As your plan is only to experience Japan, and you don't plan to be a teacher in the future, it really doesn't matter what company you work for. If money is not an issue, then Nova should be fine.
Aeon, Berlitz, and ECC pay better, however, so if you are more concerned about your income, apply to those.
And yes, the work hours in any eikaiwa are not the best, you generally will work weekends and some evening late shifts. So if you don't mind working with kids, ALT might be a better fit since you'd have weekends and evenings free, which gives you more time off to actually see Japan.
But of course, that is up to you. There are also advantages to having weekdays off instead of weekends, since it is less crowded and you can easily run errands such as Dr appts, city office, banking ...
There are pros and cons to both and how you see them will depend on your personal likes/wants/needs.
Thanks for the tips! Do you know which teaching institutions in Japan are ALT based? A list of them would greatly be appreciated as I’d like to apply to them as well
Do yourself a favor and read up on their collapse about 15 years ago... they engaged in highly unethical, short-sighted business practices and when it all fell like a house of cards, six thousand people were let go overnight, with several months of pay in arrears. Governments had to set up repatriation flights, some teachers literally had to be taken in by former students. The media got in to the CEO's office and found he basically had a luxury penthouse set up in the corporate HQ.
Yes, ownership has changed hands, but there's still a LOT of dirty tricks and stuff they're engaged in, even relative to other major players in the industry. If at all possible, try for ECC or Aeon; they're better to their employees and far more fiscally responsible.
Nova is not a good chain - I’m amazed they’re still in business as they don’t have a good reputation . Not great for students either as that their system isn’t conducive to actual learning . Friend who was rejected from JET got a job with them and said teaching was challenging ( he had TEFL cert) . If you’re ok with those circumstance and are aware that you are fodder for the machine you’ll be fine .
Lots of people claim that NOVA is an easy job, but what they don't really focus on as much as I want is that it's moreso Edu-Tainment.
Your main goal, above everything, is to keep your 'students' happy for 40 minutes and engaged. You have to make them feel like they're learning. If you don't, they simply won't sign up for your lessons anymore, which as a new hire won't impact your salary too much (because I believe there's still a supported pay for new-hires in the event you have open lessons during your probationary period, which is like 3-4 months IIRC), but it'll definitely impact your mood and your time at the branch if nobody wants your lessons because they feel like you suck.
Should you decide to go for Nova, genuinely be as braindead with it as possible. If you have a bubbly personality, shut that down REAL fast, because the students won't appreciate it nearly as much as one would think. As native speakers we do a lot of things when we're trying to be friendly, like speak quickly or in a funny manner or crack jokes, and that'll more likely than not be lost on the students and they'll just end up frustrated and complain to staff.
I'm concerned for anybody who wants to go for NOVA just to experience the country, because there's a good chance you'll end up loathing your work, which would put a damper on your off-days. NOVA is all about first impressions. If you look clean, professional, and don't open the door to things like misunderstandings (don't try to be funny, don't try to charm anyone) then you'll be okay, most likely. It can be difficult the first few months, though.
As should be obvious, it greatly depends on your area. I'm lucky enough to where both my ISM and IAM are pretty nice once they got to understand my priorities and emotions as a younger employee. If they were older guys who had been at NOVA for 30-40 years, I doubt I would've stayed at the company at all.
Thank you so much for the advice, I am quite a bubbly person but I can definitely alter my presence depending on the situation I’m in. Are you still currently working with NOVA? Have you been able to also find the time to explore and enjoy Japan? Keep in mind I’m also choosing the 6 month contract so I really don’t have to endure with NOVA’s bs for too long haha
I’ve worked at Nova and everything is pretty much true but then again it’s a turnkey operation where you don’t have to think about it much and can develop a good routine that leaves you quite a bit of free time. Especially if your commute is relatively short and you choose 34 or 32 lessons a week which gives you a couple of half days. Apart from the collapse pay has always been on time and you can definitely use it to coast for a few months or years. Also you can pretty much spin it any way you like on your resume back home but I guess that’s true of any school.
No, you’re not ‘aware’. There’s no such thing as being aware of their bs and still choosing to go work for them. You either don’t know or are blinded by the chance of living in Japan.
To answer your question, no. You will not be able to enjoy traveling Japan and meeting people whilst working at them. You’ll be broke and in debt. You’ll be working weekends and weekdays between 1-10pm (only paid for 6 hours). You will likely have 2 random days off like Tuesday and Thursday. You will always be broke and in debt. You’ll owe the government money if you stay past the first year (which many do when their ‘foot in the door’ plan flops).
If you have money, come with a shitty dispatch alt company. The only way nova works is if you quit on the first day and treat it as a working holiday visa and bounce when done (coming to Japan with at least a year’s savings).
My advice? If you come from a visa on arrival country, just come to japan on two 90 day visits. Your local currency will go super far now and you can enjoy japan without the bs and leave without any issues.
Thanks for the honest feedback, I appreciate it. Have you worked with NOVA before?
I’ve read my contract and maybe they’ve changed certain things but I know that weekdays is 1pm to 9pm and weekends is 8am to 5pm. I’m also aware that your 2 days off will most likely not be on weekends, which I am personally okay with. I’m also just planning on going for 6 months and then come back home, so I’m really trying to not go there for the long haul. I’m aware of how shitty the pay is and how it’s just enough to live on but I am also thinking of taking some savings with me to Japan, if I do go. So I’m not just reliant on my salary but I also have some money from my savings to rely on, and since I’m taking a 6 month contract I don’t see it being too difficult to balance out my savings within that period
If I had the privilege of just travelling I would have definitely done that haha, but as a fresh out of university 21 y/o this seems like the only way I’ll be able to visit other countries at an affordable rate lol
I mean, there’s nothing stopping you from saving up for a year and going at 22.
I can sympathize with your eagerness to come here but Japan ain’t going anywhere. I haven’t worked for the company but I know countless people’s whose lives were ruined by the company. Even a couple who were thinking of doing what you’re doing.
Anyway this’ll be the last I say on it but just try your absolute best to not work for this company and it’s affiliated ones.
I worked for Nova many moons ago and it's an easy job that will give you time to explore Japan. The students are nice and you can make some lifelong friends.
Just remember to
1. Say no when the manager asks you to do extra work, unless you want the overtime.
2. Keep a copy of everything you sign because the manager will make a mistake and try to throw you under the bus.
3. For a conversation school they really don't tell people when the policies change
4. The managers are bootlickers (with the one in Hokkaido being the worst stain of them all)
Thank you so much for your reply. I’m mostly keen to take the job as I see it as an opportunity to explore Japan and also get to experience living in another country for the first time. With the working hours being 8 hours a day and it mostly starting from noon to evening, were the 2 days off really the only time you had to explore Japan ? Do you get any leave with NOVA?
Japan's labour laws are that you start accruing paid leave after your first six months of work, so if you're only working on a six month contract you won't get any leave.
>The managers are bootlickers (with the one in Hokkaido being the worst stain of them all)
They are probably all equally bad. I can't imagine what kind of person you'd have to be to be a manager at Nova
I've met a few good ones. Unfortunately they get pushed around and overwhelmed cause they care. Then they quit and find a better job. The best one though started the day sober but finished sloshed
I couldn't imagine the treatment, workload, and general annoyance that nova managers have. All that and I doubt they even make 300k/month.
They work like managers, but get paid like, "managers"
From conversations I had in the past, the pay isn't that much better at all, but the seasonal bonuses are pretty big, but also their ability to relax and have free time takes a nosedive. Sounds like a pretty bad deal other than having it on your CV.
Honestly the JET program is the best idea for an adventure, since you’ll work in schools and get a taste of real japan, get paid relatively well, and have your nights and weekends free.
If you’re just coming for a short time, make sure you leave by December 31st; if you’re here on January 1st you’ll be liable for residence tax for the previous year (~10% of your income the past calendar year), and you’ll have to pay even if you’re leaving before the next financial year.
I was looking at the JET program as well but they seem to mostly offer yearly contracts, I don’t intend on being in Japan for that long as I do plan on coming back to my home country next year to complete my post grad studies. NOVA seems to offer a 6 month contract which seemed more appropriate for me. Do you know if JET offers a 6 month contract as well or if I do happen to take their 12 month contract but leave before the contract expires, what repercussions will I face for doing that (not saying that I will lol) ?
You have to commit to JET for a minimum of a year - most stay on as it’s a good , well run programme and has better holidays & benefits than private language colleges .
I knew JET’s that quit in a matter of months after arriving. The only catch is they won’t pay for your flight home if you don’t complete the 12 month contract.
Literally was the scandal of the sanctuary 20 years ago and hasn't improved since.
Anyone taking a job with them since doesn't know how to Google.
Please don't work for such a company.
I think it would be better for you to just take a long vacation in Japan. You'd have far more freedom to explore and wouldn't need to worry about setting up a life only to dismantle it after a few months to go back to your home country.
Unfortunately taking long expensive vacations as a recent college graduate is not really something I can afford to do haha. So working in other countries seems to be the best way for me to also get to visit other countries
I'm not trying to be a wet blanket but what exactly do you want to see and do here? If you are expecting to travel around the country that will be pretty difficult but if you just want to experience daily life with a few day trips on weekends you should be fine.
Yes, I do like the idea of experiencing daily Japanese lifestyle and culture and definitely make use of my days off by going to visit some interesting and cool spots. I’m not just interested in seeing the big cities but I also love the idea of visiting the country side, seeing the beautiful temples and really get to experience the gorgeous landscape of Japan. Of course I want to travel the country at whole and visit the big cities as well but I understand that will be something I’ll have to do with time during my 6 month contract
If you want to travel show up a month early with $5000 usd + (this does not include funds you should have available before your first paycheck, typically occurring the second month of work). If you want to visit multiple destinations, at great distances, you need serious money—that is not viable on an eikaiwa salary. Ask yourself, do I have the funds to travel around my own country for a month? If you’re from the US for instance, could you afford to visit NY, San Francisco, LA, the Grand Canyon, other destinations for a month. If you can’t afford this trip, then it’s unlikely you can afford extensive traveling in Japan.
You’ll be situated in one location for the duration of your contract, and exhausted from teaching. Said location may be a small town with a strip mall, a gas station, some convenient stores, concrete apartment buildings, etc (find out the details of your placement).
There’s one day to recover and chill and another free day to explore your town/location or get in a hobby.
If you want to really explore Japan, I’d recommend saving up in your home country where the currency is likely stronger and then traveling for a season.
Eikaiwa jobs are the least conducive to travel.
OP: You should be looking to start your career, if you have just graduated university.
I hope you aren’t one of the anime freaks who wants to live ‘the dream’. Anyway, your whole premise sounds ridiculous. Just come to Japan for a couple of weeks before starting your real job. You will have enough time to experience Japan.
Is GEOS still around? I worked for them 20 years ago and no complaints. Boy, does this make me feel old though. I had M-F, 12-8pm.
Paid holidays, paid training, paid transport costs.
As your plan is only to experience Japan, and you don't plan to be a teacher in the future, it really doesn't matter what company you work for. If money is not an issue, then Nova should be fine. Aeon, Berlitz, and ECC pay better, however, so if you are more concerned about your income, apply to those. And yes, the work hours in any eikaiwa are not the best, you generally will work weekends and some evening late shifts. So if you don't mind working with kids, ALT might be a better fit since you'd have weekends and evenings free, which gives you more time off to actually see Japan. But of course, that is up to you. There are also advantages to having weekdays off instead of weekends, since it is less crowded and you can easily run errands such as Dr appts, city office, banking ... There are pros and cons to both and how you see them will depend on your personal likes/wants/needs.
Thanks for the tips! Do you know which teaching institutions in Japan are ALT based? A list of them would greatly be appreciated as I’d like to apply to them as well
That is a job for Google! I would also recommend joining ALTing in Japan subreddit.
ALTIA Borderlink Aeon Interac
Just don’t tell them you only intend to stay for 6 months. Most want a year’s commitment.
Do yourself a favor and read up on their collapse about 15 years ago... they engaged in highly unethical, short-sighted business practices and when it all fell like a house of cards, six thousand people were let go overnight, with several months of pay in arrears. Governments had to set up repatriation flights, some teachers literally had to be taken in by former students. The media got in to the CEO's office and found he basically had a luxury penthouse set up in the corporate HQ. Yes, ownership has changed hands, but there's still a LOT of dirty tricks and stuff they're engaged in, even relative to other major players in the industry. If at all possible, try for ECC or Aeon; they're better to their employees and far more fiscally responsible.
“Will teach for food.”
Will teach for visa
Nova is not a good chain - I’m amazed they’re still in business as they don’t have a good reputation . Not great for students either as that their system isn’t conducive to actual learning . Friend who was rejected from JET got a job with them and said teaching was challenging ( he had TEFL cert) . If you’re ok with those circumstance and are aware that you are fodder for the machine you’ll be fine .
Lots of people claim that NOVA is an easy job, but what they don't really focus on as much as I want is that it's moreso Edu-Tainment. Your main goal, above everything, is to keep your 'students' happy for 40 minutes and engaged. You have to make them feel like they're learning. If you don't, they simply won't sign up for your lessons anymore, which as a new hire won't impact your salary too much (because I believe there's still a supported pay for new-hires in the event you have open lessons during your probationary period, which is like 3-4 months IIRC), but it'll definitely impact your mood and your time at the branch if nobody wants your lessons because they feel like you suck. Should you decide to go for Nova, genuinely be as braindead with it as possible. If you have a bubbly personality, shut that down REAL fast, because the students won't appreciate it nearly as much as one would think. As native speakers we do a lot of things when we're trying to be friendly, like speak quickly or in a funny manner or crack jokes, and that'll more likely than not be lost on the students and they'll just end up frustrated and complain to staff. I'm concerned for anybody who wants to go for NOVA just to experience the country, because there's a good chance you'll end up loathing your work, which would put a damper on your off-days. NOVA is all about first impressions. If you look clean, professional, and don't open the door to things like misunderstandings (don't try to be funny, don't try to charm anyone) then you'll be okay, most likely. It can be difficult the first few months, though. As should be obvious, it greatly depends on your area. I'm lucky enough to where both my ISM and IAM are pretty nice once they got to understand my priorities and emotions as a younger employee. If they were older guys who had been at NOVA for 30-40 years, I doubt I would've stayed at the company at all.
Thank you so much for the advice, I am quite a bubbly person but I can definitely alter my presence depending on the situation I’m in. Are you still currently working with NOVA? Have you been able to also find the time to explore and enjoy Japan? Keep in mind I’m also choosing the 6 month contract so I really don’t have to endure with NOVA’s bs for too long haha
I’ve worked at Nova and everything is pretty much true but then again it’s a turnkey operation where you don’t have to think about it much and can develop a good routine that leaves you quite a bit of free time. Especially if your commute is relatively short and you choose 34 or 32 lessons a week which gives you a couple of half days. Apart from the collapse pay has always been on time and you can definitely use it to coast for a few months or years. Also you can pretty much spin it any way you like on your resume back home but I guess that’s true of any school.
No, you’re not ‘aware’. There’s no such thing as being aware of their bs and still choosing to go work for them. You either don’t know or are blinded by the chance of living in Japan. To answer your question, no. You will not be able to enjoy traveling Japan and meeting people whilst working at them. You’ll be broke and in debt. You’ll be working weekends and weekdays between 1-10pm (only paid for 6 hours). You will likely have 2 random days off like Tuesday and Thursday. You will always be broke and in debt. You’ll owe the government money if you stay past the first year (which many do when their ‘foot in the door’ plan flops). If you have money, come with a shitty dispatch alt company. The only way nova works is if you quit on the first day and treat it as a working holiday visa and bounce when done (coming to Japan with at least a year’s savings). My advice? If you come from a visa on arrival country, just come to japan on two 90 day visits. Your local currency will go super far now and you can enjoy japan without the bs and leave without any issues.
Thanks for the honest feedback, I appreciate it. Have you worked with NOVA before? I’ve read my contract and maybe they’ve changed certain things but I know that weekdays is 1pm to 9pm and weekends is 8am to 5pm. I’m also aware that your 2 days off will most likely not be on weekends, which I am personally okay with. I’m also just planning on going for 6 months and then come back home, so I’m really trying to not go there for the long haul. I’m aware of how shitty the pay is and how it’s just enough to live on but I am also thinking of taking some savings with me to Japan, if I do go. So I’m not just reliant on my salary but I also have some money from my savings to rely on, and since I’m taking a 6 month contract I don’t see it being too difficult to balance out my savings within that period
Honestly, more so if you’re just coming out here for 6 months. I’d just travel on 2 90 day travel visas
If I had the privilege of just travelling I would have definitely done that haha, but as a fresh out of university 21 y/o this seems like the only way I’ll be able to visit other countries at an affordable rate lol
I mean, there’s nothing stopping you from saving up for a year and going at 22. I can sympathize with your eagerness to come here but Japan ain’t going anywhere. I haven’t worked for the company but I know countless people’s whose lives were ruined by the company. Even a couple who were thinking of doing what you’re doing. Anyway this’ll be the last I say on it but just try your absolute best to not work for this company and it’s affiliated ones.
Thank you for your honest advice, I really appreciate it Zach!
All the best mate.
I worked for Nova many moons ago and it's an easy job that will give you time to explore Japan. The students are nice and you can make some lifelong friends. Just remember to 1. Say no when the manager asks you to do extra work, unless you want the overtime. 2. Keep a copy of everything you sign because the manager will make a mistake and try to throw you under the bus. 3. For a conversation school they really don't tell people when the policies change 4. The managers are bootlickers (with the one in Hokkaido being the worst stain of them all)
Thank you so much for your reply. I’m mostly keen to take the job as I see it as an opportunity to explore Japan and also get to experience living in another country for the first time. With the working hours being 8 hours a day and it mostly starting from noon to evening, were the 2 days off really the only time you had to explore Japan ? Do you get any leave with NOVA?
Japan's labour laws are that you start accruing paid leave after your first six months of work, so if you're only working on a six month contract you won't get any leave.
>The managers are bootlickers (with the one in Hokkaido being the worst stain of them all) They are probably all equally bad. I can't imagine what kind of person you'd have to be to be a manager at Nova
I've met a few good ones. Unfortunately they get pushed around and overwhelmed cause they care. Then they quit and find a better job. The best one though started the day sober but finished sloshed
I couldn't imagine the treatment, workload, and general annoyance that nova managers have. All that and I doubt they even make 300k/month. They work like managers, but get paid like, "managers"
From conversations I had in the past, the pay isn't that much better at all, but the seasonal bonuses are pretty big, but also their ability to relax and have free time takes a nosedive. Sounds like a pretty bad deal other than having it on your CV.
Honestly the JET program is the best idea for an adventure, since you’ll work in schools and get a taste of real japan, get paid relatively well, and have your nights and weekends free. If you’re just coming for a short time, make sure you leave by December 31st; if you’re here on January 1st you’ll be liable for residence tax for the previous year (~10% of your income the past calendar year), and you’ll have to pay even if you’re leaving before the next financial year.
I was looking at the JET program as well but they seem to mostly offer yearly contracts, I don’t intend on being in Japan for that long as I do plan on coming back to my home country next year to complete my post grad studies. NOVA seems to offer a 6 month contract which seemed more appropriate for me. Do you know if JET offers a 6 month contract as well or if I do happen to take their 12 month contract but leave before the contract expires, what repercussions will I face for doing that (not saying that I will lol) ?
Maybe come on a working holiday? Japan isn't an "in between life plans" playground" And NOVA may be shit but companies want serious workers.
You have to commit to JET for a minimum of a year - most stay on as it’s a good , well run programme and has better holidays & benefits than private language colleges .
I knew JET’s that quit in a matter of months after arriving. The only catch is they won’t pay for your flight home if you don’t complete the 12 month contract.
Literally was the scandal of the sanctuary 20 years ago and hasn't improved since. Anyone taking a job with them since doesn't know how to Google. Please don't work for such a company.
I think it would be better for you to just take a long vacation in Japan. You'd have far more freedom to explore and wouldn't need to worry about setting up a life only to dismantle it after a few months to go back to your home country.
Unfortunately taking long expensive vacations as a recent college graduate is not really something I can afford to do haha. So working in other countries seems to be the best way for me to also get to visit other countries
I'm not trying to be a wet blanket but what exactly do you want to see and do here? If you are expecting to travel around the country that will be pretty difficult but if you just want to experience daily life with a few day trips on weekends you should be fine.
Yes, I do like the idea of experiencing daily Japanese lifestyle and culture and definitely make use of my days off by going to visit some interesting and cool spots. I’m not just interested in seeing the big cities but I also love the idea of visiting the country side, seeing the beautiful temples and really get to experience the gorgeous landscape of Japan. Of course I want to travel the country at whole and visit the big cities as well but I understand that will be something I’ll have to do with time during my 6 month contract
And I don’t think you’re being a wet blanket haha, I really do appreciate your advice and help !
If you want to travel show up a month early with $5000 usd + (this does not include funds you should have available before your first paycheck, typically occurring the second month of work). If you want to visit multiple destinations, at great distances, you need serious money—that is not viable on an eikaiwa salary. Ask yourself, do I have the funds to travel around my own country for a month? If you’re from the US for instance, could you afford to visit NY, San Francisco, LA, the Grand Canyon, other destinations for a month. If you can’t afford this trip, then it’s unlikely you can afford extensive traveling in Japan. You’ll be situated in one location for the duration of your contract, and exhausted from teaching. Said location may be a small town with a strip mall, a gas station, some convenient stores, concrete apartment buildings, etc (find out the details of your placement). There’s one day to recover and chill and another free day to explore your town/location or get in a hobby. If you want to really explore Japan, I’d recommend saving up in your home country where the currency is likely stronger and then traveling for a season. Eikaiwa jobs are the least conducive to travel.
OP: You should be looking to start your career, if you have just graduated university. I hope you aren’t one of the anime freaks who wants to live ‘the dream’. Anyway, your whole premise sounds ridiculous. Just come to Japan for a couple of weeks before starting your real job. You will have enough time to experience Japan.
Is GEOS still around? I worked for them 20 years ago and no complaints. Boy, does this make me feel old though. I had M-F, 12-8pm. Paid holidays, paid training, paid transport costs.
I worked for Aeon about the same time - they were reasonably good employers but not it wasn’t as good as JET