Fellow ESL teacher (in China) so my questions are more from a place of comparative curiosity than just being plain nosy.
From job boards it seems that Japan asks for a lot more from their teachers, and then on top of that gives back noticeably less than other countries where this sort of work is available.
I think it's fair to say that there is a noticeable amount of people from western countries that have an obsession with Japan and all things Japanese. So much so that there is probably a lot more supply than demand of people just so desperate to move to Japan willing to accept a deal that, in another country, would be considered an obvious bad deal, just for the privilege of living in the land of the rising sun. This is just my theory from looking and comparing offers from China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Japan and others. My question is do you feel there is much truth to my theory? And if not or if so, why?
How did you find your initial job in Japan?
I'm of course not asking for specifics but do you feel you are able to save a reasonable amount? (that is...if saving is part of the reason why you're doing it)
Hey no problem I hope I can answer the best I can.
With the demanding nature, it honestly depends on each specific teacher, being elementary school things from my experience can range from planning, preparing, and teaching the whole class at one extreme; to having a teacher who does everything and you offer words of encouragement and help the students.
I would say by a 3 to 1 ratio, the teachers like to prepare for class themselves and will ask you to chip in with a game or activity. Usually there is only one class a day in which I am planning, preparing, and teaching the whole class. Outside of that we are asked to sit at a desk in the teacher's room but they do not mind asking us to participate in P.E. or wood shop class.
For junior high school I do none of the planning, as I am working with a rather skilled and talented woman who speaks very good English, at most I chip in with pronunciation, help students when asked, participate in speaking quizzes, and help correct papers.
I have heard some stories from high school teachers of having to basically prepare and do all the classes as well as grade papers and basically act as the official English teacher at the school, when we are supposed to be assistants.
As for pay, after bills which include paying for the apartment, car, etc etc, I am left with about 140000¥ to 90000¥ each month to spend on myself, however that is after my company switched to a system of having a steady paycheck all year long and not having a month of practically no pay in September when the pay period for summer vacation rolls around. So it's not like I am extremely rich from this job, but considering the duties it is fair and livable.
On your question about people wanting to come, I can understand that, when I went to the interview only about 8 people showed up, but I have heard that is on the small side and is usually around 30 people. I have heard as they have gotten closer to the Olympics, Japan is practically hiring everyone possible so that they can show the world that they are serious about the children learning English.
However I think reputation wise companies are still looking for people with prior teaching experience and can work well with children. If you work at an elementary school you need a lot of patience and a very thick skin because the kids will poke you in places you never even knew you had, and will act up in some of the worst possible ways.
As for how I found the job, honestly I was searching Gaijinpot after returning from Tokyo Game Show. I did a phone interview, did a in person interview, and then was hired and shipped off to training five months later.
