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Lstark’s Blog
Seeking advice about teaching in Japan!
Hi everyone!
I would really love to teach English in Japan later this year, and would be keen to get advice from those of you who are there/have been there.
Any info would be appreciated, but particular info about the below would be even more so!
1. How you came about your job and how long it took to find it?
2. How far does the salary stretch... does it need to be supplimented with savings or after hrs work? or, do you manage to save some money?
3. How did you find accommodation/housing?
4. Any recommended locations to apply for work?
5. How do you meet other westerners working in the area?
6. How do you go about becomming part of the community?
7. What does your job involve? and what support do you get if any?
All information is useful information! So please, fill me in on your experiences :)
Thanks!
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Thanks PDixon!
That's really useful info. I'll suss out interac a bit more...and fingers crossed I'll end up in Iwate as I'd love to go there anyway.
4. because your wanting to apply later in the year - be flexible - companies usually allow you to give requests but normally they prefer people who will go any where... you can select high school, junior high school or elementary school as preference but its very rare you get the location you choose (especially if its a city)
5. depends on the area - small areas you will get to know the teachers BUT you might live 30mins apart...many opt to meet in nearby cities...you will meet lots at training (so exchange details etc)...facebook is the best way - in Iwate we have a specific group for local foreigners
6. in big cities its very difficult - foreigners usually feel isolated - a small city is best...if you know japanese then a small town
7.teaching - as an ALT you assist, usually read from the text book (this is elementary and junior high school)...at high school you are more involved and usually teach the whole class and do worksheets - you are given a schedule, the school selects the topic or page, you prepare the lesson.
the is JET (the government program) but it takes a year to apply... you best bet is a company like interac who offer support, set up, etc - i'd recommend iwate due to a really good branch office compared to other areas... interac also offer a 200,000yen loan for set up
1. The main in takes are March/April and August/September - you should aim to apply at least 3 months in advanced due to visa and paperwork etc - please note you do need a degree (diploma etc does not count)... most jobs are with a dispatch company (interac is the leading company), or a private english school.
2.It stretched as much as you want it to - bare in mind when you you go you have set up costs...about 3-4months worth of rent is used just in the first month to get an apartment (check out youtube - normally your in a LeoPalace) - average wage is 230,000yen...tax is about 5%...if you live more like a japanese than a westerner then you wont have a problem - trying to remain western is expensive.
A lot of companies do not allow you to take on private classes of your own - interac is one of a few that do (as long as its not in competition with them)... part time jobs, such as resturants, ski resorts etc are not permitted because your visa states you are an instructor
3. if you go with a dispatch company they will offer support - interac actually find the apartment for you and provides a japanese helper to do paperwork, bank account, furnishing etc... if you opt for a language school you normally have to do everything yourself.
The sallary in China is way lower than the sallary in Japan. You are correct about living costs however.
I think I would opt for China over Japan all day long I travelled there for 2 months and had an amazing time!! the salary is better two and cost of living cheaper!!!
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