reality check for English teaching job

[prolly]

I have an interview next week for AEON. I've done the research (this forum, among others) and before I go to the meeting, I'd like to put this out there:

I'm part Asian. I look Asian. I speak some Japanese, but my primary language is English. I have an American accent (pan-American, nothing like a Brooklyn or Boston accent).

After reading everywhere that the more Euro you look (blonde hair, blue eyes, white skin) the more preferable you'll be for teaching gigs (after all, this job is just as much about entertainment and salesmanship than it is education), I'd like to know what the odds are I'll get picked up for the job. For what it's worth, I have teaching skills and experience (to make up for my lack of "white-ness").

Opinions?

[djgizmoe]

It really depends on the situation, but being "genki" and smiling profusely will help a lot. AEON is a huge company, and I think your "Asian-ness" will be much less of a liability than it might be at smaller schools. If you have a BA, teaching experience, speak clearly and don't look like Quasimodo, I think your chances are darn good.
And there's always ECC, Berlitz and bunch of other schools to choose from if AEON falls through.

Ganbatte!

[AssKissinger]

Have you thought about giving JET a shot?

[prolly]

I'm 30. I'm too old for JET (realistically).
The deal is I'd like to check out Japan, but it would be better to have someone pay for it, in a way. I had originally planned to just go live there for three months (I've saved) but then decided it'd be better to do it this way, since it would look more productive on my resume once things were over (rather than just having it look like a 3 month break.)

Have you thought about giving JET a shot?

[AssKissinger]

I'm 30. I'm too old for JET

Maybe maybe not. I know a guy in his 30's who just started his JET job. How long do you wanna stay in Japan?

[Samurai_Jerk]

I'm 30. I'm too old for JET (realistically).
The deal is I'd like to check out Japan, but it would be better to have someone pay for it, in a way. I had originally planned to just go live there for three months (I've saved) but then decided it'd be better to do it this way, since it would look more productive on my resume once things were over (rather than just having it look like a 3 month break.)

Have you thought about giving JET a shot?

I was on JET. Plenty of guys over 30 got in.

[prolly]

Well this interview is sooner than JET, so I'd rather focus on the AEON interview. Now I'm wondering about my age with AEON.
Truthfully, this will be a step backward, professionally, but I prefer to have them hook me up with an apt., visa, etc. and then I can re-consider my options once I'm there. I only want to be there 6 mos max (I'm not going to tell them that, though) before I'll probably return to New York City (where I'm currently living) to pick up my career. I don't mind shelling out for the plane ticket (which I'll have to do if I break contract).

Right now I'm searching online for some ESL lesson plans to co-opt.

[AssKissinger]

Well if you only want to stay such a short time AEON should be fine. You can come here, have some fun, get laid and leave some corporate cocksucking eikaiwa high and dry when you pull your six month midnight runner! All around a perfect scenerio I'd say. 30's OK, don't sweat it! And don't sweat the Asian thing either. I actually think native English speaking Asians are trendy with some gaijin-hobbyists here.

[Big Booger]

I'm 30. I'm too old for JET (realistically).
The deal is I'd like to check out Japan, but it would be better to have someone pay for it, in a way. I had originally planned to just go live there for three months (I've saved) but then decided it'd be better to do it this way, since it would look more productive on my resume once things were over (rather than just having it look like a 3 month break.)

Have you thought about giving JET a shot?

I know a guy who is 46 on the JET programme now. He started last year. So don't be put off by the age nonsense.

It's your personality that counts and if you have the energy to put up with snot nosed kids 8-10 hours per day. They say 7, but if you stick around after school you will enjoy your time more for an extra hour a day.

There are many shitheads on the JET programme.. they fuck up a nice system. Some of them dick around, take it for granted, and really give the programme a bad name.

And the hiring process is about like reading tea leaves.. it's totally ludicrous. I don't know how it works, but I can tell you one thing, there's no clear cut way to get a position.

Aeon, Geos, Nova, et al.. are all good for a one year stint. But each and every situation is different. You may wind up in a shithole and teach at a wretched school with crap managers and assistant managers. Or you may wind up in rosey asscheeksville.. who knows. It's a lottery. Take a gamble. Live it up. And as for being asian, who really gives a shit about that anyway? As long as you can speak clear Engrish, have a rosy demeanor, then you are fine.

Good luck. But I would take both the JET, Aeon, and any other interview just in case. You never know. At one time, maybe you'll get an asshole interviewer who doesn't like you and you fail.. don't sweat it. Always have a backup plan.

[Skankster]

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Opinions?

Get the chip off your shoulder;
and go in there and give them HELL!!!

[silverfall]

I know two guys who look asian and work as teachers. The only problems you'll have will be the students talking to you in Japanese until they realize you dont speak.

[Taro Toporific]

.... For what it's worth, I have teaching skills and experience ...
Opinions?

ESL teaching skills, degrees and experience from the US do not help in doing the job (except in the broadest sense that education helps you in life). The Japanese *system* precludes the use of ESL/EFL training. Regular school teaching experience is little use too except to have a degree to show the Japanese school (but Japanese schools are not really excited about you having a Secondary Ed BA in English, for example).

Bottom Line: It your personality that really counts (and a Master's in ESL/EFL might impress the mekyo-baka Japanese).

[dangermouse]

dont sweat it man.the school i work at has a manager and two teachers who are asian and work as english teachers.they are all real popular with the students.this job is all about personality just like the last guy said...and your ability to teach them english in an interesting way.

[prolly]

cool, I should have no problems, then.
thanks!

[kamome]

One thing about JET vs. private schools. A few years ago, I was an interviewer for the JET program at the Japanese consulate in Los Angeles. My experience there was that the race of the interviewee meant nothing. We were looking for a good blend of personality, educational background, intelligence, and maturity. Also, I was on the JET program and there were plenty of Westerners of Asian descent on the program.

I have no idea what the standards are for private schools like AEON. Some of their ads depict lily-white Westerners handcuffed to Japanese people or smiling white celebrity sponsors like Ewan McGregor. So take BB's advice and have a backup plan.