"Display Name" <mmiklas@nyc.rr.com> wrote in message
news:SaPMa.2281$Aw.931@twister.nyc.rr.com...
> Ok, thanks to both of you for the info. If I quickly grab a TEFL
> certification here in NY (open to recommendations as to where it's best),
is
> that going to put me in any better a position in terms of canvassing NYC
for
> an english teaching job in Japan with optimal pay, time off, choice of
> location, etc.? or putting me in a program that is, i guess, at least a
> little more respected among English teachers abroad than the eikeiwa
> programs? Would such a program allow me the aforementioned lifestyle i'm
> seeking in japan that you say would in fact be afforded me by eikaiwa?
> Or, more simply put (and I'm asking both of you this) - if you were me -
> what would you do?
> I get the idea from other postings that eikaiwa are at least a way to get
a
> foot in the door of the world in which you guys work. Thanks again.

Are you looking at Ohayo Sensei et al? It seems to me that with the bad job
market in Japan, more and more employers are demanding some type of TEFL
cert. as a matter of course. That said, a warm body, white face and BA
should still get you a McJob if you want one.

As for free time, working conditions vary wildly so I would check that out
ahead of time.

As for fooling around with your students, I generally would be against it
but since you won't be a real teacher and they won't be real students, my
advice would be to use discretion and everything should work out. The worst
that happens is you get canned, and take your work visa to go to a local
joint that can't hire overseas and so has to hire gaijins that have been
canned from McSchools for bedding the students.

-- 
Regards,
Ryan Ginstrom