TESL training and recruiting service

[smsfarrar]

Hello,
My name is Michael. I am new to the ESL community and would like to say hello to everyone. I am seeking employment in Japan and have a question. I found an organization that provides online TESL certification training and job placement with an insured placement within three months. Is this true or is it a scam?

Also, I am considering going to Japan to do my job search there. I have read suggestions on haw to do so, but the answers are very generic. Can someone sort of walk me through the process of doing this, from finding a Gaijin House to the application process, including interviewing? What is the minimum amount of time I should give myself for finding a job? What is the least amount of money I should expect to spend? I plan to go to Tokyo.

I look forward to hearing from you and to getting to know you all.

Thanks,
Michael

[gfell]

Welcome Michael!

Please try to create separte threads for each topic you want to discuss. Makes it easier then for others to locate information.

TEFL
Quite a number of TEFL course providers make this claim, but do check the fineprint. There will most likely be conditions. Eg: that the offer is only available to native English speakers that hold a minimum bachelor degree. I wouldn't go as far as calling it a scam though.

Steps for Working in Japan
Below you will find some of the most basic and common scenarios to newbies arriving to Japan to work.

Steps to Geting a Job in Japan - scenario 1

1. Apply via job boards with your resume / photo via email.
2. Attend telephone interviews before arriving to Japan.
3. Airport pickup by your school in Japan and taken to your accommodation.

Steps to Geting a Job in Japan - scenario 2

1. Apply via job boards with your resume / photo via email.
2. Arrive to Japan
3. Check-in to a Gaijin house.
4. Attend face-to-face interviews.
5. Gain employment and possibly move to company provided accommodation.

You should be able to find employment within 3~4 weeks of arriving to Japan. If not, then you really need to take a close look at yourself, and possibly ask for feedback from recruiters / schools that have rejected you.

Initial Funding Required
I would suggest having access to funding that will cover you 3 months before you get your first pay check.

- 50,000 yen / month for your gaijin house
- 30,000 yen / month for food
- 1,000 yen / day for transport

Take a look at http://www.aacircle.com.au/forums/f53/ for interview preparation techniques etc.

See the post at Best way to get started working in Japan??? regarding gaijin houses.

[smsfarrar]

Hey gfell,

Thanks for your reply. I see your point about dividing my questions into individual posts. I am beginning to believe it will be worth the expense of going to Japan first. I have another question about that and I will post it as another question.

Thanks again,
Michael