Not yet graduated and Nova

[poitier]

Hi all,

I've just joined this forum and from what i've read it's great! It appears to be the one stop shop for all your teaching overseas enquiries and resources, so thank you.

I've had a read through some of the posts and I have had a look at some of the jobs availible in Japan, but I have some questions and was wondering if I could please get some help...

I have three subjects left until I graduate my BA, which I am doing via correspondance but I've had some changes in my life lately and I think i'm ready to go to Japan soon, rather than wait until I graduate...

I spoke to Nova who said that as I have not graduated, I will not be able to get a sponsored position and work full time, which I already knew, but my concerns are living on a part-time salary... I read the post about the costs associated with living in Japan and on a 250000 yen salary, you have about 100000 yen left over, but If i'll only be earning about 161000 yen, can I survive?

Also, I've heard both good and bad stories about Nova does anyone recommend against them strongly or for them?

I've been told that the part-time positions for Nova can be changed to full-time after 6 months, which suggests that you do not have to have a degree to work full time, is this true?

I've also been told that it's a good idea to use a company like Nova to get over there and then let yourself be poached by another company who will be willing to pay you a higher rate, does this really happen?

If anyone could give me some advise, that would be great!

thanks in advance.

Justin.

[gfell]

Originally Posted by poitier

I've just joined this forum and from what i've read it's great! It appears to be the one stop shop for all your teaching overseas enquiries and resources, so thank you.

Thank you for your nice comments poitier. Glad you enjoy these forums. We are here for teachers and students to discuss anything about ESL or living abroad, and hope to add new services in the near future.

Originally Posted by poitier

If i'll only be earning about 161000 yen, can I survive?

Depends on which city you want to live in. A 3LDK apartment (15 minutes from Osaka by fast train) is about 90,000 yen. Spacious and clean, but this would also require key money of a few months and commissions to the real-estate agent. Hence, I would suggest you first go with a "gaijin house". They are usually around 50,000~60,000 yen per month and include all furnishings, internet and utilities. You would get an approx. 6 tatami mat room, and share the common areas.

Cost of food is about the same as Australia with a few exceptions of meat, bread and rice. In fact, you will probably find that you can eat out cheaper in Japan than in Australia. A family restaurant (similar to Sizzlers) will set you back about 1000~1500 yen, and that's being over the top. In my nearby area, Sazeiriya lunches are only 500 yen. The lunch includes a drink bar, a large serviing of rice, meat pattie with gravy, shreaded cabbage and blob of mash potato.

Take a look at http://www.aacircle.com.au/forums/te...ily+restaurant for the cost of living in Japan.

Originally Posted by poitier

I've heard both good and bad stories about Nova does anyone recommend against them strongly or for them?

Nova is good for first time teachers. They are supportive and professional. The biggest problem teachers have with them is that they underpay a lot. But, this is all upfront information. They wont try any sneaky practices or hold your salary. They are too big of an organisation to act illegally.

Originally Posted by poitier

I've been told that the part-time positions for Nova can be changed to full-time after 6 months, which suggests that you do not have to have a degree to work full time, is this true?

The Working Holiday visa is not appropriate for those wishing to enter Japan to engage in full-time employment.

Originally Posted by poitier

I've also been told that it's a good idea to use a company like Nova to get over there and then let yourself be poached by another company who will be willing to pay you a higher rate, does this really happen?

Nobody is going to poach you since you will not have a work visa or any real experience teaching. Schools do not poach teachers in Japan. It would be more like the teacher leaving and finding work elsewhere.

Some do say they will use Nova to get to Japan, and then leave them once done. But I hear this more than I see it done. I know of teachers in Japan that still teach Nova after 1 year. So there must be some benefits still with working for Nova. Once you get to Japan, then make up your mind if you would like to stay or leave.

[djfiesta]

Sorry to pull up such an old thread but this seemed like the only one that sort of matched my current situation.
I am currently studying Medicine/Surgery at the University of Adelaide and was planning on deferring a year after my 5th year of studies to teach English in Japan for a year.

Why not just finish 6th year? Well at the UofA we have our final exams in 5th yr, and 6th yr is really a practice year, however we are given our degree at the end of 6th yr. Also halfway during 6th yr we are strongly encouraged to sign our contract for working in hospitals as an intern, which then continues to RMO and further training, tying me up for a good 5 years or more. Therefore the most appropriate time for me to go is after 5th yr. And this is where my problem arises.

I won't have a Bachelors degree to put on my resume, although I would have done 5 years of study, and effectively passed all of the subjects required of me. I am also planning to undertake TESOL certification.

Has anyone here successfully applied for a job, or know of anyone who has, without a Bachelors degree and found it a good experience? I would like something like the JET program, but they seem fairly strict about having a Bachelors.

I thank anyone who replies to this.

-Daniel

[Jason]

Go for the Working Holiday Program if you are 30 years old or younger. Search these forums for more info on it.

That's really the only way to work in Japan without a bachelor degree.

[djfiesta]

Thanks so much for the speedy reply, seems like that is the way to go. I understand that it isn't for full time work, and since I predominately wanted to travel part time work suits me fine.
However how many hours is considered part time, what sort of establishments can (or do) you work for with a WHV, and is the pay adequate to live? Of course i know that depends on area, rent, lifestyle, but generally you don't starve do you? I think saving up sufficient money is easy, easy beyond even the initial amount required.

Just hoping to hear some experiences. Thanks!

[Jason]

The majority still work full-time on a WHV. Your pay will be the same as another teacher at your school whom may be on a work visa.

Expect anywhere from ￥2,500+ per hour. This is a conservative figure. Definitely you wont starve, and you will have savings each month.

[kodieson]

If you are looking for cheaper living in Japan, check out Hokkaido. I am there now. It is much less to live there than on Honshu. (the big island)

And NOVA does act illegally. They just lost a case in the Japanese supreme court because they were trying to withhold money from students.
Also there was just a drug bust of numerous NOVA teachers involved in a marijuana network. Although you can't necessarily hold that against the company unless you want to look at what type of people they hire. I personally have no problem with that.

[englishaffairs]

Nova basically sucks. but as you mentioned you can use them to get a visa etc. and then look for a better company.
cheers, romas

[callala]

I have heard mixed responses, good and bad....so not sure myself!