keepitgoing11
Registered
- 11 Mar 2014
- 1
- 0
Hi Everyone,
I was offered a great internship opportunity in Tokyo. However, in order to participate I need a working or student visa. The organization offering me the internship is unable to provide me with a visa. A bit about me and my situation: I'm in my early 30's, male, US citizen, native English speaker, bachelor's degree, no formal teaching experience, but one of my bachelor's degrees is in a somewhat related field. I have never worked or lived abroad, but I've been to Japan for short periods of time before. I'm looking for work in Tokyo so I can obtain a working visa as well as cover expenses while I pursue an internship for a year before entering a graduate program in the US. I would be looking to come between June and October of 2014. ESL is related to my undergrad and graduate studies, so I think it will be a great experience as well. I don't want to give the impression that I'd be taking a teaching job just to be in Tokyo for the internship; I'd actually love the opportunity to teach, it just wouldn't make sense for me to go if I'm unable to participate in the internship.
What are my options? I've looked at English education companies GABA and ECC that allow applicants to apply from overseas. My problem is, although I would like to teach English, my primary reason for going to Japan would be for the internship. I realize that the companies that hire overseas require a lot of flexibility in placement location.
Does anyone with similar experience know if it would be acceptable for me to be upfront about my situation with potential employers (GABA, ECC, etc.)? I would be willing to work full or part time, nights, weekends, etc. It just would only make sense if I can live and work in Tokyo and be able have, at the very least, one weekday free a week to pursue the internship.
I'm just not sure if it's at all reasonable for me to think anyone would be interested in hiring me if I say, "I only can work in Tokyo." I imagine the job situation for English teachers in Tokyo must be tight already. Is it worth trying? Would it make more sense to go to Tokyo first and try to find work once there (I do have some savings, but I want to avoid living off it as much as possible)?
Advice would be much appreciated! Thank you!
I was offered a great internship opportunity in Tokyo. However, in order to participate I need a working or student visa. The organization offering me the internship is unable to provide me with a visa. A bit about me and my situation: I'm in my early 30's, male, US citizen, native English speaker, bachelor's degree, no formal teaching experience, but one of my bachelor's degrees is in a somewhat related field. I have never worked or lived abroad, but I've been to Japan for short periods of time before. I'm looking for work in Tokyo so I can obtain a working visa as well as cover expenses while I pursue an internship for a year before entering a graduate program in the US. I would be looking to come between June and October of 2014. ESL is related to my undergrad and graduate studies, so I think it will be a great experience as well. I don't want to give the impression that I'd be taking a teaching job just to be in Tokyo for the internship; I'd actually love the opportunity to teach, it just wouldn't make sense for me to go if I'm unable to participate in the internship.
What are my options? I've looked at English education companies GABA and ECC that allow applicants to apply from overseas. My problem is, although I would like to teach English, my primary reason for going to Japan would be for the internship. I realize that the companies that hire overseas require a lot of flexibility in placement location.
Does anyone with similar experience know if it would be acceptable for me to be upfront about my situation with potential employers (GABA, ECC, etc.)? I would be willing to work full or part time, nights, weekends, etc. It just would only make sense if I can live and work in Tokyo and be able have, at the very least, one weekday free a week to pursue the internship.
I'm just not sure if it's at all reasonable for me to think anyone would be interested in hiring me if I say, "I only can work in Tokyo." I imagine the job situation for English teachers in Tokyo must be tight already. Is it worth trying? Would it make more sense to go to Tokyo first and try to find work once there (I do have some savings, but I want to avoid living off it as much as possible)?
Advice would be much appreciated! Thank you!
