This is from Nicolas-san who graduated in May 2015.
Before applying to any of the companies that I did, I tried to do as much research as I could in order to determine whether or not I was interested in that particular company. Then I actually applied to several places, and the applications were fairly straight forward. I just answered some simple questions about where I am from and so on. Most of the applications requested some sort of essay. While most asked questions such as “why do you want to work in Japan in general,” my strategy was to focus as much as possible on how I could contribute that particular company, rather than to say what I wanted to get from them. Something that everyone was looking for was to see teachers that genuinely were interested in teaching, not just someone who wants to find a way to get to Japan. On top of that, they really wanted to see applicants show their sociability, and high levels of energy! They couldn’t stress enough how much they wanted to see everyone’s smiles!
For the companies that responded to my applications, they either sent an email or called to schedule a preliminary interview/information session. With AEON, I had to travel down to NYC for 2 days. The first day was a rather long day, where I and a few other candidates received just about all the information that we could possibly want about the position. We also had to prepare a 10 minute teaching demonstration and use the other candidates as mock-students, and the day ended with a couple of very short quizzes, testing each of our knowledge of English grammar. If everything worked out, they would invite you to come back the next day for a more individualized interview. During the information session the day before, they suggested taking notes, and I would recommend not only doing that, but studying what they talked about for the second day. During the other interview they asked a lot of questions regarding my comprehension of the material covered the day before (some things as specific as the name and content of the text books that the teachers will be using!). Also on the second day, they asked to do another 5 minute teaching demonstration, but this time using their material and with only 10 minutes to prepare. Lastly, they asked some more questions about preferences: in which city I’d like to work, what age group I’d like to work with, etc. As I said before, during all of this, show your genuine enthusiasm and keep an honest smile on your face!Again, if everything works out, expect a call within a few weeks with an offer!I won’t go into too much more detail about some of the other companies I applied to, because their procedure was very similar, including the fact that you’ll most likely need to travel to their recruitment offices to do a information session/interview. Be prepared to travel to these in person, skype won’t be an option.
Once I agreed, I got a packet in the mail with my contracts, documents, and supplemental information to sign off. I’m currently waiting for my “Certificate of Eligibility” to return from Japan to apply for a visa! Best of luck!
I hope this information proves useful! I tried to write this in a manner that would address students who are also interested in doing this. Of course, I’ll keep you updated as the months come along! Also, if you find that yourself or students have any questions, don’t hesitate to shoot me an email. My permanent email is nchlebak@gmail.com
Update August 13, 2015
こんにちは！
I’m currently on vacation for お盆休み So I waned to take the time to write and catch up with how my first month has gone in Japan.
It’s been a little over a month since I started working full time in Sapporo, and overall I’m enjoying myself. The work is certainly demanding, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I truly feel like I’m directly helping my students. Also, all of my students, from the kids to the seniors, are really interesting, kind, and hardworking. Not to mention, my coworkers are all very supportive and patient with my adjustment to the workplace.
Nonetheless, I still face quite a few challenges, but I don’t think it’s anything that anyone can’t handle. One of the biggest ones though is trying to find the right balance between keeping an appropriate level of formality in a Japanese work environment, but not too much so as to make others think you are “faking” your behavior and appear unapproachable. Recently, though, I’ve felt a lot more comfortable with this balance, and it’s always getting better!
When I have free time Sapporo is a great city with plenty to do. Last weekend I was given a ゆかた by one of my friend’s mothers. (I’ll attach the photo). We went out and ate soup curry. I’ve definitely been eating lots of new food! Some, I enjoy more than others. But, maybe not good for my health, I think I’m becoming addicted to かつカレー.
I’ll keep you updated as the months roll in! Again, if you or any of your students have questions, let me know!
January 2016 update:
Before the New Year’s break, I was offered a contract renewal, and of course I accepted it. But I wanted to take the time to write this email to thank you for giving me the initial push and information that eventually led to this amazing experience that I’m having now. As I mentioned before, if you have any students who need help or advice in the future, don’t hesitate to send them in my direction and pass along my email address. I feel it’s the least I can do in return for the UVM Japanese department’s enormous help.
Thank you so much!
-Nicolas Chlebak
July 2016 Update: Nicolas-san is very much in love with Hokkaido! I was able to visit him in Sapporo and got to see how much he enjoys his work, the people around him, the weather (COLD one just like Vermont), and especially teaching kids! His company assigned many children into his classes, and I know why! He is excellent with kids! I can picture Nicolas-san staying in Hokkaido forever~!
