is nova really that bad? [Archive]

Brooker

May 5, 2004, 14:12

I worked for Nova and it's not great, but it's not as bad as everyone says. It's certainly a good way to get started in Japan and make good money to see the country with. But it's not a job you'd want to work forever. Sure, you'll hear a lot of horror stories, but usually people are happy with it. If you plan an staying in Japan for a long time, you might want to eventually move on to another company.

My only major complaint was the busy schedule. It's not difficult work, but there are many lessons in a day (eight) and not much time to prepare. I'd recommend trying to work in a small school. You can find them even in the big cities. The big flagship schools are more stressful because they're busier, there are more bosses there, and they're usually less casual.

If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

budd

May 6, 2004, 01:38

i watched the video at novaunion.org and most of them (ONE is DEFINITELY not included :D in that estimation huuuuuuu) seem unprofessional and goof-offs to begin with, who wouldn't succeed in america either

july

May 6, 2004, 02:40

budd, is that person yourself? :blush:

I'm not really suprised that slacker-types end up at nova. It doesn't look terribly hard to get a job there.

Brooker, thanks for the info. I did have a couple other questions. How good are they at honoring your requests? Like, if i say "Hey, i want to work in Tokyo", is there a pretty good chance i'll get that? and what about time? if i say I can't work tuesday and thursday nights, is there a good chance that will happen, too?

Also, their application process seems a little weird, so just let me know if i've got this right. I would have to make a trip to their offices, attend a seminar that day, and go through an interview process after the seminar. is that right?

and finally, how long is it usually before you find out you have a job?

Thanks for your help, i might have a couple more questions tomorrow.

budd

May 6, 2004, 10:24

naw :) it's that one fine girl that's talking! i was like "hey! you guys in the back need to shut up!!!" i know one of them jokas done tangled her up in a relationship, but she was definitely worth watching :)

"Like, if i say "Hey, i want to work in Tokyo", is there a pretty good chance i'll get that?"
no, doubt it. that is what one of the guys complains about i think

"and what about time? if i say I can't work tuesday and thursday nights, is there a good chance that will happen, too?"
no, ditto. another one complained about that too
then again, i ain't never did it, so i don't really know.
ttp://www.novaunion.com/
gl

Elgin

May 6, 2004, 16:40

I went to the nova website (I hate flash) and I'm confused about how you qualify to be a teacher. From what I've seen they give you lessons before your departure but this can't be it you must have a degree right?

Also about the annual salary its from a approx range of 2,000,000 to 3,500,000 depending on which city your located. What I want to know is if this money is clear? As in after taxes, fees the whole deal.

senseiman

May 6, 2004, 18:30

You need a minimum of a bachelor's degree (in any field) to get a visa to be an English teacher in Japan. NOVA and the other big four companies have their own company training programs which are pretty piss poor. The big companies also have to give you a minimum of 3,000,000 yen a year in order to sponsor your visa, so that is the starting salary at most schools.

Brooker

May 9, 2004, 07:37

In response to your quesitons, July....

Nova honored all of my requests, but it took some time. I was first assigned to Shimizu Nova (in Shizuoka prefecture) and requested to move to Yokohama. It took a few months, but I eventually got transferred to Yokohama. Of the two, the smaller town was nicer and much friendlier. I would recommend not requesting a large city. As for days off, a lot of that can be worked out by trading with your coworkers. I was able to switch my days off, but, once again, it took time. Keep in mind, days off will always be consecutive and you won't get Sat & Sun because those are the busiest days when students want to come in. I was also able to switch to the early shift (which I preferred). The trick is to put your requests in way ahead of time. I did find that it was easy to get the vacation time I wanted as long as I did it in advance. If you're in good with your coworkers they'll even help you with some shift swaps.

The nearest Nova office to where I'm from (Seattle) is San Francisco (not close). Fortunately, the interviewer scheduled a trip to Seattle to interview me and some other applicants and I was able to do the interview here in town. I think I remember they showed a video and then did a brief interview. It really wasn't that big a deal. It is true that Nova will hire just about any native English speaker who has a B.A. On the other hand, I also interviewed with Geos - the interview took three days and included practice lessons and grammar tests, however I didn't like the teaching methods Geos uses.

Nova does have its share of slackers, but I met all kinds among my coworkers at Nova. Definately no shortage of interesting characters and all very nice. I really enjoyed getting to know and socializing with my coworkers.

I think I did my interview in November, got my answer a month or two later and arrived in Japan in March. Once you get your answer the time goes quickly because there are a lot of preparations to make (paperwork, visas, passport, buying cloths, etc.) before your departure.

The main thing is that if you go into it expecting it to suck, it will. I went into it expecting an adventure and thoroughly enjoyed my time in Japan. Although after teaching at Nova for 15 months, I was definitely ready for a change.

july

May 9, 2004, 12:22

hey, that's cool. I live in seattle, too.

Personally, i don't think it would be a big deal to make the trip to San Fransisco.

Maybe NOVA has lower it's standards since you worked for them. I checked out their site that they only require 1 to 2 years of additional school after highschool.

And to get the Visa, you only need 12 years of school in the language you're going to teach.

Thanks for your help, Brooker.

senseiman

May 9, 2004, 13:47

In order to get the specialist in Humanities/ International relations visa (which is what English conversation teachers get) you need a minimum of a bachelor's degree. NOVA also hires people already living in Japan on other kinds of visas (ie spouse) and they may be willing to hire those people even if they don't have a bachelor's degree. If they are hiring you in the states though, you would definitely need a minimum of a bachelor's degree to qualify.

Porl

May 10, 2004, 20:56

My friend who is working in Kyushu for Nova seems to be enjoying it. From what i can gather you have alot of lessons to teach in one day. I think she said she has to do 8 a day or something. And sometimes the finishing times are quite late at night.

She seems to be having fun doing it though. :)

Porl''

metqa

Jul 1, 2004, 10:13

For all the bad stuff that could, and will, happen, Nova is a great stepping stone. Yeah, they kinda are the "American Navy" of the English schools (they take anyone still breathing) but your coworkers will be an interesting blend. Requests don't mean much in the beginning, because so many people just use nova to get where they want and then jet (pun intended) but after a few months and a lot of asking you can usually get what you want. One cool thing is they do your taxes for you, and your salary is direct deposit into your bank account, so what you get is yours. (minus rent)
The bigger schools have bigger salary and more stress. And the best way to get alternate days off is to swap. On my last two months with nova I badgered the head teacher to let me change my work contract to three days off, but I had to take a pay cut and make up the hours on other days so as not to drop below minimum wage. I was a gaijin tightwad so I didnt' care, and I spend my extra day making day trips and climbing Mt Fuji in tennis shoes. (note: Do not climb Mt Fuji in tennis shoes, Your feet and knees will hate you and your friends will make fun of you afterwards. And don't let your coat fall down the mountain. No body will be a hero and retreive it for you.)

A bachelors degree is the minumum to get the humanities Visa. If you have a teaching certificate, you can get an extra $50 a week, But you'd better bring the proof with you because its not worth the expense and effort for some to get it securely mailed after you've arrived.

Just a warning. Don't panic about it but the training constists of one hour of brainstorming about how to use your imagination and the rest of the day toss you into an actual class with actual paying students who don't know it's your first day. One guy I was with freaked out, and left his students without saying a word 3 minutes into the class. But if you let the students know you are new, they will be nice, and it may even be hard to do a lesson because they will want to know all about you.
Gambate!

Buddha Smoker

Jul 1, 2004, 10:39

Just a warning. Don't panic about it but the training constists of one hour of brainstorming about how to use your imagination and the rest of the day toss you into an actual class with actual paying students who don't know it's your first day. One guy I was with freaked out, and left his students without saying a word 3 minutes into the class. But if you let the students know you are new, they will be nice, and it may even be hard to do a lesson because they will want to know all about you.
Gambate!

I know someone that did that too. I couldn't stop laughing about it when he told me. He said that he totally was un-prepared and the night prior was a big party so he really freaked out and said, "Hi there and now Goodbye".

Believe it or not he still works there...he managed his way around it somehow but it was still worth the laugh.

senseiman

Jul 1, 2004, 12:45

I had no idea NOVA training was that bad. At AEON they have 4 days of actual training in teaching techniques followed on the fifth day by an actual lesson that you have to teach to non-paying volunteers who know you are trainees. I think if they had thrown me into a class on my first day of 'training' I would have freaked out too. On the basis of that alone, I would recommend AEON, ECC, GEOS or JET over NOVA.

Buddha Smoker

Jul 1, 2004, 13:42

Ewok85

Jul 1, 2004, 20:51

I've heard bad stories from JET, NOVA, AEON (they sure like the capitals), GEON, high school and junior high school foriegn teachers. I've experienced some too. But I've heard good ones too. Its all how YOU take it and what you make of it. Put in the effort, get results, have a kikass time :cool:

Shinpachi

Jul 2, 2004, 09:12

From what I've heard, it sounds like NOVA is suited for people who don't have any interest in teaching in Japan, and don't mind not using their brain all day. I was thinking about it for when I get my degree, but 8 hours without a real break sounds rough to me.

Buddha Smoker

Jul 2, 2004, 13:14

Shinpachi

Jul 2, 2004, 20:49

Eheh... Guess I'm spoiled here with our laws on lunch breaks :p It seems like an easy way to get my feet in Japan to look for a real job though.

Blue 3

Jul 4, 2004, 00:22

I was thinking about it for when I get my degree, but 8 hours without a real break sounds rough to me.

I couldn't find where you heard or read that. I am currently working for Nova and we do get a 1 hour break within the 8 hour day. What do you mean by a "real break"?

:?

Buddha Smoker

Jul 4, 2004, 09:28

I couldn't find where you heard or read that. I am currently working for Nova and we do get a 1 hour break within the 8 hour day. What do you mean by a "real break"?

:?

See, I get to set my own schedule and some weeks consist of two days works and others consist of 4 days but I usually always get extra days off. Now talk about someone being spoiled...I am...I couldn't imagine not working the job I have now. :wave:

Brooker

Jul 4, 2004, 10:03

Nova training is three days long and yes it is a pretty intense three days and doesn't give you much time to get your footing. You're not put in front of students on your first day. On your second day, they have you do a lesson introduction for real students and on your third day you're teaching entire lessons while being observed. I didn't feel ready when I was thrown in front of students (nobody does) but I learned from my mistakes and they're good about telling you that it's not that big a deal if you mess up and to just relax - which is a little hard to do at first, but I eventually figured out that if I totally messed up I could usually just kick back and chat with the students or get them involved in some group activity or something. So the training is very basic and kind of stressful, but it's not exactly rocket science either.

For more information about Nova, go to....
http://www.jref.com/practical/teaching_at_nova.shtml

jaxfu

Jul 4, 2004, 11:39

NOVA might be my best bet to go over for longer than a vacation and be able to support myself. But my real field is IT, Networking, System Management, etc. I wonder if there is much IT work for foreigners. I can teach computers and English! :)

Besides if you are not tied down at home and really interested in going to Japan for an adventure this sounds like a good way to go and work to support yourself. If you are rich I guess you wouldn't need to work. I say go for it and if after a year its not for you then that is OK to. But if it is REALLY not for you just keep that one-way ticket home in a safe place if you have to bug out early. :)

Ewok85

Jul 4, 2004, 13:50

Jaxfu, there is demand but you need to be proficient in Japanese as well.

jaxfu

Jul 4, 2004, 14:53

Jaxfu, there is demand but you need to be proficient in Japanese as well.

Working on it. :note:

chinablueyes18

Jul 4, 2004, 15:54

A good experience, from what I've heard, is the labo internship. All transportation to Japan is paid for and room and board is mostly taken care of. This is a job. HOWEVER, one does not have as much freedom because room and board is provided by homestays. One does about 3-4 homestays with host families. I think its a good program for someone who is just out of college. more info can be found here:
www.labo-exchange.com

Ewok85

Jul 5, 2004, 00:20

Homestay AND work doesnt go down too well with me. If you are working you should be easily getting enough to be living either alone or with some mates.

PopCulturePooka

Jul 8, 2004, 15:09

Nova is an OK company. Only OK.

Enjoyment depends on numerous things.

Your branch and your boss. Some AT's (bosses) are pwoertripping pri*ks and can make your time at nova awful. Absolute rules nazi's that demand you follow the nova teaching method EXACTLY, giving no room for alternate lessons materials etc.

Your accomadation. You dont pick your roomates. At all. Before I elft NOVA accom I was living with an openly gay guy with depression and a hatred of japan and an openly homophobic otaku straight edge man who would lecture me for coming home drunk and tried to ban me bringing girls home. Not a great situation. But you have no choice there except to move out.

Oh and NOVA's no interaction policy. It's illegal, its wrong, its applied unevenly and discriminatarilly, it makes little sense and is only there to prevent students learning eigo outside the class room.

Ewok85

Jul 8, 2004, 20:27

Buddha Smoker

Jul 8, 2004, 21:31

Nova is an OK company. Only OK.
Oh and NOVA's no interaction policy. It's illegal, its wrong, its applied unevenly and discriminatarilly, it makes little sense and is only there to prevent students learning eigo outside the class room.

I love these statements...sums it up for alot of people, I think. But, to each their own. :wave:

PopCulturePooka

Jul 8, 2004, 22:05

If theres one thing I hate it people who go to Japan because they like this anime or something, ger to japan, realise life isnt one big cartoon, and turn to be a big Japan-bashing hipocrite. Might be a one off case....

Room mates are always fun, sometimes you win, sometimes you dont. I knew a pair of girls doing a 'JET' style thing and they hated each other which wasn't much fun for anyone involved (and I was worried they'd try and smother each other in their sleep). :D
Mind you the otaku straight edge homophobe LOVES Japan.

The gay guy hates it, but he has never given it a chance.

I love these statements...sums it up for alot of people, I think. But, to each their own. :wave:
What do you mean?

NOVA's rule is technically illegal or quasi-legal. Hence why Osaka bar smacked nova down.

july

Jul 9, 2004, 01:14

yeah, i kinda thought about the fact that not being able to choose your roomates could be a problem...

there was one thing i was wondering about, which is going to sound a little weird, but if you live in the NOVA housing, do you get your own bathroom?

Shinpachi

Jul 9, 2004, 06:12

I couldn't find where you heard or read that. I am currently working for Nova and we do get a 1 hour break within the 8 hour day. What do you mean by a "real break"?

:?

Sorry, I thought I read that you had to teach eight 50 minute lessons per day with 10 minute breaks in between, and during the breaks you have to do evaluations and planning, was it only seven lessons or were the times wrong? I figure a REAL break is one where you don't have to do anything work related, especially answer to your boss (but then my bosses have all been pretty cool).

A good experience, from what I've heard, is the labo internship. All transportation to Japan is paid for and room and board is mostly taken care of. This is a job. HOWEVER, one does not have as much freedom because room and board is provided by homestays. One does about 3-4 homestays with host families. I think its a good program for someone who is just out of college. more info can be found here:
www.labo-exchange.com

Does LABO require a college education? I didn't see anywhere on the website where it did so I recommended it to my friend that's not going to college, hope I wasn't wrong :relief:

PopCulturePooka

Jul 9, 2004, 09:38

there was one thing i was wondering about, which is going to sound a little weird, but if you live in the NOVA housing, do you get your own bathroom?
Apartments are three people apartments. The bathroom is shared with the other two.
Usually not a problem unless you get a slob.
(but three single young men = reciepe for disaster!)

july

Jul 10, 2004, 05:21

ugh, i was afraid of that. oh well, i've still got a couple years before this matters...(must graduate from college first)

Brooker

Jul 10, 2004, 07:47

july

Jul 10, 2004, 09:05

do they make you sign a contract, as far as the dorm rental goes? or can you show up, live there for a few weeks/months while you find an apartment, and leave?

Brooker

Jul 10, 2004, 10:16

You can move out whenever you want. But believe me, having an apartment set up for you when you get there is a good thing. It would be soooo difficult if you had to do that yourself right after arriving.

PopCulturePooka

Jul 10, 2004, 10:24

If its REALLY bad, theres always gaijin houses to stay at.

The one I moved to I liked so much I've been here for 8 months!

Blue 3

Jul 10, 2004, 11:36

There were a lot of cases in Nova apartments of people who didn't want to live together, living together. You don't get to choose your roommates when you first arrive, but after that you can get your own place with friends or alone, so you do have some options.

Yeah, and moving out can be kinda difficult if you don't live in the main cities. For instance, you would probably need top pay key money and get a guarantor. In the end, some teachers couldn't be bothered with the hassle of moving and they end up staying. There are a few cases where teachers who have their own apartment sign the apartment over to another teacher who wants it. Others just move from one Nova apartment to another to be with their buddies.

chinablueyes18

Jul 10, 2004, 17:19

I believe you have to have one year of college for labo. but it depends on the person sometimes as well. if s/he has been to Japan before, they may ignore that.

Brooker

Jul 11, 2004, 04:48

I worked in Yokohama and my Nova apartment was in Chigasaki. When I decided I wanted to move out of the Nova apartment to look for a gaijin house I couldn't find any available gaijin houses in Yokohama and ended up moving to one in Minami Shinagawa, Tokyo, which wasn't too far away and worked out OK, but definitely wasn't ideal.

PopCulturePooka

Jul 11, 2004, 07:43

I did some training sessions at chigasaki nova.

Mike Cash

Jul 19, 2004, 09:04

Getting worked up over the prospect of working for Nova is on a par with getting worked up over getting hired to work the grill at McDonalds.

TwistedMac

Jul 19, 2004, 09:08

except they don't pay the trip to and from japan...

Mike Cash

Jul 19, 2004, 09:13

I have never done a "to" Japan in which I gave the slightest bit of thought to the "from" Japan part.

TwistedMac

Jul 19, 2004, 09:20

i'd love to do a "to" japan and not have to worry about the "from".. but as it is, i can't even do a "to"... so i'm stuck in "from" mode =(

snakeskin

Aug 29, 2004, 22:20

Eheh... Guess I'm spoiled here with our laws on lunch breaks :p It seems like an easy way to get my feet in Japan to look for a real job though.
lunch breaks are for wossies

God

Sep 10, 2004, 01:40

:? i'd like to work the grill at mcdonalds and then with the money i could buy anime tapes and music, and then i could imagine myself working in japan as if it were a comic book world. and with my paycheck i get in japan i can step back into the fantasy world.. hmm sounds like a deal...

bean

Sep 17, 2004, 01:50

I have heard that working for nova is really bad...and one of my friends told me that when she worked for them she was told that she would have two roommates. when she arrived, she discovered that she would be living with 37 people--sharing ONE bathroom and ONE kitchen..i am going there in feb to work for nova...is it really that bad to work for them??

Neddy

Dec 16, 2004, 00:12

A sample of the greatness of Nova:

I was forwarded something that proved interesting: a couple of the old coupons that Nova used to give out to its teachers and staff. The coupons provide a discount to new students who are introduced by members of staff/teachers. The student has to state (on the coupon) who the teacher/staff member is in order to receive the discount.

Here's a clear example of Nova flagrantly encouraging the violation of its own (discriminatory) non-socialisation clauses. As long as its making Nova money, Nova wants you to introduce your family and friends to Nova. Of course, once they become Nova students, you will be breaking your contract by meeting them outside the school. Just to be sure teachers would use the tickets, they kindly printed them in English! What an organisation!

A scan of the actual tickets can be found at thetruthaboutnova. Just look for "golden tickets" at the bottom of the files section:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thetruthaboutnova/

A text copy of the ticket is as follows:
--------------------------------------------------
FAMILIES OF STAFF MEMBER'S

INVITATION TICKET

NO ENROLMENT FEE AND 5% OFF LESSON FEES

No enrolment fees and a 5% discount on lesson fees will be offered if this card is presented at the time of enrolment with NOVA.

Applicant

Staff Member

Date of referral __/__/__

Referring Staff Member

Employee Number

Branch Ph:____ ____ ____

This ticket is only valid if the details of the referring staff member have been completed.

Valid until 31 August 2002

For Official Use Only

tsuki hi kou

tantosha in

ekimaeryugakuNOVA