Hey guys,

I'm applying for English language position right now.
I have written a CV in English.

Now I am thinking, which is better when applying for a position as an English teacher, English or japanese?

My gut feeling tells me English is alright but Japanese would be better, is that so?
Or does it not matter so much?

I'm still a beginner with japanese, however I'm could probably figure out how to write an application letter in that language and have it proofread.
Does anyone know where to find good samples for that kind of letter and CV?

Thank you as always.

If either is acceptable, definitely use English. There might be rare exceptions though--what kind of job? Eikaiwa, public school, private school, university?

Okay thanks.
Trying Eikawa right now, applied with Peppy Kids Club and looking for other websites / openings.

Anyone know Berlitz?

maxwell777 Wrote:Anyone know Berlitz?

Never done eikaiwa myself, but a good friend of mine who worked for a few said Berlitz was the best of the big ones. She worked for one in Kyoto though, and they might vary by location. I was actually thinking of applying there part time if I start grad school in September.

Tzadeck,
I see, that sounds quite promising, thank you.

What about NOVA?
I'm also thinking about applying with independent Eikawas, though I don't know any good ones as of yet.

I see AEON requires teachers to either be native speakers or to have accomplished 10 years in an English school..
Not sure how that is so relevant. Of course my English is not on native speaker level, however I do hold a CELTA and have years of teaching experience. I hope that this isn't the kind of expectation I'll come across in other EIKAWAS.
This is a discrimination of non native speakers right there! )

Unfortunately, I think there is a lot of prejudice against non-native speakers when it comes to English teaching positions in Japan. But if you have teaching experience and some credentials you might still be okay. I know quite a few non-native speakers that have taught English in Japan, but I know even more who have complained that they have good English but can't get teaching positions.

As for NOVA I have kind of a bad impression, mostly because I was in Japan when it collapsed seven or eight years ago. But the new management may be unrelated--I have no idea.

I wonder if anyone on this forum has done eikaiwa? They might be able to give more specific advice compared to me.

I'd say 90% of foreigners working at eikaiwas can't speak a word of Japanese, so I don't think you need to worry about that at all. You could try using both languages to impress, but the people reviewing your application will probably be English speakers who can't read Japanese.

I've heard that people from countries like India or the Philippines do get hired at Gaba and Nova, but eikaiwas really try to market the whole native thing. Attitudes towards learning English can be simplistic and unrealistic here, and the eikaiwas appeal to this. I think it'll be an adjustment for you if you've taught English seriously.

English. Don't let anyone know you can understand or read japanese. First, the school will be happier to have someone who won't speak japanese to the students and have their english skills improve. Second, you could pretend not knowing the language well enough and be able to understand some fun conversations that otherwise will be avoided when you're there. Have fun and success with the application!

thanks a lot guys, that answers my question.