and your boyfriend/husband a chance to work in the same town. That’s my best guess for now. I’ll definitely look into this question a bit more.
Thanks for asking Megan!
Well 4 months have gone by and we still don’t know where we are going to teach. We’ve now swayed a little towards S. Korea. We’ve had a bit of a hard time finding jobs in Japan from abroad that suit our needs/desires. We still hope something will work in our favor! Thanks for the advice!
I’m really curious about the qualifications they actually look for.
Blonde hair, blue eyes, not too deformed, not too old, pulse, and a university degree (in China and Taiwan, you can forge the degree as long as the other criteria are met).
Hey Japan Guy, I was searcing for other “dispatch companies” and I landed here. I got hired through a company called Interac. I am on an alternate track, so I don’t know where I’ll be living teaching yet, but I leave next month!
I used to teach high school math, so I’m really happy to get back in the classroom and to be teaching English. Thanks for this post and all your others, they have helped me prepare for this life change.
My man, I appreciate your insight but I have a little, just a little; more experience in Asia than u do. I 4got how long you’ve been here but I’ve been a resident of Tokyo for 20years. I’ve also cut up Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, and Korea so let me spit my little bit and then I’m outtie. For all the brothers and sisters all over the world; know this and believe this; the Asians you meet or see in your home country, are completely different from the Asians you’ll meet in Asia. The simple truth of that premise is that those Asians where u live have been totally white washed. If your a brother or sister 30 yo or younger; U gonna get paid and laid like you want to and that’s 4real. Just hang out at any club and approach the girls/guys. 8/10 u get contact info if not go home with someone that nite. Like brother Donnie may or may not have mentioned, this is a youth oriented society especially in Japan. And it’s a bit ironic bcause Japan has the longest live expectancy in the world as of 2014. But its true, they strive off youth. In fact, the first question they usually ask you is ‘how old are you’. U answer any of the ages I’ve mentioned above; and it’s on and on til the break of dawn. That’s not to say that over 30 is out. No; on the contrary, until about age 45 u can still do some serious social and financial damage in Japan. In my humble opinion; come over here with at least a Bachelors in anything with a couple thousand to subsist until u get a job, and u can make it here. Just remember focus totally on finding a job first and then “everything” will fall in place
If you were in your 30s today with a fresh degree in whatever, where would you go and why?
What are the best/worst teaching companies to work for in Japan?
On the Japan Guy’s top five teach in Japan companies: 1. JET Perhaps one of the most coveted Assistant language teaching (ALT) positions to get into. Although I haven’t had the chance to work for them personally, I’ve only heard good feedback from frie…
I just applied for AEON. Any pointers to get into the program would be very much appreciated!
This book is free on Amazon this week and exposes a lot of what’s going on in the big companies: chapters on Aeon, ECC, Nova, Interac and Gaba
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W7XV32C
1. Universities
2. Business agencies like Nova
3. Gaba Eikaiwa
4. Independent Schools
5. Private students
Hey great information. I’m looking to interview soon for JIEC and was wondering two things specifically.
1. What kind of vacation DO you get?
2. So far I’ve gotten info about them providing unfurnished apartments. A little worried at the start up cost of this. Is there literally nothing in the place including lights? Thanks for any info you can give me.
I don’t have a top 5. I can’t list a single company that I think holds to any level of acceptable professional standards and treats its employees in a fair way. None of the companies you list require an actual MA in TESOL, none of them offer any kind of professional level training or continued educational opportunities, and none offer a real contract to become a regular employee (seishain). You can also forget regular raises, housing allowances, and yearly bonuses which are standard at most Japanese companies. And though I don’t know for certain, I find it highly likely that none of them adhere to the law in regards to health insurance, paid holidays, or the national pension. Why should they follow the law when they know they can fire anyone who makes waves or asks too many of the wrong questions? There’s no protection under labor law for people who are on a temporary one year contract (which is the standard), and they know most of their employees won’t have either the knowledge of the law or the monetary means to challenge them so they can easily get rid of anyone who won’t tow their party line. Basically, you teach in Japan at your own risk.
But all of that is fine, if you are only staying a couple of years and/or have no intention of making teaching into a real profession. Pretty much anyone can coast on being a native speaker and having a good personality. The professional standards are rock bottom, so you won’t be expected to know a thing about language acquisition theory or its application. There won’t be any real benchmarks for your teaching, and as long as you are friendly and cheerful, no one will even notice that you are completely incompetent by the standards of best practice.
But if you really are serious about teaching, get your MA and find a job at a college, university (or one of the better private elementary/jr. high/high schools) where you will be able to continue your own research and be expected to develop professionally. At schools and universities that take their English program seriously you will be supported by a staff of actual professionals who will help you develop your skills.
TL/DR: don’t get yourself stuck in eikaiwa if you are serious about teaching.
Would you say that going to Japan to teach English basically traps you in that field for whatever length of time you spend there or is there opportunity to branch out into other jobs after a three year contract (or so) finishes? I am heavily considering pursuing teaching English in Japan primarily as a means to get an in into living in the country – I can’t stop thinking about trying to move there after a two week vacation a couple of months ago. Amazing society.
Just wondering and maybe you answered this in the chain of earlier comments, but why did u decide jiec over west gate? I’m trying to make a decision of where to apply to… Any advice? Any help is appreciated!
Hello! I know you addressed the question of couples both teaching for the same company in the same school/area- but do you have any suggestions for companies that would simply allow me to live with my husband while I taught for the company and he did something else? He currently works for a Japanese company in the states, and could likely be transferred or find some other business job there since he is fluent- but we both want to move there and live TOGETHER… some companies (AEON especially) have strict rules on living arrangements so I just want to make sure we are not wasting our time. I currently am finishing my Master’s in education in the states, and looking to become ESOL certified- figured this would be a great opportunity. Thanks in advance!!!
I live in Japan right now and get so much love. I’ve only been her for 2 months but almost everyone is so nice to me and goes out of their way. It may be because I’m in osaka and that’s known for the friendliest people in Japan.
I lived and worked in Japan for 8 years (Tokyo
2003-2011) and did not have a single problem with race. I also dated
MANY Japanese women and even married one and have a child. As it was
stated previously, racism is everywhere in the world, not just Japan and
Asia. You will encounter ignorant people in every corner of the
globe. This should not discourage you from exploring potential career opportunities’
in other countries. Japan is an amazing place to live and work. I found
that most Japanese people are very curious when it comes to people of other
races and color because the country is so isolated. You may on occasion have
someone ask you a really offensive question in regards to your race. The western
media is also responsible for instilling those stigmas as well. For example, “How
did your face become so brown?” or ” I saw a black man on TV running
from the police, do you run from police too?”. This is more evident,
especially with older Japanese people who live in the countryside. They
are just not aware of how big the world around them really is and only see
black people on TV. Just remember to keep it professional, be mature and
respectful, and do NOT get drunk and make a scene. Common sense
advice for the most part but will help you in the long run. Don’t get
hung up on race. You will encounter that there are people all over the
world who just do not like Americans, regardless of your skin color. Brush it
off and keep it moving. I have Japanese
male and female friends that are cool as hell and are not backward thinking so
I guess I lucked out.
A lot of people seem to complain about being visibly racially different than the Asians. Let’s look at another problem. I look caucasian, but I’m from Turkey. It doesn’t matter whether or not my English is superb (I learned it as child before my native language) or have 5 years experience teaching at a university, the fact that I don’t carry a passport from any of the required English speaking countries is enough for any employer to toss my resume out the window.
I’m just seeing this page. I worked with JIEC as well. They were an awesome company, loved working with them. Problem???? I’m seriously allergic to kindergartens. I was forever sick. Not to mention I was always being compared to my predecessor who was from the same country as me, but that was with the school and not the company. Otherwise, JIEC is amazing. Just sad to see they now have Junior High positions when I’m no longer around.
Thanks for sharing, CC! You were a fellow JIEC-er too, huh? I know several people who were always getting sick because of their kindergarten kids. It definitely happens. I wasn’t aware they had junior high positions now. I knew you could do kagai classes with junior high kids, but that’s definitely a plus. WOW!
Hello! I’m planning to teach English abroad to combine my passion for travel with the opportunity to make some money/pay off my student loans. I’ve done some research and my heart is pretty set on South Korea given the firm structure it has in place for new ESL teachers (benefits, salary, low cost of living, etc). However, Japan is another country that I would love to consider teaching in – if not right off the bat then possibly further on down the road should I find that I really enjoy the work and the transient lifestyle. My question is to you is in regards to the salary. I see that English teachers can make quite a bit in Japan. But, when you factor in the cost of flight, accommodation (not sure if they’re guaranteed to be paid for like in S. Korea), and cost-of-living, what can you expect to save per month on a 2,800-3,000 yen salary assuming you’re actively budgeting but not depriving yourself of some fun experiences and minor comforts? Thanks a lot!
Westgate is an awful place to work mate. They pay 280,000 salary, but they make you pay 80,000 a month to rent their arranged apartment. That wouldn’t be bad, except most often the rent for the apartments is less than what they’re charging. My rent was likely about 50,000 a month. They were pocketing the remaining 30,000 or so! When I asked them about it, they told me they had to subsidize the rent of teachers who worked in more expensive areas! What kind of company cheats you on your rent??!!
My brother lives in Japan and is struggling to find a descent job, presently. These posts are scaring me! Bro, enjoy every challenge that life brings coz when it’s gone it’s gone. Chin up and crack on or make the decision to come home to your loving family.
Are you still working in Japan?
Interac is great if you can’t get into JET
I worked up in the northern part of Japan for a year and all I can say is that the dating scene there was horrible. I went 8 months without having “relations”. I loved the people up in the Aomori/Iwate area but I would not suggest it to anyone who wants to have relations on a regular basis,, it’s the worse area in the world for that.
Maybe because you’re Black?
That last time I looked I was Lilly white.
Jesus Donald can you block this guy. HOLY **** he’s making us look bad.
I recently applied with AEON. Their interview process has 3 steps; a Skype interview, a group interview and finally a personal interview.
After my Skype interview I was invited to a personal interview in New York City. There where 4 candidates that day. I arrived first, soon to be followed by another candidate . We where shown to a small conference room. Before the presentation began the third candidate arrived . There where 4 recruiters that day. They took the three of us through a basic introduction exercise. After the introduction the the fourth candidate finally entered. During the group interview your given the opportunity to give a sample lesson. I did well enough that I received an invitation for a private interview. Now, I’ve been a performer and an educator for too long not to be able to read a room, so I am confident when I say the 2 recruiters who interviewed me where impressed. I was told I would hear back from AEON after they spoke with my former employers and references, that is what they told me. I got an email a couple of days later saying that the company could not offer me a position at this time. I know for a fact that AEON never called my former employers or my references. AEON protects themselves by saying company policy prohibits them from telling a candidate why they were not hired. In my opinion by not even attempting to do a background check like they said they would, they lied to me. I don’t know if I will apply to AEON again in the future but right now my feeling is AEON cannot be trusted.
Hey Donald,
Are you still working for JIEC? I saw your last article talking about why you stopped being an ALT. Are you a full time teacher now? How did you manage to do that? Did you get your teaching certificate? Did you get it while in Japan, or did you come back home to do that? I’ve just applied to be an ALT through a bunch of places (your list is so helpful, thank you!), and I thought about getting teaching certificates at the same time (online, maybe, not sure yet). I’m just trying to learn as much about life and work in Japan as possible.
Thanks and hope all is well!
Hey Donald, awesome job with this post and your website.
This post has good information, but it seems to be two years old, and I’m sure you’ve accumulated more info since then. Any chance of you doing an update on this post?
Thank you for sharing information, Mr. Ash. I have been in Japan for 18 plus years. I am a permanent resident. I retired from my position as principal at Gregg International College six years ago after being employed there for 13 years as an instructor. I thought I would be able to make it as a self-employed writer. I thought wrong. Now, I am broke and am having trouble finding a job. I’ve already borrowed too much money from a friend. I don’t know what to do. You seem like a very positive person who has it together and maybe you have some advice for me. Thank you, tom d
I’m looking for a summer teaching job in japan- maybe a summer camp or short-term cram school gig. Does anyone have any information or leads?
Interesting list, quite a few i have never heard of but why didnt you include Interac in your list?
Hey Donnie, what have you heard about Amity? Have you heard anything from your friends about their thoughts on it?
Hi,
I could use some advice. I’ve applied to several conversation schools but I can’t get hired anywhere. I have a degree plus five years working as a K-12 teacher’s aide/ assistant.
I’m considering teaching English in Japan because I’m interested in learning Japanese so that I can study Japanese Philosophy or Philology at a graduate program (either University of Hawai’i or an institution in Japan). I also have some student loan debt that I need to pay off (30,000). Can you give me a sense of how long it will take me to pay of these loans working with a company like Aeon? How difficult is it to stay in Japan after the initial year of working with a company like theirs? Also, I’m concerned about being required to work overtime. From what I understand, overtime is not optional. Okay, one more question. I’ve also heard that people are expected to work even when they’re sick. Is this true?
Hi, Michelle. I’ve never worked in Japan but a friend of mine has. He has a CELTA qualification and it’s actually considered one of the best — if not the best — qualifications for teaching English abroad. It’s certified by Cambridge which gives it some prestige. You also get a number of hours of teaching experience whilst studying the CELTA, which will go a long way on your application. The training Aeon gives you is to demontrate how they would like you to perform lessons using their curriculum. You can use the CELTA to teach English as a second language in any country, including England.
On a side note, I would stress not throwing all your eggs into the ‘teaching English’ basket unless your heart is truly in it. Using it as a gateway to study other things might work, but it could be arduous if you’re not enthusiastic about the whole process. I’ve been considering applying to Aeon (or another company) after my postgraduate study, but I’m very much on the fence after reading a lot of blogs and comments. It seems to be heavily based on where you’re assigned and what the staff is like. It could also be argued that a lot of people expect to go there with delusions of ‘The Good Life’ — Drinking, partying, getting laid, exotic adventure and so on. At the end of the day, it’s a professional full-time job where you are expected to abide by the Japanese work ethic — being dedicated to the job, even if it means performing tasks that Westerners deem as unethical. Inemuri … well, I doubt it’ll be to that extent! A lot of people probably apply for these jobs based on grand misconceptions, which is why, when they arrive, they quickly discover they don’t enjoy it.
@@thejapanguy:disqus – Do you have any information on Interac?I’m applying for that company and would like to know if you have any personal information on it. Also from personal experience how did you do when handling contracts? I’ve heard horror stories about a person being given a contract to sign to be shipped back and then when they get there, a new contract has been drawn up and they have to sign it or leave. I’m hoping thats not the case with interac
Please don’t go with Interac, if you haven’t started with them. They are definitely a company that’s all about greed and money. They will charge you random things, and it will look like they are helping you when in actuality they are screwing you over in other areas. If you are already apart of Interac though, the children are always lovely
I cant wait to go but ill be finished with my bachelors at 31 years of age. There is age discrimination in Japan. Will i have a chance?
Bro I agree with thegrandadmiral about Asian women liking white dudes but you could probably see that everywhere… in Africa….in India…china etc…… white dudes have constructed a global “PR campaign” that has given them this “privilege”…. but I also believe if you have confidence in yourself it won’t effect you as much… besides all that tho… how do you guys get chopped in Japan… where are all the black barber shops??? I’m black will be moving to Japan in about 3 months
Hi Donald, my nephew is a junior in college in the US and is interested in teaching English in Japan this summer. Are there opportunities for paid (or unpaid) internships teaching English in Japan for US college students? Btw, I did JET in 1991 and LOVED it! But i have been out of country for so long i don’t really have any info for my nephew regarding teaching in Japan – especially not as a summer intern. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Dan
I had some good time reading a lot of your articles. And I would say that, they are very informative and encouraging. What I really would like to ask is, do know some non-native individuals who were able to get hired by any of the companies that you mentioned above? I grew up in the Philippines, wherein, personally, English is mostly used or mixed up with the native language in schools since childhood.
Thanks for the info…short and touches on the salient points. Quick question though, how do these companies rank with visa support? I currently teach in Kazakhstan and we have been ‘spoilt’. My school offers some of the best perks out there so I would really like to know how easy it would to make that transition if one was interested in doing so.
The Japan Guy your page is broken I think… there is no article here… just a bunch of comments on racial discrimination…
Thank you for the useful list! It helped me understand more about the different companies. I am planning to teach in Japan after finishing my bachelor degree and I want to teach in public schools (kindergarten, elementary school or middle school). Is it promised with the companies you mentioned with such programs that you will actually get this option? Also which ones you recommend the most for teaching in public school?
Hello Donald,
Great blog!!! I landed on your, “The Five Best Companies…” page as I am interested in giving exactly this kind of advice to newly arriving English teachers. I love everything you have shared through your own personal experiences, and your FAQ page is wonderful. Thank you, Donald, for sharing so generously.
Yes, thank you for your constructive criticism regarding which companies are good for employment. Question: What’s the link for the Japanese Board of Education? I would like to apply as a teacher. Thanks.