Anyone taught in Japan's Westgate program? More specifically, has anyone completed a phone interview with them? I'm hoping to gain an advantage. If you're not cheatin', you're not tryin'. [image: http://www.ajarnforum.net/vb/images/smilies/grin.gif]
It seems a good way to teach in Japan on a trial-run basis: three months at a uni, everything paid, and a decent wage. I have a mate who did it two years ago and he loved it. Anyone have a different opinion?
I hope all is going well for you in your classrooms and orifices.
Here's a linky-link if anyone's interested:
http://www.westgate.co.jp/
from what i have heard it is a good hassle free way of sampling japan and you get your 1-year visa regardless.
that said, don't expect too much. the rents they will charge you are high relatively-speaking (but of course they are stumping up the key money which is no bad thing).
i failed the interview. that could have been because i mentioned one of their ex-employees whom i knew when prompted on the application (online) form and the cock-sucker didn't like me (or perhaps they didn't like him and it is only my paranoia feeding into this).
more likely, it was probably because i spoke about "academic integrity." i don't think that is necessarily what they are pitching for (more likely profit comes first, and then, later, concerns of quality).
apparently the job itself is highly structured and you're not really allowed to deviate from this.
it depends what your expectations are. if they are not especially high then you could do far worse. but there are also better paths to select in terms of the land of japness. you will also be considered a "scab" by some as you are basically taking work away from proper uni teachers (westgate university program is an attempt to exploit the japanese willingness to go for the "bottom line" over concerns of "gaijin well-being").
ps go on dave's esl concentration camp if you want to know more about this kind of [image: http://www.ajarnforum.net/vb/images/smilies/poop.gif].
bon voyage!