Below you will find Nova Corporation's responses to questions from the Teaching in Japan Page's editors.
Teaching in Japan Page Questionnaire
1. Please describe the type of person that your company is looking for when recruiting new EFL teachers.
We are seeking motivated individuals who are native speakers of the language they plan to teach (English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Italian). A Bachelor's Degree from a recognized college or university is a company requirement, and an Immigration Department condition for visa sponsorship.
2. What is the current salary range for new teachers in your company? Be specific.
Monthly salaries for full-time instructors range between a maximum JY 304,000 and a minimum JY 274,000 in the Tokyo region and between JY 285,000 and JY 255,000 in Kyushu. Salaries for other regions of Japan fall between these figures. Factors affecting salary are location, formal qualifications, and work schedule.
3. Is there a "Probationary Period" for new employees? If so, what exactly does this mean in terms of salary for new teachers?
Yes, there is a probationary period of two full salary months. Salary range is JY 250,000 to JY 259,000, dependent on location in Japan.
4. How many hours a week is a new teacher expected to be present in her school?
A full time instructor needs to be present in the branch for about 34 hours a week.
5. How many teaching "contact" hours does a teacher in your school typically have in one week?
Contact hours are between about 26.5 and 28.5 hours per week. The regular full-time teaching schedule consists of 40 lessons per week, each 40 or 45 minutes in length.
6. Teachers in our organization PRIMARILY use:
a.only materials selected by our company
b. materials chosen by the individual teacher.
Nova provides the materials instructors use in the lessons. The curriculum is set, but instructors are encouraged to adapt this material with activities and realia relevant to their students. Lessons are tailored to the students' interests and language needs.
7. How many days of PAID VACATION does a new teacher get her first year?
About three weeks. The first contract provides 10 discretionary paid holidays (two workweeks) after six months. Additionally, the branches are closed for 8-9 days over the New Years' Holiday period. Full time instructors receive their regular days off plus 5 or 6 paid holidays.
8. Of these vacation days, how many can the TEACHER take at her discretion?
Ten, in the first contract. In subsequent contracts, the allotted number increases, by one day in the first contract and by two days per year thereafter.
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9. Do teachers in your organization work Japanese National Holidays?
Yes. This is a period of very high demand from our students, so we wish to maximize their opportunities to study.
10. Do your teachers receive private or shared subsidized accommodation?
Yes, Nova will arrange furnished accommodation for those instructors who require it. There are none of the start up costs typically associated with housing in Japan. Instructors are not obliged to live in company-arranged accommodation; they are free to make their own alternate arrangements. Accommodation is either private or shared company apartments or single/ couple apartments arranged through private real estate agents.
11. What is the average rental charge to a new teacher?
Rent is determined primarily by region and ranges from a minimum of JY 40,000 in Kyushu to a maximum JY 74,000 in Tokyo. Most rental properties would fall in the mid-range.
12. What type of Health Insurance do you provide to a new teacher?
Instructors can choose the option that best suits them, including Japanese private or public insurance, travel insurance, or private insurance arranged through the home country. Additionally, Nova provides access to Japan Medical Assistance, a company offering a travel insurance policy to Nova instructors which includes 100% reimbursement for medical and prescription costs and provides members with language assistance and information on medical institutions.
13. What is the cost of this insurance?
JMA costs JY 6,000/month.
14. Do you offer an end-of-contract bonus? If so, how much is the bonus?
There is no lump sum end-of-contract bonus. If the contract is renewed, a salary increment (up to JY 20,000/month) is awarded based on performance throughout the year.
15. Do you provide Japanese language lessons for new teachers? If so, please describe this benefit, and the cost, if any, to the teacher.
Nova does not offer Japanese classes to students or instructors. However, instructors are eligible for a staff discount for lessons in languages offered by the company: English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, and Italian (cost is approximately JY 1,500 per lesson)
16. Please describe any additional benefits provided to new teachers by your organization.
Paid training: Instructors undergo paid training during work hours. The probationary period contains several extensive training seminars.
Fixed schedule and location: Instructors can expect a consistent weekly schedule, allowing them to plan other regular activities outside work hours. Nova also offers a fixed working location, which eliminates time-consuming travel from location to location. Instructors are not required to attend company functions or mandatory social events outside regular working hours.
Schedule flexibility: In addition to ten discretionary paid holidays, it is possible for instructors to arrange shift swaps with their colleagues. Nova also allows instructors to reduce their scheduled lessons within non-peak hours (weekdays between 1:20 and 5:00p.m.)
Flexible start date: Because Nova does not operate on a semester system, contract starting dates are available throughout the year.
Transfer opportunities: Applicants can state a preference for a geographical region of Japan. With over 450 branches throughout the country, instructors are living and working in a wide range of locations. Individual preferences or requests, while not guaranteed, are always considered. Additionally, instructors can apply for a transfer of location mid-contract.
Promotion opportunities: Instructors who are interested in advancement are eligible for promotion to supervisory positions. Further promotion opportunities exist in areas including personnel management, curriculum development, administration, publishing, translation, and overseas recruiting.
Travel costs: The company reimburses the cost of a monthly pass on public transportation. Public transportation costs to training shifts are also reimbursed.
17. What is your advice to someone who wants to teach English in Japan?
Determine your goals in coming to Japan. Consider both what you want from, and what you are willing to give to, a teaching position. Prepare for teaching by doing some research about ESL techniques. Define what is important to you in your experience in Japan: location? Flexibility? Career? Be prepared for a different culture and keep an open mind about all the new experiences you will encounter.
Sincerely,
Sheila Mooney
Supervisor
Tokyo Foreign Personnel
A service of The Teaching in Japan Page
