Hi!

My name is Justine, I don’t live in Japan yet but I’m hoping to move there for a while. I recently just graduated with a masters degree and now I really want experience working abroad! I have been looking into English conversation schools to work at and was wondering if anyone had good experiences with that? I’ve sent out applications and I am currently just waiting to see if I am selected for interviews.

I’m glad I found this message board because have so many questions about living and working in Japan! I look forward to reading your experiences!!

Justine

Hi there Justine!

Well, I work for one of the big ones (starts with an A…), so feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.  Watch out for Nova and Geos - I’m sure you’ve heard the stories in the news. I think all the other big ones are still surviving…

Good luck with the job hunt, and let us know when you arrive in Japan! 

Ali

Hi Justine, welcome to BAB! :D
I want to go there too~ <33 What did you get your masters in, if you don’t mind me asking? :3

Thanks!

I got my masters in music theory. It’s been fun but now I’m looking for a new challenge/adventure! I am excited, I have an interview in almost two weeks for one of the English conversation schools. I’m really hoping I can get a job!

Good luck with the interview! :D

Hi Justine, I work at a small college and really enjoy it. I’ve only worked at one language school in Hiroshima. It is pretty famous and based only in that area. Also with a Master’s degree, this school might be able to get you some university/college classes. To be honest, the language school thing didn’t suit me, but we all have different expectations and most of the people I worked with thought that particular school was one of the better ones.
Most people I know in the language school business prefer to find smaller schools, but I’ve heard many of those don’t want to do the initial visa sponsorship anymore and generally look for people who are already here.
You might also consider the ALT (assistant language teacher) companies. I’ve heard good things about some of them, especially if you are interested in working with kids.
Once you are here and have some experience/connections, you might be able to find part time college or university work even though your Master’s degree isn’t in teaching English or linguistics.
Like Ali said, please feel free to PM me if you have specific questions about different companies or schools.
Hope this helps
Wendy