Hearts and Minds: The Effect of Let's Japan

Background: We were initially surprised to find an email from GEOS. The subject line didn't bode well, either. However, as you read, you'll see that the missive is in our favor. We appreciate the note and revel even more in the notion that people are coming to our site for information.

Subject: A word to the wise
Date: Wednesday, 14 February 2001 19:25:15 +0900

Well, after a very exhausting, sometimes shocking and altogether interesting 2 hours, I have finished reading all of the horror stories compiled in your neat little web site here. First of all, I've got to say that I sincerely sympathise with you guys for all of the hell you've been through since you discovered the cesspool that is Eikaiwa in Japan. I've also got to say a few words in the defense of my company. I know this is going to make me sound like a 'True Believer', but I am real, I have not been brainwashed by any means, and I go through the hardships (and the pints) with all of the other poor, underpaid, overworked gaijin associated with eikaiwa.

I work as the Personnel Coordinator for GEOS for Children. I am not aware if you all even know that our little company exists - sometimes and most often we are over-shadowed by our larger associate company, GEOS Language System, referred by you in your articles as 'GEOS'. Both companies are owned and managed by the same corporation, GEOS Group, however these 2 companies (only 2 out of 8) are entirely different to one another.

For a start, our company is relatively new to the eikaiwa game, having only been established as a separate company in 1990. We have only been employing Native English teachers since 1997... had to check the old handbook for that bit of trivia! I guess this might be one reason why we are still able to maintain our integrity and genuine employee care and support. Apparently, the older (and bigger) a company gets, the more difficult it is to maintain appropriate levels of care and support for staff. Worthless excuse as far as I'm concerned, and by no means any reason to resort to the kind of abuse you guys have suffered, but as I have yet to experience any such abuse from this company, I can't really judge.

I am just about to reach the end of the 2nd year of my contract with GEOS for Children (a contract which is somewhat different to the one I saw at your web site). I am sincerely intending to complete a 3rd year as well, with no reservations what so ever. In fact, the only concern I have about staying here in Japan for another year is the absolute lack of male talent. My friend from Australia aptly refers to Japan as the 'Romantic Wasteland' I have many friends who have successfully gained somewhat meaningful relationships with Japanese guys, but I am yet to meet a single gaijin girl who has met an honest, regular gaijin guy who is not here for the sole purpose to get a couple of Japanese 'notches' in their belt. More power to you all, I say - the Japanese girls are all into it, so why shouldn't you??

Anyway, I just wanted to let all of you who are reeling with shock at what you have read about 'GEOS' (really referring to GEOS Language Systems) know that this is simply not the case with all eikaiwa companies in Japan. This information is coming right from the horses mouth here, by the way. With the help of a great team of dedicated trainers and head office staff, I organise the recruitment, training, care and support of our Native (foreign) teachers from day one. I work at the company's national Head Office in Tokushima, Japan, and I associate directly with the company Director with any problems or concerns related to the teachers. She's a great women who takes our teacher's needs and concerns very seriously, and is always ready and willing to help make things better.

I know I don't speak for everyone when I say that taking this job has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life so far, but I do feel very strongly that this company is an honest, reliable, dependable, and entirely respectable organisation. I am not writing this under gun point, and have not been put up to doing this by anyone. Your web site was brought to my attention by a teacher of mine who is about to come over to Japan to start her new job with us, who was indeed very shocked by what you wrote. After I read the articles myself, I could hardly blame her for feeling that way! However, I don't criticise you for writing about it- there are indeed some very scary horror stories about working in Japan that are all too true. I just thank the powers that be (whoever they are!!) that I have been lucky enough not to have experienced what you have. I also appreciate that you are bringing these issues to light, so that those who are considering taking on an eikaiwa job in Japan will research their options thoughtfully first! Beware of the dodgy eikaiwa cornholers!!

We then asked her for permission to post her email on our site.

Subject: Hello again!
Date: Saturday, 24 February 2001 16:00:47 +0900

[snip]

I realize I probably sounded a little judgemental in my previous message. The truth is that I had just received an email from one of the teachers I had hired in New Zealand (who had just completed all of the preparations for arrival, including visa etc.). She was very concerned after reading your accounts (which is understandable, as some of them are pretty alarming). After I read your accounts, I called her to reassure her that we (GEOS for Children) are 'good guys' and don't exploit our staff. She said she felt much better, but has since pulled out of the program. I don't feel that it is entirely as a result of your site - she obviously was not sure about her decision to move here in the first place. At least she changed her mind before she arrived, rather than after!!

In all truth, I rather enjoyed reading your accounts, and had a bit of a chuckle myself at some of your stories. I think it is great that you are providing an outlet for free speech (the more the better!!). I also think that it is important that people who might be considering taking on a 'McJob' should research their options carefully, as there are indeed many a dodgy company out there who might take employees for granted. Good on you for taking the initiative and for sharing your experiences!

Let me know if you receive any interesting feedback from my post. I mentioned your site to some of my staff, and some of them also offered to write accounts of their experiences too. I work really hard to keep my staff happy (Murphy's Law states that you can't win them all though!), but I rest assured that our company does the right thing. I feel very lucky that I ended up with GEOS for Children, as I really didn't research the other avenues very well... I didn't even know NOVA existed until I arrived in Japan (then it became blatently obvious!!).

Anyway, thanks once again for your response

Cheers,

from Erin Campbell
Personnel Coordinator
GEOS for Children