I'm interviewing for a job with Aeon on the 23rd/24th June in London. I'm wondering if anyone here works/worked with Aeon, or if anyone has been through the interview process. It'd be great to have any anecdotes, advice, or information on Aeon as a company and to hear your experiences of the interview process.

Thanks,

Michael

Many people have had lots of problems with Aeon. In fact it's not rated a good company. 

Many use it as a means to get into the country but rarely last a year working for them. 

Good luck with them

Hi Paul,

I've read some of the bad reviews written about Aeon from various (reputable and less reputable) sources, and have discovered that most of the people complaining about the company are those who don't care about teaching, and tend to be rather arrogant and stubborn; set in their ways, as far as I can tell from their criticism. 

From those who tend to write from a more level headed perspective, the reviews are generally positive. As far as I've gathered from my research, I think it depends on the individual school rather than the company. The company itself seems to be fairly reliable in that wages are always paid on time, subsidised accommodation is provided (with key money and deposit payed), as well as completion bonuses -- i.e. all things that you would expect from a reputable company (though which are not all provided by schools in Japan). 

Because I missed the application deadline for the JET programme, and want to start working in Japan this year (I'm graduating next week), I thought that an eikaiwa like Aeon seemed like a good bet. Other schools I have applied to don't provide help with accommodation, and also don't seem like they will be incredibly helpful to new employees in terms of information, given that I can gather little information about these schools through their own websites. 

Can I ask, is your opinion of Aeon based on personal experience, or the experience of people that you know; or is it more of a general perception you've picked up? If you would seriously suggest I rethink the company as an option then that is something I'll have to bear in mind. If your comment was a general reflection of what you've heard on the grape vine, I'll probably continue to consider the company seriously. 

Sorry for the long message, 

Michael

It is a good company to get your first teaching gig in Japan.

I've had a few friends work for them and I've heard nothing bad from them (other than the generic/universal complaints of a TEFL teacher)

Craig said it "It's a good company to get your first teaching job with!"

I've never worked for them - but I know people who have.

It is true with all companies that it depends on your expectationsand, goals, targets etc and  whether they match the companies. What you have to remember is that many companies are there to make money - so in that respect they are all similar!

From what I was told, the apartments they provide are hit and miss they are similar to a LeoPalace apartment (some are old as a friend experienced - a 25 years old building that needed a serious update (pumping toilet etc). Most companies dont pay keymoney for you BUT many housing agencies no longer charge it. Deposit is paid for by Aeon BUT if there is damage or charges, you will pay at the end. You still have to pay rent upto 55,000en - considering 50,000 is average and they will usually find under this amount so they dont have to cover anything.

Most other companies your working hours are between 8am - 5pm and not weekends... Aeon is between 10am - 10pm and includes saturdays (your schedule working hours are 40 hours with 25 hours teaching... this is the same for most companies.)

Your salary is fixed - its rare you get pay rises etc - Interac have a base salary of 230,000 but include extra bonuses and pay rises. Yes, you do get a completion bonus, if you meet their expectations...you do get vacation periods - but from what i was told they are unpaid (same as other companies)

You do have to pay an application fee if you accept a possition though!!!

again from what i was told - they offer basic help but once you are set up you dont get much help...

It is the best language school - but if you want to teach at public schools , interac is the better option!

Paul makes a good point actually. Do you want to teach in a private language school (eikaiwa) or do you want to teach in a school? As mentioned, Aeon and Interac tend to have the best reputations and they both have the advantage of being able to establish before you leave.

I personally feel that working in a school can be more rewarding and the class times/work might suit your lifestyle better. I have heard of a few teachers who moved from schools into eikaiwas and couldn't really adapt to it. You do have a bit more control in eikaiwa though and in most cases you'll be teaching adults who want to learn.

Good luck!