Work in Japan

[buddy55]

Hello,

I am an Australian with a bachelor degree and post graduate diploma in Intensive Care nursing and wanted to do some conversational english work in Japan with my partner, who holds the same credentials tied in with some travel.

We do not want to be in a 12 month contract, and from my research i can see that many companies only offer 12 month contracts.

Can you direct me to where i can find shorter term contracts in they exist??
And what happens if you break a longer contract??

Also is it 100% essential to have a TEFL certificate???

Thanks

Alysia

[mycolumbus]

Hello Alysia,

Some good questions you posted. I too was in your situation at one stage. I initially found a job teaching in Shizuoka thru an agent in Australia. The following week I was on a plane and heading to Japan. The pay was a pathetic 195,000 per month, so I didn't last long, packed my bags and headed to Tokyo after 3 months.

There is not much a school can do if you leave prior to 12 months being up. Some schools may offer you bonuses or severance pays which are only payable upon completion of your contract to hold you on.

If you are 30 or under, then I suggest coming to Japan on a working holiday visa. Once you arrive to Japan, then there are many classifieds you can scour for full-time and part-time jobs. There is a list of classifieds both print and electronic at www.aacircle.com.au/japan-guide-classifieds.htm.

Once you are in Japan it's so much easier to find work.

A TEFL certificate isn't required, but if you don't have a university degree, I would definitely recommend to get a TEFL certificate.

Shorter-term contracts generally exist with company classes. OTC, Gaba in Tokyo, Simul, CTS and Excel come to mind for Osaka.

Hope this info helps.