My TESL Timeline : Hired in Japan

0 Days

March 5, 2013
    Information session on teaching English abroad (conveniently located at my alma mater).

May 1, 2013
    Enrolled in a TESL course.

May 7, 2013
    I write a blog post about teaching English in Japan. (The estimated salary turned out to be accurate.)

June 8 - 23, 2013
    The first 60 hour component of the TESL course. It involves daily class presentations, and rigorous critique.
First Day of Learning TESL
TESL Practicum
One Step Closer

August 29, 2013
    I prepare to finish my final grammar exam.

September 2, 2013
    I officially complete my 100 hour course on teaching English as a second language, and receive my TESOL/TESL/TEFL certification.

182 Days

September 18, 2013
    I attain a federal criminal record check (with photo and fingerprints) in order to apply to a range of companies.

September 17, 2013 - March 20, 2014 (185 Days*)
    Struggling job hunt rages war on my time, and emotions.

381 Days

March 21, 2014
    I'm contacted by numerous Japanese companies, including one long phone call discussing my goals and intentions. I'm asked to consider the position thoroughly, then contact them after I've made a decision.

March 24, 2014
    I officially register with the company's website and await a reply. I immediately receive a call back and continue with an interview over the phone before proceeding further. I'm informed that I will need to send a scanned passport photo/signature page along with my university degree, a professional looking photo, and a minimum of 3 reference letters (2 work and 1 character). On top of that, I must complete a grammar quiz, and fill out a questionnaire consisting of various work related questions and an essay.

March 25, 2014
    I ask my Japanese professor from university for a reference letter. I bumped into her at my partner's Christmas party and had expressed my desire to teach English in Japan. I also write a blog post commenting on the trials and tribulations of attempting to find work.

March 31, 2014
    My Japanese professor replies to my e-mail, and agrees to write the reference letter. However due to exams, I'm informed I'll need to be patient.

April 2, 2014
    As part of my need for references, I volunteer for a day at a familiar day-home (akin to a daycare). I play games with the children, read to them, and help take care of them. Not only do I receive a stellar reference, but a reminder of why I enjoy teaching children.

April 3, 2014
    I send in 2/3 of the required references.

April 8, 2014
    I send in the completed grammar test and questionnaire.

April 9, 2014
    I discuss the results of my grammar test and questionnaire with the company's representative (hereafter known as DJ). I made one mistake on the grammar test, but a forgivable one.

April 10, 2014
    I discuss my upcoming decisions about deciding between jobs in a blog post.

April 24, 2014
    I receive my final reference letter from my university Japanese professor. I immediately send it to DJ and finish that part of the hiring process.

May 1, 2014
    DJ invites me to Toronto, Ontario to finalize my employment. I need to bring good quality photocopies of my passport signature/photo page, university degree, resume, and 8 passport photos measuring 30mm x 40mm.

May 8, 2014
    I meet with the company's representative, DJ in Toronto. DJ introduces me to my fellow co-hires, then proceeds with orientation and immigration paperwork. One last piece to the hiring puzzle, the company needs a criminal record check.

May 9, 2014
    I send in the criminal record check.

May 12, 2014 (53 Days)
    I'm officially hired by the Japanese company and congratulated.

434 Days

June 17, 2014
    Upon being informed that my Certificate of Employment (COE) was approved by the Japanese immigration bureau, and consequently on its way, I book my ticket to Japan.

June 25, 2014
    I receive my COE in the mail, and proceed to fill out an application for a work visa.

July 10, 2014
    My father drives me to Calgary, Alberta to visit the Japanese Consulate. They approve my work visa and instruct me on the immigration process after entering Japan.

July 16, 2014
    As part of the final, official step for moving to Japan - I visit my doctor for a note declaring a clean bill of health.

July 21, 2014
    I receive my work visa in the mail.

504 Days

August 14 - 16, 2014
    My plane leaves for Japan. There are stops in Vancouver, Canada and Taipei, Taiwan before landing in Nagoya, Japan.

August 18, 2014
    A two week orientation begins, instructing new employees on curriculum and method.

532 Days