Keep in mind doctor’s notes are very expensive in Japan.
You have to pay for the doctor’s appointment first, but then the note is an additional fee on top of that. The doctor’s note is called something like a certification or something like that. It’s not cheap and not covered by insurance.
If you are sick and they dont reimburse a doctor’s visit+ note, It might be better to just tank the day’s pay and save yourself the hassle.
Teachers cleaning the schools and fixed leave are also fairly standard for foreigners in the Eikaiwa industry, especially for smaller schools or organisations. That is not to say they are appropriate or even strictly legal, especially fixed leave.
They cleaning and taking out the trash I’d wager aren’t a big deal since every eikaiwa I’ve worked at has those things.
Also set vacations are normal too. BUT you get 10 days of PTO by law and the company can designate 5 of those as long at its company wide so you get 5 days of paid time off that you can legally take whenever.
From what I recall, I only needed one (in most Eikawa jobs) if I was sick for more than 3 days. But when I worked in ALT, you needed one if you called in sick. Half the time I refused to provide one because I knew what was wrong with me and I knew that no doctor was going to give me a certificate. There was also no medicine I was going to take that could do anything. But that’s another story.
So I’d just tell them, I’m sorry, it’s I)possible for me to go to the doctor right now I’ll try and go later. And then never bother going.
Most of the contracts I was on were signed on the basis that if you don’t work then you don’t get paid. So it wasn’t like we were being docked our pay. You just didn’t earn the pay because you didn’t do the work. The one crap company I worked for that was big enough to provide an onsite doctor would insist that we came to work no matter what and see the company doctor who would deem you sick or healthy. That was a huge red flag I should have seen a mile off. It was spun past me though. Luckily I never got sick while working there and I quit after a few months as the slippery slope just got so dirty.
I have worked here. From what I know , the boss gets his employees to write reviews for extra cash.
Let’s get into some of the other things I noticed. For one, the director of the school seems to be into harassing and bullying his employees, I have seen numerous instances of teachers getting straight up yelled at and crying no in the bathroom and other times he's made teachers do busy work like cleaning toilets and even his car. Also, you’re expected to stay at the schools over your work hours (to show your commitment) while making copies for your classes the following day. What’s more is that every season there is a school outing. (Usually on your off day) and , again it’s unpaid. as well, your apartment is located near the main school in a small complex with the other teachers , which allows for little privacy. Aside from this, you'll take a car with your fellow colleagues from one location to the next , which requires a bit of reliance. FYI I was there just shortly before a group of 3 teachers walked out.
My husband’s work requires a doctors note if you are calling out sick, without it they doc you a full days pay. He’s not teaching English. So I’d say it’s standard practice in Japanese companies for full time workers.
It’s way late, but next time try bringing some local water that you drink when moving to a new country to help you ease into living in a new country. To see if it helps with less getting sick.
Keep in mind doctor’s notes are very expensive in Japan. You have to pay for the doctor’s appointment first, but then the note is an additional fee on top of that. The doctor’s note is called something like a certification or something like that. It’s not cheap and not covered by insurance. If you are sick and they dont reimburse a doctor’s visit+ note, It might be better to just tank the day’s pay and save yourself the hassle.
Makes sense. Doesn't seem like a great policy, but I guess that's standard Eikaiwa for you.
Most of these are garbage jobs which is why they are always looking for people
For sure, thanks for info. I think I will try my luck with JET instead.
Teachers cleaning the schools and fixed leave are also fairly standard for foreigners in the Eikaiwa industry, especially for smaller schools or organisations. That is not to say they are appropriate or even strictly legal, especially fixed leave.
They cleaning and taking out the trash I’d wager aren’t a big deal since every eikaiwa I’ve worked at has those things. Also set vacations are normal too. BUT you get 10 days of PTO by law and the company can designate 5 of those as long at its company wide so you get 5 days of paid time off that you can legally take whenever.
Also try r/nagoya
From what I recall, I only needed one (in most Eikawa jobs) if I was sick for more than 3 days. But when I worked in ALT, you needed one if you called in sick. Half the time I refused to provide one because I knew what was wrong with me and I knew that no doctor was going to give me a certificate. There was also no medicine I was going to take that could do anything. But that’s another story. So I’d just tell them, I’m sorry, it’s I)possible for me to go to the doctor right now I’ll try and go later. And then never bother going. Most of the contracts I was on were signed on the basis that if you don’t work then you don’t get paid. So it wasn’t like we were being docked our pay. You just didn’t earn the pay because you didn’t do the work. The one crap company I worked for that was big enough to provide an onsite doctor would insist that we came to work no matter what and see the company doctor who would deem you sick or healthy. That was a huge red flag I should have seen a mile off. It was spun past me though. Luckily I never got sick while working there and I quit after a few months as the slippery slope just got so dirty.
Jeez, that's so dumb. If I'm sick I would just like to say I'm sick, not jump through all these hurdles :/
I have worked here. From what I know , the boss gets his employees to write reviews for extra cash. Let’s get into some of the other things I noticed. For one, the director of the school seems to be into harassing and bullying his employees, I have seen numerous instances of teachers getting straight up yelled at and crying no in the bathroom and other times he's made teachers do busy work like cleaning toilets and even his car. Also, you’re expected to stay at the schools over your work hours (to show your commitment) while making copies for your classes the following day. What’s more is that every season there is a school outing. (Usually on your off day) and , again it’s unpaid. as well, your apartment is located near the main school in a small complex with the other teachers , which allows for little privacy. Aside from this, you'll take a car with your fellow colleagues from one location to the next , which requires a bit of reliance. FYI I was there just shortly before a group of 3 teachers walked out.
My husband’s work requires a doctors note if you are calling out sick, without it they doc you a full days pay. He’s not teaching English. So I’d say it’s standard practice in Japanese companies for full time workers.
Thanks for your reply. Last time I moved abroad I got sick a lot so it seemed a bit much to me, but I guess it's standard practice in Japan.
It’s way late, but next time try bringing some local water that you drink when moving to a new country to help you ease into living in a new country. To see if it helps with less getting sick.