No degree+Nagoya=??

[gixxstar]

Hi all,
As my post in the "other lines of work" forum states, I am now living in Nagoya with my japanese wife. I am having problems with finding teaching work without a degree, I want to avoid sitting around for a few months while I wait for "maybe" ALT jobs. (W5)

I want to post this question on gp as there are some great people on here and there help has been great, I need some help again. Moving here with my wife and her having a job already, the apt and bills coming down the line, etc...the stress is getting to me.
I know that I am a newbee and just going through the same stuff as other have done, but I am getting worried and need a little advice on where to look next.
Looked for jobs @
-gp
-daves esl
-tefl
-___________
-NIC center
-Hello work in Nagoya has no english speakers...

Thanks in advance for any help/advice,
Gixx.

[ipickmynose]

this is my simple advice
very simple indeed
look to find ur own students
build up a small (or large) number of weekly students
much more satisfying than anything else you might do

dont make excuses
just do get off ur ___

[Glenski]

Other places to look for ads:
www.___________.com
www.eltnews.com
www.___________.com (teaching and otherwise,something to consider as a stopgap)
The Japan Times (every Monday)

Your lack of degree is an obvious impediment, but many have found work without one. As I hinted, since you have a spouse visa, perhaps you can do something other than teaching. Language barrier will be the big problem there, as well as employers requiring certain other qualifications.

[gixxstar]

Thanks Glenski.

I am looking into the other lines of work, I know I will find something soon.
I am going to give a speech at SIA on the 29th but have yet to hear any kind of solid job offer from him. I am thinking of going to the JALT meeting at the Nagoya International Center on the 23rd, to get some info and make some contacts ( I hope)

Thanks Glenski.

[waller]

Is there a place where you can put up notices (beautiful, professional looking ones with some Japanese on them too) advertising private lessons. Sometimes there is an International Centre, or maybe the town hall or library.

Is there a university ? Put notices up offering to do proof reading or help with writing if there are courses where English is used.

Also, networking seems soooo important over here. Join some groups or something - Kendo, Aikido, soccer, Ikebana ... So much stuff gets handed down by word of mouth. The personal relationship seems very important.

Kindergartens - maybe see if any of them are interested in a foreign clown calling in to offer entertainment , also know as English lessons, once or twice a week. Get your wife to help you there.

I know a few privates are not like a steady income but it will make you feel loads better and could lead to something more. Good luck.

[gixxstar]

Some great Ideas, I have already put up a notice at the Nagoya international center, however the idea of putting some Japanese and at universitys is a great idea. I will get my wife to help me with that.

Thanks for the ideas,
Gixx.

[gixxstar]

Yes I am learning the quite part and the volumes that it speaks over here.

Thanks for all the ideas and advice!
Gixx.

[Glen Twenty]

Hi

May I suggest you try teaching children, If you have not already applied, the company I work for have classrooms in Nagoya and have vacancies on www.___________.com. No degree required just a good personality enjoy singing and dancing,also turn up for work on time.

PS: They always pay on time

Glen Twenty

[donpaulo]

Nagoya JALT is a good idea. The contacts there will be able to help you
A improve your teaching methodology
B flatten the living in Japan learning curve
C perhaps give you a good lead

I am a JALT officer in the Tokai region and have gotten some students simply by attending meetings. I know I learned alot. JALT Nagoya will be very happy to see you (or at least they should)

[gixxstar]

I am going to consider teaching children, not my first choice but eh!

I will be at the Nagoya JALT meeting this Sunday, hope it turns up some leads!

Thanks again all, you are awsome!
Gixx

[gixxstar]

If children aren't your first choice, it may be wise to avoid ALT positions. Degree-less (BOE's usually check ) that means elementary school. And that, my friend, is pandemonium- I know!
No control, just mothering, mollycoddling, whatever you want to call it. You've got to be strong and adore, and I do mean adore, kids.
It's a stopgap, sure. But it's a drain, and none too financially rewarding. Plus it ties you up. W5? I think they still do yearly contracts, don't they? Check how many lessons a day they'll want. If it's over four, that's exhausting. The Last I knew about W5 they allowed five lessons a day. You don't keep ALT's for long at that rate....

I may have not made myself totaly clear, when I say kids I mean under elementry.
I know that elementry would be a handful and thanks for the info on the number of classes per day. I find that most schools teach a number kids anyway so I will teach kids no matter where I go. I am a little worried about the other teachers, in my interview at W5 I was told that I will probably run into other teachers that don't like me. Do you have any experience with that?

Thanks,
Gixx

[gixxstar]

Good point.
Well said.