Question
Answer
Q1. What are the requirements to become a Gaba Instructor?
A1. You must have a native level of English, possess basic computer skills, and be eligible to work in Japan.
Q2. Do I need a university degree to teach at Gaba?
A2. You do not need a degree if you possess a valid working visa but having one is a good idea because of the competitive nature of the application process. Some applicants applying from overseas may require a completed degree in order to apply due to visa eligibility requirements.
Q3. Do I need to be in Japan to apply to Gaba?
A3. No, you can apply from overseas, but we suggest that you do so from your home country. If you are in Japan already on a visa that allows you to work, please visit our website for those in Japan at http://careers.gaba.co.jp/application/index.html.
Q4. How do I know if I am eligible to work in Japan?
A4. Please have a look at the official page from the Japanese Government http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
Q5. I have purchased my plane ticket and am scheduled to arrive in Japan in the near future. Should I apply as an overseas applicant?
A5. If you are coming to Japan already in possession of a valid work visa, then you should apply upon your arrival.
Q6. What should I do to prepare for an interview with Gaba?
A6. You should follow the standard protocol you would when going for any other type of interview. Dress and act professionally and be prepared to answer questions about your education, experience and motivation.
Q7. What is a Working Holiday Visa? Will it limit the number of hours that I can work?
A7. Working Holiday Visas are available to Canadians, Australians, British, Irish, Danish, New Zealander, French, German and South Korean citizens. Applicants apply for the visa themselves. It is valid up to a year (18 months for Australians) and it can be issued in 2 to 8 weeks. Applicants without a degree may still be able to qualify for a Working Holiday Visa. Working Holiday visas are intended for people who are primarily on vacation, however there is no set maximum number of hours that you can work. Qualified applicants can later apply to change their Working Holiday Visas to Specialist in Humanities Visas. Applicants applying from overseas should apply to Gaba 2 to 4 months before their expected arrival date in Japan, so those hoping to come to Japan as soon as possible should consider this visa. For more information, please visit the mofa website.
Q8. What is a Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa?
A8. A Specialist in Humanities Visa is a company sponsored Visa. Applicants need a degree from a University (in any discipline from an English speaking University) or 3 years of verifiable English as a Second Language teaching experience. This type of visa is valid for 1 year or 3 years and is renewable. Applicants outside Japan should apply to Gaba 3 to 5 months before their expected arrival date (and should be flexible with their arrival dates).
Q9. I am eligible for a Working Holiday Visa but I would rather get a standard working visa. Is this acceptable?
A9. If you are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa then we recommend you pursue it instead of attempting to go through the sponsorship process. Gaba reserves the right to offer visa sponsorship to eligible applicants.
Q10. What is a work permit? Isn't that the same as my visa?
A10. Certain visas require a second, associated document before the holder can legally be allowed to work. This work permit - a document totally separate from the visa - specifies a set number of hours per week that the holder can work. For example, holders of Dependent visas can apply for a work permit that usually allows a maximum of 28 hours of work a week. Please see http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html for more information on work permits.
Q11. I have an Instructor Visa from another company, but I no longer work for them. Am I eligible to teach with Gaba?
A11. You would not be eligible to teach at Gaba in this case. If you have an Instructor or Professor visa you must currently work for your visa sponsor in order to apply at Gaba.
Q12. I am in Japan on a tourist visa. Can I apply?
A12. Unfortunately, we do not accept applicants on Tourist Visas. If you do not have a valid working visa you would need to apply from your home country.
Q13. I am in Japan on vacation but will be going back home. I am not seeking work immediately but would like to apply for the future. What should I do?
A13. If you will be visiting Japan or are already here on vacation and are planning to return home while your visa is being processed, please feel free to apply. If you meet the initial criteria we may invite you to interview. Please note that if you are in Japan on a Tourist Visa and are not planning on returning to your home country during the visa process, we cannot accept your application.
Q14. How long is a Gaba contract?
A14. We offer a 6 month extendable contract.
Q15. Can I just come to Gaba and work for a month?
A15. No, we ask that you be able to complete at least one contract term.
Q16. I've never taught before. Is there any training available?
A16. Yes, there is a 3 day Initial Certification course as well as Follow-up and Developmental Certification. All new instructors are asked to complete Initial Certification and are encouraged to participate in Follow-up Certification.
Q17. What is Developmental Certification?
A17. This is optional, ongoing certification designed to improve instructors'teaching skills and is highly recommended for both experienced and inexperienced instructors alike. Day-long Workshops on a variety of teaching related topics are offered on a regular monthly schedule. Lunch is provided.
Q18. Who will my students be?
A18. Instructors must be prepared to teach any of Gaba's clients. Purpose of study varies greatly among them, but can be generalized into three categories: study for business purposes, preparatory purposes (in advance of English certification or university entrance examinations), or hobby/travel purposes. The proportion of each category of clients at any given Learning Studio depends primarily on location. For example, the Tokyo and Shinagawa studios have mostly business clients who want to study in the evenings or on weekends. Other studios have more diverse clientele including homemakers and students.
Q19. Do I have to teach children?
A19. At present, Gaba's children's program, Global Stars, is only offered at select studios. If applying to one of these studios, willingness to teach children is a necessity and prior experience is highly favored. The requirements listed in the job posting will detail whether the particular studio offers Gaba kids lessons.
Q20. Does Gaba have a dress code for its instructors?
A20. Yes, all instructors are required to wear a dark business suit whenever on Gaba premises.
Q21. When is the best time to teach lessons at Gaba?
A21. Most all clients work during the day so they tend to take lessons during the evenings after 6pm and on the weekends. Holidays are also a popular time for clients to take lessons.
Q22. I want to work from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Is this possible?
A22. While it is not impossible, it would be extremely difficult to work these hours because the vast majority of our clients are working professionals unavailable to take lessons during these times.
Q23. Will I be able to fill up the majority of my schedule as a new instructor?
A23. Applicants should keep in mind that their schedule might be slower in the beginning as they build up a following among the clients. Teaching at the same times regularly allows clients who have enjoyed your lessons previously to book you again. Also, teaching peak times (evenings and weekends) helps you to keep your schedule full.
Q24. Can I choose which Learning Studio I teach from?
A24. Instructors teach the majority of their lessons from a “home LS”. If there is an area where you would like to work from specifically (eg. central Tokyo), please let your recruiter know. However, we cannot guarantee any one particular studio, only that you will be in comfortable commuting distance.
Q25. Does Gaba pay for transportation?
A25. We do not pay for transportation. In consideration for this expense, an instructor's home LS is always within reasonable commuting distance of his/her home station.
Q26. If I move to another area, can I teach at a studio that is closer to me?
A26. Yes, this is possible. You would speak to the Instructor Support Leader of your current studio to make arrangements. Changes to your “home LS” are considered based on lesson availability at the requested studio and any other pending requests. The earlier you give notice, the more quickly your request can be accommodated.
Q27. How and when do I get paid?
A27. Payment is made for all services rendered in a given month on the 25th of the following month. For example, all lessons taught in the month of May are paid for on June 25th. The method is direct bank transfer to the instructor's preferred Japanese account (Note: Gaba cannot remit payment to foreign accounts). Should the 25th fall on a bank holiday, payment is made the previous business day.
Q28. Is it necessary to have a Japanese bank account?
A28. Yes, it is necessary to have a Japanese bank account in your name. Japan Post savings accounts are acceptable.
Q29. How do I open a Japanese bank account?
A29. You will need to have your Japanese Alien Registration Card to open a bank account or Proof of Address in Japan Form (Torokugenhyoukisaijiko Shomesho) which can be obtained at your city/ward office the same time you apply for your Alien Registration Card.
Q30. Does Gaba do my taxes?
A30. We do not do your taxes but we do provide the needed documents to complete them on your own. If you are a former instructor and need your tax statement, please contact Gaba Instructor Administration at <instructor-contracts@gaba.co.jp>.
Q31. How do I get my Japanese Alien Registration Card?
A31. You will need to go to your local city/ward office with your passport and fill out the necessary documents. You should do this as soon as possible upon your arrival in Japan.
Q32. What about health insurance?
A32. Instructors are encouraged to enroll in Japanese government-sponsored health insurance. In fact, beginning April 2010, Japan's Immigration Bureau will require all foreign residents of Japan seeking a new visa or extension of an existing visa to show proof of enrollment in government-sponsored health insurance. The only exceptions will be those with Working Holiday visas and SOFA status. Therefore, anyone with aspirations of staying in Japan beyond the duration of their current visa must enroll. As a proactive measure, proof of enrollment in government-sponsored health insurance will be requested from all instructors seeking Gaba as their visa sponsor effective January 1st, 2010.
Q33. Does Gaba provide housing?
A33. We do not have instructor housing but we can provide information to help you find a suitable place to live.
Consider these links for affordable options:
www.sakura-house.com/gaba
www.oakhouse.jp/gaba
www.jtbbwt.com/homestay
Q34. How much money should I bring to Japan?
A34. The Japanese Government recommends that people arriving in Japan bring a minimum of 350,000 yen. This amount should be in addition to any moving costs (fees associated with rental agreements, etc.) or airfare. Please also keep in mind that if you arrive in the middle of the month, you will not receive a full paycheck on the 25th of the following month, and in that case, you should bring enough to cover 3 months (eg. If you arrive mid-January, you would be paid for the lessons that you taught in January on February 25th, and you would receive your first full paycheck March 25th).
Q35. I applied recently but I have not been contacted yet. Why?
A35. Should you have completed the application process as outlined on the website, you will have received some form of confirmation. Generally, applicants are notified by email, but we often contact qualified applicants directly by telephone. If you have been without a response for over 10 business days, please contact: <recruiting@gaba.co.jp>.
