Although GEOS is not as big as NOVA it still has over 500 schools across Japan
and advertises heavily. Subsequently, GEOS is another household name in Japan.
Salary
The salary starts from 250,000 yen per month ($2235) and can be boosted
slightly with performance rewards. Teachers are eligible for promotion twice a
year, which is an opportunity to increase their salaries. Additionally,
teachers can expect up to 100,000 yen ($890) after their first year as a
contract completion bonus.
Holidays
GEOS gives its teachers a total of four weeks holiday plus all national
holidays in their first year. Like ECC and NOVA, the number of flexible
holidays increases over time.
Although most teachers work on weekends, teachers are guaranteed consecutive
days off.
The Schedule
GEOS teachers work a five day week, each day being nine hours long including
the lunch break and some lesson preparation time. Shifts start from 1100, 1200
or 1300 and the average number of teaching hours a week, according to GEOS, is
28.
Like NOVA and ECC, GEOS has predominantly kid’s classes and group lessons
for adults ranging from beginner level to advanced level.
A Word about Visas
All of the companies discussed in this article will do most of the work
needed to secure your visa, and they will act as your visa sponsor. Depending
on the mood of the immigration office on any given day, you will get a one- or
three-year visa as a Specialist in Humanities and International Studies. Each
time you renew this visa you will be given an extension of three years.
A Word about Accommodation
All of the above companies will find you reasonable accommodation not too
far from the school or schools you will be working at. Remember, though, that
this is Japan
and so don’t expect too much space in your apartment and don’t expect to live
next to your school.
Your commute will probably be at least 30 minutes each way, but rarely more
than two hours a day. This may not seem so great, but most Japanese working in Tokyo
spend at least an hour each way commuting.
As for rent, expect to pay somewhere in the region of 50,000 to 80,000 yen
($445 – 715) for an apartment shared with other teachers or for a room in a
guesthouse.