The majority of the discussions on Reddit about GABA are negative, but it does seem like they-
1) sponsor your teaching visa
2) allow you to dictate your own hours
3) have no minimum amount of classes you have to teach
I have always wanted to teach English in Japan for 6 months to a year. I’m self-employed and own a business that I can run from anywhere so I’m not concerned about making enough money to live.
This seems almost… too perfect? I can maybe teach 3-4 days a week, then explore Tokyo/Japan the rest of the time? Especially now since Japan isn’t allowing any tourists into the country, seems like a good time to check it out.
Am I missing something here? Seems like a great opportunity for me, if they were to accept me.
7 comments
If it seems too perfect then it’s usually too good to be true as the negative reviews will show you. Go ahead and apply if you want to, but don’t expect too much. Also make sure whatever visa you’re receiving allows you to have another job.
If it fits your situation go for it. The main negativity is those are pretty shite conditions for normal people just trying get by day to day for a salary. My friend was in a similar situation and it worked for her. Just keep in mind you have to retain your students, so while hours aren’t forced on you its not like you have full free reign.
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If you of your own business maybe just get a shacho visa and skip the teaching part?
This is going to depend on a lot of things. Yes, most of the reviews are negative because GABA isn’t the best company. It’s also a super easy job assuming you can get students. It might actually be a pretty good place to work for 6 months to a year. Working 3-4 days a week could be okay but that would also have to mean that you actually have enough students to pay your bills and have enough money to explore Tokyo.
Just some things you need to keep in mind:
1. It will depend on the studio/school you’re in. Some places you will see a pretty much 90-100% booking ratio and you can make close to 200k a month working 3-4 days. Other studios you’ll be lucky if you hit 50%… especially since you’re new.
2. You can’t really choose the school you’re in. While they try to put you in a school which is close to where your apartment is this isn’t always the case. And since transportation isn’t paid this can be quite annoying.
3. A lot of this will depend on where you’re planning on living. If you’re going to pay around 70k a month for rent and the you take into account food/transportation/fun then you’re already around 140k. You’d have to do some budgeting and make sure that you have enough lessons to cover that cost. Keep in mind that while GABA will likely get busier as the pandemic gets better some studios are still suffering.
Good luck!
I’ve been looking into gaba lately and i just discovered tht its up to popularity, sooo wht if students dont book you??!!! Can they fire you?
It’s okay if you treat it as a side job but if it becomes your main source of income things get dire.