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Tamaki TEFL Recruitment (TTR)

Why choose Tamaki TEFL Recruitment (TTR)?

At TTR, we are experienced in teaching English abroad and in teacher recruitment. The Founder, Tomoko Tamaki has personally taught for 5.5 years in Japan, Vietnam and China which brings invaluable advice about her experiences to her teachers! We offer a full service from the initial pre screen stages, interviewing, guidance on visas and pre-departure assistance and more. At TTR, we love what we do and look forward to meeting enthusiastic teachers!

Founded
2015

Reviews

Default avatar
Katherine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly Recommend TTR!

I applied for a teaching position in Japan through TTR. Tomoko answered all my questions and guided me through all the paperwork and visas making the process super easy. She went above and beyond in providing support leading up to the job and followed up when I arrived in Japan. TTR operates at a high level of professionalism and there were no surprises when I landed in Japan. All my questions were answered quickly and all logistics were carefully explained to me before I left. I couldn’t imagine doing this process with anyone else.

Tomoko really listened to my placement preferences in Japan and made sure I would be placed in an area that I loved. I asked to be in the Kansai region with hiking opportunities in the area and both of those preferences were met!

Whether you are right out of university like me or you are looking for a career change, I recommend TTR as they are attentive and it really feels like they care about your well being. Thank you so much TTR for getting me a job I love! :)

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I’m currently learning Japanese right now, so communicating with locals has been really nerve racking! In my town, there is a climbing gym that I wanted to get a membership to. I was really nervous to go up to talk to the front desk, but between my bad Japanese and google translate I was able to get a membership. Everyone at the gym ended up being really nice and were even helping me improve my Japanese.
Default avatar
Madeline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TTR Provides Support and Genuine Care

Applying to jobs- especially to positions overseas- can be overwhelming and difficult. From my first interaction with Tomoko at TTR, I knew that her recruitment style was different. She actively sought me out as a candidate, respected my time by acting in a prompt manner, and went above and beyond in providing support.
After a couple of great interviews- Tomoko is so kind, knowledgeable, and helpful- I was offered a position in Japan! Though I had a long period between my initial interview and my start date, Tomoko was very proactive and kept in touch with me to make sure I was on track with every step of the visa process. She also sent plenty of other information about what to expect when moving to Japan.
When I say that Tomoko went above and beyond, I mean it. Her instructions and information sent ahead of time were so thorough and the time she spent helping me prepare made things so much easier after I got here. While some of my peers were scrambling to find a SIM card for their phone or an ATM that would accept their international bank card, I realized just how much extra care Tomoko provided in her recruiting. I didn't get just the barebone requirements for the job, but literally all of the little logistics that come with an international move.
All throughout the application process, Tomoko showed such genuine kindness. Her messages were always upbeat and kind, she was always so fun to speak to over the phone, and I could tell that she really cares. When it came time for me to actually make the move to Japan, Tomoko kept in touch and asked for updates through my travel and training period.
My entire job search for a teaching position took longer than expected, but I got a job offer less than two weeks after I first spoke to Tomoko- when I found the right opportunity, everything fell into place perfectly and quickly. I feel very fortunate to have gotten to work with a team that is dedicated, timely, professional, and genuinely a pleasure to work with. Thank you!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
One experience that I think is memorable for a lot of people traveling to Japan for the first time is getting lost in a train station! Luckily, Japan is also well-known for great customer service. On my first day of training for the new job, I had a difficult time getting from the high speed train to the local line. The path through the train station was like a mall maze, and every hallway was an identical row of small shops. I stepped into a shop to ask an employee to point me in the right direction- but instead of pointing, she led me outside, waved for me to follow her, and took me all the way to the entry point. Her kindness really stuck with me, and I made it to my final destination!
Default avatar
Hadrian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TAMAKI TEFL RECRUITING IS LIKE NO OTHER!

It was incredibly intimidating to leave my home country and travel abroad to teach English in Japan, but Tamaki TEFL Recruiting (TTR) helped to support and provide a clear picture of what it would be like to teach English in Japan.

From the first interview, TTR had an emphasis on helping me understand what teaching in Japan would be like. And I whole-heartedly appreciated the informative and realistic picture they painted to ensure I understood what I was applying for.

From that interview and on, TTR focused on providing a clear timeline with in-depth information and instructions. They focus on getting you knowledgeable about job expectations, visa applications, and how to get yourself ready for the move. One of the biggest advantages of working with TTR is their advice. TTR staff are former teachers, and they provide practical advice based on their own experiences. They care about your wellbeing, and they check into make sure that you feel confident about your choice, even after you arrive in your location!

Overall, I appreciate the professional but warm attitude at TTR. They know how to get you where you need to go, and they’re willing to go the extra mile to support you. They’re a model example of how a recruiting company should operate.

What was your funniest moment?
While teaching kids in a classroom I received a phone call from a Japanese speaking customer. Trying to tell them I didn't speak Japanese I said a phrase which literally translated to "I physically can't speak Japanese". The kids burst out laughing after I said that!
Pros
  • Personalized support
  • Clear instructions
  • Professionalism
Default avatar
Ammaarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TTR is the best recruitment agency for working abroad in asia

From applying to the job to living in Japan, TTR has made the process as smooth as possible by providing me with every bit of information I needed, and the support has been incredible! TTR is very professional and helpful, answering all of the questions I had, providing support, and encouraging me! I will forever be grateful towards Tomoko for helping me move to Japan which has been a lifetime dream. Thank you for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity! Everyday has felt magical and I feel so lucky that I get to live in Japan and it's all thanks to TTR!

Pros
  • The support is incredible
  • The process is very simple
  • Every detail is explained to you so you don't ever feel like you're not sure what's going on
Default avatar
Huw
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Tomoko Tamaki recruitment

It had been my goal to travel to Japan to teach for over two years. Tomoko not only provided me with the opportunity, but went above and beyond what was required of her to do so. Words can't really, fully convey the level of support and attention to detail TTR provides nor was it more evident to me when I arrived in Japan and began talking to the other new teachers about their experience of coming to Japan to teach. The level of preparedness Tomoko equipped me with to come to Japan was unparalleled and information shared at training that came as a surprise to some wasn't for me. TTR was also able to secure me placement near Kyoto, pretty much exactly where I wanted, a luxury that I am truly grateful for. The support from TTR doesn't stop once you've secured placement either. Tomoko remains in touch with you well after you've touched down in your location to help you settle in. I would highly recommend TTR to anyone wishing to pursue teaching abroad.

Pros
  • You get to travel and experience new cultures
  • You meet so many amazing new people
  • Experience the joy of teaching and working with child
Cons
  • Can feel lonely sometimes if you're not great at speaking the language
  • The job is daunting and can be overwhelming at times in the beginning

Jobs

Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Tomoko Tamaki

Job Title
Founder and International Recruitment Consultant
Tomoko is the founder of TTR - she was born and raised in Toronto, Canada and embarked on her first TEFL journey abroad to teach in Japan! Her initial plan of going abroad for only 1 year, turned into 2 years in Japan, 1 year in Vietnam and 2.5 years in China! She can definitely say that TEFL is the best path she's taken and she now has the privilege to recruit and represent the best teachers and schools!
Tomoko Tamaki

What is your favorite travel memory?

Climbing Mount Fuji, the highest volcano in Japan (3,776 metres to be exact!) With no sleep and very little rest for 24 hours, it was worth it and the views at the top were incredible! You feel on top of the world... until you have to climb back down again! (See photo!)

My first week in Shanghai, I strolled along the waterfronts called The Bund. With stunning views of tall skyscrapers, it's best to go at night! (See photo!)

I went on holiday to a scenic place called Nikko, in Japan. I was surrounded with stunning views of mountains, lakes and I got to experience a Japanese "ryokan", which is a traditional Japanese Inn known for their bamboo floors and outdoor hotsprings! Lush! (See photo!)

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I love what I do and there's nothing short of that! I'm also continually humbled and fortunate to be able to work with incredible teachers and schools. Without passion in my work, I don't think TTR would be where it is now. I've learnt that you have to put in 100% to what's in front of you and also take the time to enjoy yourself!

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I love hearing from our teachers how happy they are and seeing all their photos and stories. We always keep in touch with our teachers to ensure that they're doing well. (Feel free to go on Facebook to Tamaki TEFL Recruitment to see teachers testimonials!). The best feeling is knowing that our teachers are enjoying their time abroad and really living life to its fullest! I also love hearing stories of teachers pushing themselves out of their comfort zone- conquering their fear of heights with steep hikes in the mountains, paragliding or even eating cockroach-skewers!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

That's a tricky question! I love them all!

We have various options available for teachers - whether it's teaching solely a range of young children (2-15 years old), conversational group classes with adult learners or teaching 1-1 business English to adult learners, we have various positions to suit various needs. We will always arrange a brief 20 minute pre screen call first so that we can go through the options and to see if any of the roles is a potential match. If all goes well in the pre screen call, we would discuss arranging the video Skype interview in the near future.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

TTR's unique as we have experience teaching English abroad, so we know what it feels like to leave the comforts and familiarity of home and embark on a completely new adventure. We also get to know our teachers very well and build a strong professional relationship - it's important for us to know that the teachers can come to us at anytime to ask questions and that we offer a lot of pre-departure support.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

We are really passionate about providing the best service for teachers and making the transition abroad as stress-free as possible. It's important for us to get to know our teachers individually and build that trust and rapport. We really want to understand what our teachers are looking for in their ideal jobs and making their dreams a reality. Without that passion and drive, this wouldn't be possible!