Interesting news from the world of ESL over in Japan. For those following the ongoing Nova saga, you may know that upwards of 7,000 english teachers have ben left in the lurch; unpaid by Nova. I saw this on JapanProbe.com this afternoon.
This is an update to the continuing saga that surrounds NOVA English Conversation School. The update comes via a blog entry on Let’s Japan.org:
Nova pay up - finally!
Submitted by backtobed (not verified) on Fri, 09/28/2007 - 18:22.
I was up until recently a NOVA trainer and today we got paid…after being given the 14th,19th,21st,25th and 26th as dates when the money would “definitely” arrive in our accounts. Myself and many others are breathing a sigh of relief - that salary will pay for us to get to our job interviews. I don’t believe for a second that the fact that we’ve been paid today means everyone will be paid on time next month, or at all, but I just thought I’d let you all know - BTs and ATs were paid today. Good luck to everyone, whether you stick it out or walk.
I can tell you that this is true and not some fabrication. Amidst all the “promises” people have been paid, and from what I gather, in full.
To get some really good background info check out this article that appeared in the Japan Times entitled “Is is all over for NOVA?”.
Japan Probe
I suppose there's always an element of risk when one decides to pack up his or her life and move to Korea or Japan to teach ESL. Maybe the culture, food, language or people's attitudes simply won't be for you. One of the worst things that can happen to a new ESL teacher though, is walking into a sour work situation. A poor working environment or employer can ruin one's journey and time in a new country. I've met many a teacher who simply hated Korea. It had nothing to do with Korea itself, it was the fact that they were screwed over by a shadey school owner. Now this is happening in Japan with Nova, but on a very grand scale. Those with Japan experience have told me though that this was expected for quite some time.
I suppose there are some things you can do to prevent yourself from getting into a bad "ESL" school situation.
1. Be wary of small schools with less than 4 or 5 teachers. They may not be financially strong.
2. Especially be wary of schools where you will be the only foreign teacher (strength in numbers)...mind you...this isn'ta worry with something like the JET Program.
3. Contact current or former employees and try to get the "honest" scoop.
4. Ask honest questions on ESL forums..."google" the school name to se if it's on any Korean ESL blacklists.
5. Really big schools; the types with hundreds of teachers could possibly treat you as if you were simply another cog in the wheel.
6. Be wary of schools that ask for a "security deposit."(I personally think this is a huge red flag!) They may want to take 200,000 won off your first 3 paychecks. It's doubtful that you will ever get this money back.
7. Be wary of schools that want you to work in several locations (if you are in Korea).
8. If a school says they cannot give you any kind of pay advance upon arrival; that may be a sign of low bank accounts on their end.
These aren't written in stone. Just some personal lessons I have learned and many colleagues and friends have learned over the years...often the hard way!
