nova

The opportunity for me to teach English in Japan seemed like a great experience. I have always wanted to go to Japan. I initially came into contact with Nova through my University and I held onto the information for years always thinking I should send them my resume. After spending a few months working 60 plus hours for an internet startup I applied for a job with Nova. After jumping through some hoops of interviewing and paperwork I was hired and had a confirmation date to go to Japan.

The Japan Times ran an article on finding a job after you're done with eikaiwa. If you're new to Japan, start planning your life after eikaiwa lest you end up like ex-NOVA drone Tom Griffin using up your savings and borrowing from your parents just looking for a job.

Discussion about this article can be found in

Link to the story on the Japan Times web site

THE ZEIT GIST

Why is Nova a sub-standard place to work? Why should you make the decision not to work there?

The Primary Cause of all Evils: The Basic Rules of Supply and Demand

When a commodity is in ample supply, it comes cheaply.

Virgin employees are drawn from an overseas supply that in many ways the company views as being inexhaustible. Fresh blood (predominantly in the form of young and naive University graduates) is what keeps the wheels of Nova turning. The absurd work conditions that teachers have to endure can all be linked backed to this one crucial fact.

Guest post by Marth Reynolds

Even before I left England for Japan my brothers warned me about Nova, so I expected the worst. However, my first impressions of the company were good. They took the time to pick me up from the airport and escort me to my impressive, expensive apartment. It was three days later at orientation when the alarm bells started to ring.