Open Thread: GEOS Discussion

trust what my company tells me for the time being and have a back-up job lined up just in case.

Although I don't see any signs that GEOS Japan is about to collapse, I wouldn't trust anything this company tells you. Certainly having a back-up plan is very sensible, as is making sure you've got unemployment insurance if things go belly-up.

And I'd advise, in the long-term, to get into a sustainable career, rather than pursuing a silly working-holiday "professional talking" job at GEOS and eikaiwa for any longer than necesary.

"And yes, as you're clearly not a Geos employee (but rather a 3rd world troll with shitty English), I don't expect that they're going to pay you anything."

Aww me solly Mr Geos Charisma man!
I ingrish no good enough four you?
I go to away and cry!
You such good teach to us!

Until next month when you'll be out of a job.
Laugh it up pleb. You are not even bright enough
to see the writing on the wall!

Geos Stooge.

This the type of company you are squabbling about whether you can trust or not. Ready, as at the beginning of February 2010.......

GEOS Sydney Creditor Claims $A3,190,000
Estimated Realisable Assets $A 89,946

And we are probably going to find similar situations in the other GEOS Australia Schools

----- You just compared eikaiwa to Unit 731? Take your stupidity elsewhere.-----
-Shawn

I have always said that Letsjapan is not actually for people who are against unfair treatment at eikaiwas. Rather, it is designed to debunk people who tell the truth about eikaiwas. Their are trolls working here to discredit all who criticise eikaiwa, very very covertely. And the so-called owner to this site Shawn is in full support of it. Repeat, this site is not actually for justice. This site is designed to lure you out into the open so your masters can discredit you. Look deeply and follow the comments. You will see I am telling the truth.

@00:23
Is Let's Japan all part of some Illuminati conspiracy then? Is Shawn a shape-shifting lizard?

"Shawn" is dishonest about his intentions.

I knew it! Shawn is a shape shifting lizard!

has anyone ever done it before? Left an apartment that is provided by GEOS?
I've known loads of people who've just upped and left with no notice and no forwarding address. Nothing ever happened to them bar a few ineffectual phone calls asking them how they intended to pay their bills. If you're talking about leaving a company apartment while remaining employed, it's difficult but it can be done. H/O will try everything they can to avoid it though as it usually means that they will have to close the apartment and then have the expense of re-opening one when the next teacher comes (megabucks). The biggest problem is that you'll have to assume responsibility for moving and keeping safe all the apartment goods that were in the the old apartment and keep them until you leave. Unless you have a very cool, sympathetic manager (ha!) you won't be allowed to store them at school either.

What happens besides losing our 10/15/20 thousand yen housing allowance?
You still get it.

Is moving out like moving in: just give them the key and its all over and done with?
You'll need to contact H/O and tell them. As I said, they'll weasel and fight over it in most cases but if you stand your ground and remain calm you'll be okay.

And we know GEOS head office staff aren't the sharpest tools in the shed... But won't they figure out that I've got a little plan to quit if I start enquiring about leaving the house?
Yes, that's exactly what they'll think. When you tell them about this you need to stick to some kind of story that you've been offered a room in a friend's house that's half the price or you're moving in with your GF/BF or something similar. Don't give them any reason to think that you're moving on.

Another thing... How is GEOS regarding visa renewals? When do they ask us if we want to continue next year and when do they renew? Do we get a one year or a 3 year visa?
When I used to be at H/O you would just give the teacher the paperwork and they sort that part out themselves. When you go down to immigration you get the option of either a one or three year visa.

This was all a few years ago now though, don't know how it's changed recently.

Listen, all you haters and anti-GEOS Corporation trolls - I have news for you all: WE ALL GOT PAID! WE WIN, YOU ALL LOSE!

I think there is a certain agenda on this Blog to discredit big Eikaiwa, specifically the ones with the international reputation - like GEOS. What I'd like to know is - why? It appears certain individuals connected to this site- or blogging on it - have something to gain if the big and famous Eikaiwa schools collapse. Afraid of some cometition, hey? Losers.

I'm off to spend some of my (paid on-time) salary at some bars tonight - with my GEOS colleagues. Normal Saturday night, no problems. The rest of you losers can please yourselves. And another thing: Our school is doing well, and I see ZERO signs of any problems. Morale is high, and the teachers are peachy keen as always. No negative words from any students - a far cry from the CHAOS and PANDEMONIUM all you haters have been blogging about.

So long, suckers - I'm off to enjoy all-you-can-drink - you can all suck on something sour.

I think there is a certain agenda on this Blog to discredit big Eikaiwa, specifically the ones with the international reputation - like GEOS. What I'd like to know is - why? It appears certain individuals connected to this site- or blogging on it - have something to gain if the big and famous Eikaiwa schools collapse. Afraid of some cometition, hey? Losers.

There's nothing to stop people coming here and vigorously defending big eikaiwa chains, but it just doesn't seem to happen very much. Anyway, how much damage to a company's reputation do you really think a blog on a website can really do? Judging by the collapse of the Australian GEOS schools and the GEOS horror stories we can read on the net - feel free to refute them, by the way - I'd say that if there's any discredit, the big eikaiwa chains are bringing it on themselves.

GEOS Eikaiwa Veteran enjoy your drink tonight 'cos being an Aussie GEOS Loser I can't afford one. And my GEOS teaching mate - and his wife and kids - are having a rotten, poor Saturday evening too. But you go on, you enjoy yourself. And as you gaze into your glass, just think "its Aussie GEOS teachers' money that paid for this...". Go on, GEOS Eikaiwa Veteran , just choke on it

What is it with all these ex-Geos Australia teachers? I totally understand the bitterness and all, but most of them seem to have a hard time putting together a sentence without somehow fucking it up. I'm telling you, it's for the best that people like this are out of work rather than out there in the field exposing paying customers to shitty 3rd grade language skill. If there was ever a case of the blind leading the blind...

I really can't understand why you would do a managers job and that of an eikawa teacher for such a low salary.
They are blatently taking advantage of you and you should be getting a lot more than you do. I have a manager at my school but she is hopeless can't answer any questions, if they put me in the position that you are in I would walk out the door the same day.

I think there is a certain agenda on this Blog to discredit big Eikaiwa, specifically the ones with the international reputation - like GEOS. What I'd like to know is - why?

In my case, it's because eikaiwa is generally an exploitative racket, treating its staff and customers like s**t - in the case of GEOS, using students' paid up-front tuition money to prop up its flagging business operations in Japan. And GEOS, being a big player, is going to come in for more stick than a little mom-and-pop school down the road.

Our school is doing well, and I see ZERO signs of any problems. Morale is high, and the teachers are peachy keen as always. No negative words from any students

Possibly. I too don't see GEOS Japan collapsing tomorrow. But with all the well-publicized problems of GEOS, the Australia bankruptcy, late-payment of staff and so on, I doubt that morale is as high, and the teachers are as peachy keen, as you think they are.

So long, suckers - I'm off to enjoy all-you-can-drink - you can all suck on something sour.

Enjoy it while it lasts mate. Seriously, get out of cloud-cuckoo land, get out of GEOS, get out of eikaiwa, and get into a job with a long-term future in it.

@ GEOS

i think you are worrying too much about most things.

your biggest problem is your visa. but that is also your excuse for leaving geos (if you need one) in an interview - there is good reason to worry about your job security there, and you don't want to be stuck with no visa sponsor if they go bust near renewal time. but i don't think it'll be a big issue in an interview.

another problem will be getting out of your apartment - the above poster made it sound like it takes a lot of chasing at the best of times, so i'd expect it to be even worse in the current chaos. go at it like a pitbull and keep on until you get your way. they have no right to keep you there against your will, and they are more scared of you quitting than you are of being fired.

if you don't take your appliances with you when you leave your apartment, i can't see geos doing anything about it. and i can't see a way they could hold you legally responsible once the rental agreement is officially cancelled - they came with the apartment, and that's where they were left. (having said that - are you sure you can rent furnished? it'd be the first time i've heard of it, and i've been here years.)

if i were you, i wouldn't quit until you'd lined another job up. nobody knows how long geos can stay afloat, but another 6 months isn't out of the question. you'd be better off with the money coming in while you look for work, and those late starts make it easy to get to interviews on workdays. you can quit at very short notice - it might cost you your last pay cheque, but that's as serious as it'd get.

so cheer up! the ball is very much in your court. don't be scared into doing anything rash - these companies bark a lot worse than they bite.

good luck

Well put! I admire your charisma and gumption. Those are qualities I love in a man!
Whad'ya say about spending some of your big pay check on taking me out for chuhais and getting us a fancy love hotel.

Yours Truly,

CanadaJin

Justin NZ, how do you explain this? Straight of the NZ Government website minutes ago. This in the "new" GEOS NZ company. Look at the NZLCL Director and refer that to the post above. Yah, too much monkey business.

Company Number 248543
Company NEW ZEALAND LANGUAGE CENTRES LIMITED
Incorporated 28-SEP-1984
Current Status REGISTERED
Entity Type Company

Previous Names
Company Name Date Changed
GEOS (NEWZEALAND) LIMITED 26-FEB-2010
GEOS AUCKLAND LANGUAGE CENTRE LIMITED 20-NOV-2003
AUCKLAND LANGUAGE CENTRE LIMITED 30-AUG-1996

Directors
Name Date Appointed:

KUSUNOKI, Tsuneo 07-MAY-1996
4-7-37-2224, Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-Ku, Tokyo, Japan

Share Parcels
Total Number of shares 247,000
Number of Shares 247,000
Shareholder(s) GEOS CORPORATION Shinagawa Ku, Tokyo, Japan

NZQA, Please look at theses two posts.

I'm in my first year contract... I know I have a contract that says 4 months notice, I also know this cannot be enforced by law.

My question is, legally, do I need to give one month or two weeks notice? I've checked online but not sure under which category my contract is under.

If I respect this one month/two week rule, can they keep my last paycheck? I don't live in company housing...

Thanks.

Ok, Jus, what was it? A sale or a name change?

Want to know a little more about the new punter at GEOS NZ?

Justin Mastoyo is the new Principal at Geos Christchurch in New Zealand. Mr Mastayo originally started working
at Geos in the accounts department in 2001 before b coming Registrar. He has lived in Hong Kong where he gained his Celtyl (sic) qualififi cation. “In my new role, I hope to provide an enjoyableand benefificial learning experience”
he said. “We have staff from many different backgrounds and many of us were English students ourselves at one point in our lives.”

http://www.hothousemedia.com/ltm/ltmbackissues/dec08web/dec08agencynews.pdf

It's good to see people providing real facts, instead of just rumor-mongering. Keep up the good work!

Also, what happened to the GEOS Australia teachers is downright awful, and I hope that they get the justice they deserve. However, it should be said that GEOS Japan teachers are not all inept clowns, and there are many fine teachers in our ranks. The Australia situation has unsettled many of us, and despite the impression some of the above posters give, we are not all pissing our paycheck away in bars whilst feeling smug about ourselves. We need to support each other, and keep in mind who the real enemy is.

Yeh, its a good read, ain't it. Unfortunately the Ozzies don't publish similar audits in the public domain. We are, however, getting some real insights into the way that GEOS Australia was operating from the EY Creditors Reports that are beginning to circulate. There has already been a lttle bit of the Perth and the Sydney stuff posted here. Looking forward to more! (C'mon Aussie teachers. Get those fingers twinkling on the keyboard!)

Back to NZQA audit. Note a comment about accounting concerns??? OK, now go to the NZ Companies Office
http://www.companies.govt.nz/cms
and have a look at the NZ GEOS accounts (search under company number 248543 and the new company will come up). See how many annual accounts were lodged at once? See how the chartered auditor qualified the accounts? Think about the NZQA and how it operates.
Interesting, eh? I do love Sunday afternoons.

You said a month because that's what GEOS has to give me if they want to sack me...

I was under the impression it was (by law) only two weeks...

But according to the General Union website http://www.generalunion.org/law/lsl#11

First year of a one year contract --- you can quit at either the end of the contract or quit by following the procedures laid out in the contract for quitting. If you don't follow these rules your company has a theoretical claim against you but can only act on this by using civil court procedures.

So if I don't give them the 4 months notice they can f*ck me over? But they have to take me to court...
What about my last paycheck, I can pretty much say goodbye to that as well I guess, even if they can't keep it, I would have to take them to court to get it I presume...

Anyone had this experience? 15 days notice? Because, in all honesty, If I am going to give them two weeks notice and be working that time for nothing or for no salary... I'd rather give them a few days notice, evil knievel I know, but... Gotta save what I can.
I went to a few interviews a while back and when they asked me how much notice I had to give my current employer I said "I have a 4 month notice in my contract" and they answered with a grin "two weeks it is then!".

Simple; unwitting agents and students won't associate the schools with the GEOS brand. They were probably driven to this because of all the negative feedback in the Australian and NZ press (some of the NZ newspapers picked up on the Australian story for example).

OMG, I can't believe this asswipe has put his sleazy self above the rest of us out-of-pocket workers ... send Mr K's bribe (or "funding" as you call it) to help in Australia please!

Company Number 248543 View Certificate Of Incorporation
Company NEW ZEALAND LANGUAGE CENTRES LIMITED

Incorporated 28-SEP-1984 View Online Extract
Current Status REGISTERED

Entity Type Company
Constitution Filed Yes

Annual Return Filing Month March

Previous Names (Names changed prior to 1992 may not be recorded)
Company Name Date Changed
GEOS (NEWZEALAND) LIMITED 26-FEB-2010
GEOS AUCKLAND LANGUAGE CENTRE LIMITED 20-NOV-2003
AUCKLAND LANGUAGE CENTRE LIMITED 30-AUG-1996
Address Details
Registered Office
Level 6 21 Federal St
Auckland
New Zealand
Address for Service
Level 6, 21 Federal Street
Auckland
Directors
Name Date Appointed:
MASTOYO, Justinus 01-MAR-2010
54 Lonsdale Street, New Brighton, CHRISTCHURCH 8083
Share Parcels
Total Number of shares 247,000
Number of Shares 247,000
Shareholder(s) MASTOYO, Justinus 54 Lonsdale Street, New Brighton, Christchurch 8083

Conspiracy theories about Justin Mastoyo being a stooge for GEOS seem a little far-fetched. The change of name before share transfer was odd, but could be explained as a way for GEOS to ensure the GEOS brand wasn't used. But many aspects of the sale don't make sense nonetheless. Without GEOS's brand and international network, you are just another startup school in a crowded market. And agents have lots of more established schools to deal with. Justin Masayo would have to have wriggled out of leases and will need a very good plan. But two observations: 1. His letter is quite naive in tone and doesn't really get to grips with the deep trust and brand issues involved. It looks very superficial and hopeful. 2. A lot of money is needed to underwrite the inevitable losses as student numbers continue to fall - regardless of any hoped for recovery in NZ Lang Centres (THat's the new name) The sale probably only yielded - say a dollar, but a million will be needed to ride through the next phase. At the least. Look at google maps for 54 Londsdale Street New Brighton and you will see a very average street in a lower decile neighbourhood. It doesn't look like a confident, experienced and fully capitalised buyer. Conclusion: Hopeful person who is getting in over his head or Other silent backer such as family with lots of money. I can't for the life of me see that Mr K would be involved. Just doesn't make any sense Overall conclusion: Either way it doesn't really change anything- GEOS has gone from New Zealand. The brand is finished. GEOS is showing a clear pattern of not standing behind their overseas operations. It is now proven through company records beyond reasonable doubt. THE SECOND DOMINO HAS FALLEN. To all Australian staff who mucked around - you could have got over and made a scene but you didn't and you have missed your chance. You were too too slow. GEOS has gone from both Australia and New Zealand. Reckless discounting chain GEOS has gone from Australasia.

I agree. Just treat them the way you'ld like to be treated, and then if they try to mess your around after that, don't worry about it.

'Aussies don't like being messed with'. Sure - but what have you actually done? The UK, because of the historical and cultural links with Australia would be the next logical place for direct action. But not a peep out of UK GEOS staff on Lets Japan.... Presumably things are going swimmingly - after all the Europe Director has stated that Australia was just a sort of separate operation, nothing to do with the UK.... Presumably all the UK staff believe this?

What is the point of looking for a job if you arent going to take one if you are offered a position and you have to fullfill the 4 months so called notice in the contract. waiting for it to tank is one option another is look after yourself give a fair period of notice, not four months, they only give us one month!! Thats fair.

I worked for NOVA and ECC previously. Both had policies regarding termination notice that were absurdly long. Most people I knew who quit gave 1 month, many, including myself, gave 2 weeks/ 15 days and some quit with very little notice. The only repercussion that I recall was from NOVA, not receiving the monthly attendance bonus. Other than that, all the lessons I worked I got paid for. But, I was not living in a company apartment at the time, I'm sure that would have complicated things.

Realistically, I have no doubt that if you quit with less than 4 months notice, the worst thing that will happen is management/ J-Staff will put up a front as if it's a big deal. Boo whoo! If you have something lined up or just want to bail before get real desperate around there, by all means do not let the 4 month notice thing tie you up or worry you. Be smart and plan to make your next move sooner than later.

Good Luck!

They won't or at least the person who is 100% responsible won't ever set foot in any court in Australia or New Zealand now and I doubt any other nation that Geos is operating. There needs to be a sinking fund like in apartment blocks so students and staff are not ripped off like T kozunoki has done and I am sure he sleeps well after a bottle of sake and 100 smokes plus a bit of slap and tickle with a Russian hooker on his private jet. He has no conscience.

The managers haven't been paid in time all year. That's not 100% confirmed, but I do have friends who are managers in GEOS and that's what they've been telling me.

Got EY's Report for Creditors on Sydney GEOS here in front of me. 52 pages of faint type. Will spend an hour tonight synopsing it for a post. Can anyone do the same for the other GEOS Oz school sites?

AnthonyOz, you are so right. Some of the kids are so young and so far away from home. Look at the pictures we saw from the PerthNow paper showing gobsmacked youngsters. Inexcusable and the GEOS home company have no idea of the damage this has done to them. And @13.18, again you are so right. Re Sydney, two directors may have some vulnerability but the big fish is away and swimming. Oz must get trust fund arrangements set up in the field to protect parties. If NZ can do it, so can Oz.

Magers+non-pay, yup, @13.33 and 45... a bit of chatter currently on the Japanese buzz forums about pay issues. Staff are not happ, Jan.

Nambu page on Labor Standards Law

http://nambufwc.org/japanese-law/labor-standards-law/

I admire your positive thinking!

Documentary evidence please!!! (E.G Translation of Japanese blog)

You did a runner on Nova in 1991? Man, you burned your bridges there. The last 20 years must have been tough....

I think there were various misdemeanours that could get you on the "don't re-hire" blacklist. Things like turning up late too much, or too many absences or student complaints, that kind of thing. Nothing to ruin your career and lose sleep over though.

Well I imagine that being on their blacklist would also mean they wouldn't give you a good reference. This would mean putting them on your resume/CV could be risky, especially if you want to pursue another teaching job.

blacklist would also mean they wouldn't give you a good reference.

Well, NOVA is gone and GEOS will be in a month or two. Who is going to provide a reference from a non-existing company that went bankrupt?

-Luke

I can't help but to feel that some of you are very immature. I mean maybe some of you are in rough situations like I am (I work for GEOS) but even I have a sense of commitment. I signed the contract. Some people have renewed knowing what the company is like. You've made a commitment to the company and more importantly to your students. Don't any of you feel any responsibility to finish your contract at all?
Not all jobs are cushy, good, or enjoyable but you signed up for it. How will it look to a future company if you back out of a contract at the first signs of your job not being easy?
Now if they're doing something really terrible, sweat shop terrible, go for it but otherwise I think you should finish your contract, OR at least give the 4 months notice. Have escape plans etc but seriously...

Okay..let me get this straight...you want to honor your contract and keep your commitments to GEOS, NOVA..whoever...but the company doesnt want to live up to their responsibilty to tell the truth (or pay into the national health insurance scheme or follow labor laws) to its staff, students and teachers. People (like myself) have walked off the job at GEOS because the lack of transparency and truthfulness from Mr. K and the head office goons. Nobody wants to wait for the next big pile of bullshit to hit them out of the dark like the GEOS Australia teachers and students got dumped on them.

If you work for GEOS, use your judgment and decide for yourself. Your students will not house you and feed you when GEOS goes belly-up. You can stay for the students, but you can bet the students wont give a damn for you when you are out of job and on the street. I saw it before at NOVA in 2007.

Totally agree. Dont stay at GEOS just for the students. If thats your cop-out for working there, you are completely fooling yourself, as well pulling the wool over your eyes and stuffing your head in the sand. Japanese people dont give a damn for you or any other worthless foreigner in this country. The students might fool the newbie gaijin fresh off the boat, but thats the Japanese way. They will smile to your dorky face and talk shxt about you at the pub or bus stop. These students couldnt care one wet turd about you GEOS teachers. They can read kuchikomi and get score there. They know whats going on at GEOS and think GEOS teachers are losers for working for such a nasty company. If you can read Japanese, then you would know that Japanese students have nothing but complaints and hate for GEOS and those working for them. GEOS ranks #1 on the comment and view board http://search.knowledgecommunication.jp/kuchikomi/s1050/
Only if you could read, the stuff they say about GEOS teachers its hilarious!!! Words like.....trash....ugly...weird...stupid...drunk...lazy. Yeah, keep up it GEOS teachers, you are doing an excellent job!!

To the poster (fool) in the previous post: Who the f*ck would give a 4 month notice?? Do you need the GEOS bonus money? What is that 100,000 yen?? You wont get it no matter how hard you work and no matter even if you gave a 6 month notice. You would be lucky to get 20,000 yen MAX. The award process is secretive and they wont tell you why you recieved a lower bonus and the decision is final. The company is in a big hurt for cash and I dont see them giving out bonuses for contract completion anymore.

Oh yeah, stay for the students, they will help you when the S.S. GEOS goes down to davy jones`s locker...NOT!! HaHaHaHaHa!!!

Luke makes a good point above - but I think the company will continue to exist after the coming crash, just in a diminished way - like Nova.
There'll still be reference givers.
Also, something which hasn't come up yet - what about future employers? I can only guess that you all lie in your interview right? What's this gap here? How long wad the contract? Why didn't you stay?
Because the honest answer to any of those questions from the above posters and you'd be back down the job center/ hello work?
And lying to an employer before you start?

I do HR in the UK - jobs are at a premium, and yes, I am that thorough on background checks (I guess I have to be), especially with anyone who had experience in Japan...

Dear Dissapointed.
Yep, whenever I think of GEOS, I always remener their proud motto..."It's about honour and accountability." Barffff...you should have been here with the team in Adelaide in January. Then you would know all about honour and accountability.