Why Teaching English in Japan Just Got Harder | @AbroadInJapanPodcast #26

TL;DR

English teaching organizations in Japan, such as Nova and Gaba, are implementing strict policies and fines for absences, including for illnesses, emergencies, and even cancer. This has raised concerns about the treatment of English teachers and the overall quality of these organizations.

Transcript

you know he got a job through a lot of these organizations and the stuff he had to do was astonishingly bad my favorite story of his was he had to teach a fetus English wow hello and welcome to the Abron Japan podcast probably the best way of learning about life in Japan without actually being in Japan I'm your host Chris BR we joined as always by ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🏫 Nova and Gaba, two English teaching organizations in Japan, have implemented strict rules and fines for absences, triggering concerns about the treatment of teachers and the overall quality of these organizations.
• 🤨 The policies include fines for various reasons, such as illness, hospitalization, accidents, family emergencies, and even cancer, raising ethical questions about the treatment of employees.
• 🉑 The English teaching industry in Japan has a history of controversial practices, and teachers should carefully consider their options before accepting a position.
• 🗾 Donkey Hote is often recommended as a place to find a wide variety of KitKat flavors in Japan.
• 🗾 Mount Fuji and Kawaguchi Lake are popular choices for romantic proposals in Japan, but weather conditions may affect the visibility of Mount Fuji.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are some of the new rules and fines introduced by Nova and Gaba?

Nova and Gaba have imposed fines of up to 6,500 yen per lesson for absences due to illness, hospitalization, accidents, family emergencies, and even cancer.

Q: Are these policies common in the English teaching industry in Japan?

While these specific policies may not be common across all English teaching organizations in Japan, there have been concerns about the treatment and rights of English teachers in the industry for many years.

Q: How have English teachers in Japan reacted to these new rules and fines?

Many English teachers have expressed frustration and dissatisfaction with these policies, arguing that they are unfair and place undue pressure on teachers who may already be dealing with difficult circumstances.

Q: What alternatives exist for English teachers in Japan?

The JET Program is considered the gold standard for teaching English in Japan. There are also other reputable organizations, although it is important to carefully research and consider one's options before accepting a teaching position.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Nova and Gaba, two English teaching organizations in Japan, have introduced new rules and fines for absences, penalizing teachers for reasons such as illness, accidents, and family emergencies.

• Teachers face fines of up to 6,500 yen per lesson for failing to report illness or hospitalization, among other reasons.

• These policies have raised questions about the treatment of English teachers and the ethical practices of these organizations.