I’ve been back in the UK for three long weeks now, and I’m starting to look forward to going back home (Japan).
Not that there’s anything wrong with England. No. I’ve enjoyed the freezing cold weather. And unannounced delays to trains and planes. It’s magical!
The ale, stilton and Christmas pudding has of course hit the spot. But it’s time for me to get back to teaching in Japan. So, what’s been happening in the East?
Back in Japan
ELGazette, the one and only source for necessary news in the world of TEFL, has reported that GEOS, one of Japan’s major English teaching companies, has been rejecting assertions that they’re in financial straits. That would explain why they haven’t been paying their wage bills on time, then.
I wrote previously on the subject of Eikaiwas, and mentioned the trouble GEOS was having financially. The ELGazette reported also that GEOS teachers have been finding themselves in the compromising position of selling services too. I strongly recommend reading the full article on the ELGazette website, but it’s summarised well in the quote from the GU representative who said the atmosphere at GEOS was ‘very nervous’.
GEOS as an employer
GEOS is one of the largest English conversation schools in Japan, with more than 500 schools throughout the country. Personally, I’m not keen on the idea of working for a major corporation, so I try to limit my teaching to more local companies. GEOS does, however, have some good benefits, as well as many opportunities. You can see some of the features of working for GEOS here.
Let’s hope GEOS get things sorted out soon. If you’re teaching for the company, feel free to leave us a comment below.
That was an article from last month or a couple of months ago, and in fact, the article said that all staff ‘had’ been paid on time. You also didn’t link to the article.
Hi – Thanks for pointing out that the link was missing. I’ve altered the text accordingly. The article I’m referring to has just been published in this month’s edition of the online Gazette.
I may well be wrong but sources such as Let’s Japan state that staff have not been paid on time at several points throughout the year. I hope that you are right, however!
Cheers,
Ben, My TEFL Journey