Blizzardboy | A Kiwi in Japan

Psymeg & Chooch

Blizzardboy | A Kiwi in Japan is the blog of Simon Gibson, a New Zealander living in Tokyo, Japan. Focused on New Zealand, Japan, web design and other shiny things.

A life-line for ex-Nova Instructors

English First ChinaJust saw an interesting notice on facebook. It appears that mainland China based English school chain English First is offering relocation assistance and free flights over for the hordes of ex-Nova instructors who were finally put out of their misery on Friday with the filing of bankruptcy in the Osaka District Court by the embroiled chain.

Here is what they posted on facebook:

EF English First would like to offer free flights and relocation assistance to all former NOVA teachers who are qualified to work in China for a year.

You can check out applications at the English First website here: English First Registrations

I looked into working for them a couple of years ago before we went to China. From my understanding there is a little more flexibility within their system than Nova has. They have branches throughout China, including even Urumiqi in Xinjiang. There a lots of other options besides English First, but I think it is very good that company to extend a helping hand at this time. In the end I went with a much smaller school: Circle English in Korla as I preferred what the owner had to say during the hiring process (hiring being a two process after all). I am very glad I went with Circle English as it was a fascinating experience.

Of course you wont earn anywhere near as much in China as in Japan, however cost of living is much much lower so the effective standard of living is much better. Imagine if you were earning 3 times the average salaryman wage here in Japan!

UPDATE (29/10): English First have a posting on the Tokyo section of Craigslist with more detailed information about what they have to offer: Interesting Job Opportunities for Nova Instructors from English First on Craigslist Tokyo.

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5 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. asuka tells me the Australian and NZ embassies are helping former Nova teachers find work by putting up a “teachers seeking work” posting on their websites…

  2. interesting. i wonder how hopeful that will be though, as the job market is very slow at the moment.

  3. I can’t imagine a “looking for work” board at a foreign embassy would be very helpful. At least NZ and Australia are doing something though. I read the report on the BBC and it seems like the UK is just offering help contacting family back home. Which, granted, is more than he Americans and Canadians seem to be doing.

  4. Quite true Bryan. I think there really isn’t that much that can be done though. The receivers coming up with a backer and a functional business plan quickly is probably all they can hope for.

  5. Thanks your message is amazing.
    I will definitely read your diary..
    thank you again

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