Want to live and teach in Japan, but have a ton of questions.
tenacious_s
not sure what is required of an individual to teach there. It seems
like an English degree isnt required, which is what makes it
especially appealing to me, but -what- exactly are they looking for
when they are hiring a teacher? Does it increase my chances somewhat
that I am fluent in Japanese?
What kind of visa is required to go there? I want to live there for a
couple years, maybe less. Is there a minimum stay for visas?
Would it be possible for me to just move there and find private
teaching jobs on my own?
Is it possible to live a decent life on an income of (approx)
US$40,000?
Is it recommended or required to open a seperate bank account there,
or would my American Bank suffice?
Also would I be able to use my computer, and misc. electronic equip.
over there? I know I need a special adapter but are the adapters
reliable and is the voltage the same as U.S. standards?
I would appreciate any info, tips, advice... from Americans currently
doing this in Japan.
Thanks in advance to those who can help me out.
Michael Cash
the alphabet and kept on going with:
>I would like the opportunity to live in Japan teaching English, but
>not sure what is required of an individual to teach there. It seems
>like an English degree isnt required, which is what makes it
>especially appealing to me, but -what- exactly are they looking for
>when they are hiring a teacher?
Young, good-looking, ignorant of things Japanese, especially labor
laws and such.
>Does it increase my chances somewhat
>that I am fluent in Japanese?
Yes, it does.
No, it doesn't.
It all depends on what your prospective employer is looking for. Some,
like McNova, forbid teachers to use any Japanese at all. Some would
prefer that you have at least some Japanese capability.
>What kind of visa is required to go there? I want to live there for a
>couple years, maybe less. Is there a minimum stay for visas?
>Would it be possible for me to just move there and find private
>teaching jobs on my own?
>Is it possible to live a decent life on an income of (approx)
>US$40,000?
Define "decent" first, then we'll see.
>Is it recommended or required to open a seperate bank account there,
>or would my American Bank suffice?
>Also would I be able to use my computer, and misc. electronic equip.
>over there? I know I need a special adapter but are the adapters
>reliable and is the voltage the same as U.S. standards?
>I would appreciate any info, tips, advice... from Americans currently
>doing this in Japan.
Don't limit yourself; the non-Americans can be just as helpful, even
more helpful, actually. But they have an understandable tendency to
get in a snit when they're snubbed like this.
Louise Bremner
> I would like the opportunity to live in Japan teaching English, but
> not sure what is required of an individual to teach there.
If you would consider reading other threads in this newsgroup, you'll
find that some of your questions have already been answered recently.
> It seems like an English degree isnt required...
...but note that a degree of some sort _is_ required. Usually from a
four-year college.
> ...but -what- exactly are they looking for when they are hiring a
> teacher? Does it increase my chances somewhat that I am fluent in
> Japanese?
Can't answer that one, but someone will. Maybe at length.
> What kind of visa is required to go there?
You can come in on a tourist visa, then convert it when you find a job.
Some large teaching chains recruit abroad and organise a visa for you.
> I want to live there for a
> couple years, maybe less. Is there a minimum stay for visas?
No minimum stay (otherwise, what would happen if you became seriously
ill or there was some other reason requiring you to go back?)
> Would it be possible for me to just move there and find private
> teaching jobs on my own?
That is not usually possible, unless you have a Japanese spouse.
> Is it possible to live a decent life on an income of (approx)
> US$40,000?
How frugal are you?
> Is it recommended or required to open a seperate bank account there,
> or would my American Bank suffice?
Few employers would be willing to go through the hassle of paying into
an overseas bank. You'll probably find that your employers will open a
bank account for you ("please write your secret number here") at the
same branch of their own bank, to make it easier for themselves.
> Also would I be able to use my computer, and misc. electronic equip.
> over there? I know I need a special adapter but are the adapters
> reliable and is the voltage the same as U.S. standards?
The voltage is nominally lower at 100V, and can drop even further at
times. You might need a step-up transformer (as I did for one lemon of a
US-made modem, some years ago), but it's unlikely. It might be better to
buy new power cords, rather than rely on plug adapters.
> I would appreciate any info, tips, advice... from Americans currently
> doing this in Japan.
Whups, sorry--ignore all of the above.
> Thanks in advance to those who can help me out.
________________________________________________________________________
Louise Bremner (log at gol dot com)
If you want a reply by e-mail, don't write to my Yahoo address!
Gerry
tenacious_s <kaz...@aol.com> wrote:
> I would like the opportunity to live in Japan teaching English, but
> not sure what is required of an individual to teach there.
Endurance.
> It seems like an English degree isnt required, which is what makes it
> especially appealing to me, but -what- exactly are they looking for
> when they are hiring a teacher?
A bachelor's degree in most anything. A frontal lobe. "Enthusiasm",
which usually means "willing to work like a dog". I hear that the
great jobs in most major cities are taken, but there are a lot of
slag-heaps where opportunities abound!
> Does it increase my chances somewhat that I am fluent in Japanese?
Sure, as long as your fluent in English too.
> What kind of visa is required to go there? I want to live there for a
> couple years, maybe less. Is there a minimum stay for visas? Would it
> be possible for me to just move there and find private teaching jobs
> on my own?
Damn. Now you're beginning to ask questions that only somebody who
knows what they're talking about ought to answer...
> Is it possible to live a decent life on an income of (approx)
> US$40,000?
Yes. Most anywhere on planet earth. Of course it depends on what you
mean by "decent".
> Is it recommended or required to open a seperate bank account there,
> or would my American Bank suffice? Also would I be able to use my
> computer, and misc. electronic equip. over there?
Like in the US, some places, yes, other places, no.
--
///--- Vote for the richest Republican. He understand the common man.
Fabian
"tenacious_s" <kaz...@aol.com> wrote in message
> Also would I be able to use my computer, and misc. electronic equip.
> over there? I know I need a special adapter but are the adapters
> reliable and is the voltage the same as U.S. standards?
imho, anyoen who ships a desktop computer thousands of miles is nuts.
Either invest in a laptop, or sell your desktop for parts and keep just
teh harddrive which you then install in a computer bought in Japan, or
burn your most valuable data onto CDs and buy a computer in Japan.
If youve ever seen teh way luggage handlers treat boxes marked fragile,
youll know why.
Of course, Im not American, so please ignore all teh above and take your
desktop PC with you. It'll serve you right for snubbing me.
--
--
Fabian
Visit my website often and for long periods!
http://www.lajzar.co.uk
Haluk
yazd?:201020031458030486%222...@adelphia.net.invalid...
> In article <b0cace59.03102...@posting.google.com>,
> tenacious_s <kaz...@aol.com> wrote:
>
> > I would like the opportunity to live in Japan teaching English, but
> > not sure what is required of an individual to teach there.
>
> Endurance.
>
> > It seems like an English degree isnt required, which is what makes it
> > especially appealing to me, but -what- exactly are they looking for
> > when they are hiring a teacher?
>
> A bachelor's degree in most anything. A frontal lobe.
With all due respect, I know many English teacher in Japan who do not have a
frontal lobe, or any part of brain... They get by with their
half-hypothalamus (not sure the spelling is right)... So you might
reconsider this one.
The 2-Belo
>I would like the opportunity to live in Japan teaching English
I am obligated, due to personal principles, to be a prime-cut wanker and refuse
helping you in any fashion. Sorry about that.
--
The 2-Belo
the2belo[AT]msd[DOT]biglobe[DOT]ne[DOT]jp
news:alt.alien.vampire.flonk.flonk.flonk (mhm21x20)
news:alt.fan.karl-malden.nose (Meow.)
http://www.godhatesjanks.org/ (God Hates Janks!)
Processing failed. Hit any user to continue.
Brett Robson
>
>Don't limit yourself; the non-Americans can be just as helpful, even
>more helpful, actually. But they have an understandable tendency to
>get in a snit when they're snubbed like this.
>
huff.
.
----
"No country hides itself behind the paper screen of cultural elitism like Japan,
which, considering they've bought their entire civilisation from other people's
hand-me-downs, is a bit of a liberty."
Gerry
<yokoo...@spam.net> wrote:
This is getting easier all the time.
Michael Cash
<222...@adelphia.net.invalid> belched the alphabet and kept on going
with:
>In article <b0cace59.03102...@posting.google.com>,
>tenacious_s <kaz...@aol.com> wrote:
>> Does it increase my chances somewhat that I am fluent in Japanese?
>
>Sure, as long as your fluent in English too.
Actually, and sadly, even that sort of English will do.
Michael Cash
belched the alphabet and kept on going with:
>
>"tenacious_s" <kaz...@aol.com> wrote in message
>
>> Also would I be able to use my computer, and misc. electronic equip.
>> over there? I know I need a special adapter but are the adapters
>> reliable and is the voltage the same as U.S. standards?
>
>imho, anyoen who ships a desktop computer thousands of miles is nuts.
>Either invest in a laptop, or sell your desktop for parts and keep just
>teh harddrive which you then install in a computer bought in Japan, or
>burn your most valuable data onto CDs and buy a computer in Japan.
I agree with that. Pull your hard drive(s) and CPU, bring them with
you, and then just build a new box when you get here. Couple hundred
bucks and you're back in business.
tenacious_s
another Yank like myself would be able to better answer some of my
questions regarding electrical power, banks, etc. My apologies to
those I may have offended.
I still have a few more questions for those willing to help me out.
And forgive me, I'm somewhat new at this, so not sure if I am digging
up questions that may have been asked in the past.
Are there any "easy to get" alternative jobs other than teaching in
Japan for Bilingual individuals?
I thought teaching English would be the best way to get into Japan for
work, but I hear that the big English Teaching schools pretty much
only want attractive NON-Asians. Being an Asian American, and not that
much of a looker, I am feeling that I may have to seek another path.
I'm also a male over 35 years, which I heard is an issue as well for
landing any job in Japan.
Anyone have any insight on these points?
Also once in Japan are there any large "Gai-koku/Non-Japanese"
Supermarkets to pick up my Mozzarella cheese, Aunt Millies Pasta
Sauce, etc...? If things work out, I may end up trying to live there
much longer than my trial period (1-2yrs) and would love it if I can
find some of my favorite groceries from home.
Again -any- help would be appreciated; from anyone, any sex, from any
country, any planet, any religion, etc... (I think I covered most
bases).Thanks for those who offered help in my other unintentional
"snub" posting, and as for the "wanker" who actually went out of the
way to let me know he was going to snub me... get a life, pal. really.
Brett Robson
> My apologies to those I may have offended.
You'd have to try much harder than that.
> Being an Asian American, and not that
>much of a looker, I am feeling that I may have to seek another path.
I'm uglier than you.
>I'm also a male over 35 years, which I heard is an issue as well for
>landing any job in Japan.
I'm older than you.
>Again -any- help would be appreciated; from anyone, any sex, from any
>country, any planet, any religion, etc...
I don't have a religion, stop oppressing me.
> Thanks for those who offered help in my other unintentional
>"snub" posting, and as for the "wanker" who actually went out of the
>way to let me know he was going to snub me... get a life, pal. really.
My hobbies are none of your business.
Fabian
"tenacious_s" <kaz...@aol.com> wrote in message
> Again -any- help would be appreciated; from anyone, any sex, from any
> country, any planet, any religion, etc... (I think I covered most
> bases).
Damnit, you really put your foot in it this time. You'd be suprised at
how many metasexual furries from teh Andromeda galaxy there are in
Japan, and you just snubbed every single one of them!
Dave Fossett
> I thought teaching English would be the best way to get into Japan for
> work, but I hear that the big English Teaching schools pretty much
> only want attractive NON-Asians. Being an Asian American, and not that
> much of a looker, I am feeling that I may have to seek another path.
> I'm also a male over 35 years, which I heard is an issue as well for
> landing any job in Japan.
> Anyone have any insight on these points?
Most schools just expect prospective teachers to look clean, presentable,
and intelligent, but I don't think good looks is a particular requirement.
Looking Asian, though, could well make it harder, but is no reason to give
up before you even start.
--
Dave Fossett
Saitama, Japan
cc
"tenacious_s" <kaz...@aol.com> wrote in message
> Are there any "easy to get" alternative jobs other than teaching in
> Japan for Bilingual individuals?
Try American companies/organisation with branches in Japan.
Alternative jobs are not easier to get a visa. Once you arrive as a teacher,
you can resign and try any other sort of job like carpenter, waiter, hotel
staff, DJ, etc.
> I thought teaching English would be the best way to get into Japan for
> work, but I hear that the big English Teaching schools pretty much
> only want attractive NON-Asians. Being an Asian American, and not that
> much of a looker, I am feeling that I may have to seek another path.
> I'm also a male over 35 years, which I heard is an issue as well for
> landing any job in Japan.
> Anyone have any insight on these points?
I've met many Asian American teachers of your age in Kansai, they had found
teaching jobs.
Most like it. Some hate it because students are sometimes "unpleasant" :
after asking all around if the teacher is a real "gaijin" and not a mere
"nihonjin", certain students want to know at what age that teacher has
started to learn English, how he obtained a US green card, why he speaks
Japanese with such a bizarre accent, and tons of more personal and really
embarassing questions.
I'm sure you already know such students are like my grand-aunt, too old to
be taught good manners, and that's their way of showing interest. And you
are not the sort of guy that calls people "wanker" or tells them "get a
life pal" for less than that...
>and as for the "wanker" who actually went out of the
> way to let me know he was going to snub me... get a life, pal. really.
really.
CC
Haluk
yazdi:bn5gf6$t6e26$1...@ID-174912.news.uni-berlin.de...
>
> "tenacious_s" <kaz...@aol.com> wrote in message
>
> > Again -any- help would be appreciated; from anyone, any sex, from any
> > country, any planet, any religion, etc... (I think I covered most
> > bases).
>
> Damnit, you really put your foot in it this time. You'd be suprised at
> how many metasexual furries from teh Andromeda galaxy there are in
> Japan, and you just snubbed every single one of them!
besides I'm an ateist god dammit...
GHill18299
You need a bachelor's degree to get the work visa. Period. (Unless of course
you have 10 or more years of teaching experience somehow, then you don't need
the degree, but with that much experience, no eikaiwa will hire you, and you
are not qualified/degreed enough for other places.)
-what- exactly are they looking for
when they are hiring a teacher?
What type of teaching are you talking about? Universities want people with
master's or PhDs plus publications. High schools want people with degrees and
experience. Eikaiwas generally just want a warm body. Even you degree major
doesn't matter with many.
Does it increase my chances somewhat that I am fluent in Japanese?
No. Japanese is not used in the classroom anyway. It will help you in daily
life, tho.
What kind of visa is required to go there?
For teaching English, a work visa, with a Specialist in Humanities
classification. Or, if you go with the JET programme, a work visa with
Instructor classification.
I want to live there for a couple years, maybe less. Is there a minimum stay
for visas?
Visas are granted for 1 or 3 years. They may be renewed endlessly, but whether
you GET renewed is up to immigration.
Would it be possible for me to just move there and find private teaching jobs
on my own?
No. You need a work visa to work (or a spouse visa, dependent visa, or student
visa). Otherwise you are working illegally. Besides, just picking up privates
isn't that easy. You can sign on to some of the online registrations places,
but you won't be able to live off your privates. Too unstable.
Is it possible to live a decent life on an income of (approx) US$40,000?
Teaching jobs run 250,000 yen/month (or 3 million yen/year). Do the math.
That's about US$24000. You have to define "decent". With this salary, you can
expect to have about 70,000 yen left at the end of every month if you go out a
couple times a week and have no outstanding debts at home (student loans, car
payment, etc.).
Is it recommended or required to open a seperate bank account there, or would
my American Bank suffice?
You could open a Citibank account, but your employer would usually open an
account at a Japanese bank for you.
Also would I be able to use my computer, and misc. electronic equip. over
there?
Go here for info on voltage requirements in Japan. Voltage doesn't change, but
current does, depending on location. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2225.html
Basically, laptops have built-in power converters.
I know I need a special adapter but are the adapters reliable and is the
voltage the same as U.S. standards?
What special adapter? See above. Even the number of prongs is the same.
I would appreciate any info, tips, advice... from Americans currently
doing this in Japan.
Send me an email if you have more questions.
ghill...@aol.com
Michael Cash
the alphabet and kept on going with:
>Besides, just picking up privates
>isn't that easy. You can sign on to some of the online registrations places,
>but you won't be able to live off your privates. Too unstable.
You do realize that Bryan will be up all night revising and editing
his cheap and tawdry followup to this, don't you?
Louise Bremner
> Are there any "easy to get" alternative jobs other than teaching in
> Japan for Bilingual individuals?
Depends--do you have a scientific or technical background, do you enjoy
nitpicking at other people's work (as in: the same mistakes over and
over again), can you read for comprehension, and can you also write
English clearly? (OK, so everyone believes the last two, but can you
offer proof of them?) If so, there's a huge need for people to "rewrite"
translations done by non-native speakers of the target language, even if
the people who produce them don't know that.
Or you could skip that stage and go straight to translation.
Rafael Caetano
> Besides, just picking up privates isn't that easy.
> You can sign on to some of the online registrations places,
> but you won't be able to live off your privates. Too
> unstable.
Actually, there are many gaijins who live off their privates. But I
didn't know there were online registration places for that.
[]s
Rafael Caetano
Viktoro 9
"tenacious_s" <kaz...@aol.com> wrote
> Are there any "easy to get" alternative jobs other than teaching in
> Japan for Bilingual individuals?
> I thought teaching English would be the best way to get into Japan for
> work, but I hear that the big English Teaching schools pretty much
> only want attractive NON-Asians. Being an Asian American, and not that
> much of a looker, I am feeling that I may have to seek another path.
> I'm also a male over 35 years, which I heard is an issue as well for
> landing any job in Japan.
I'm Asian-Canadian and I worked in Japan in the software industry, "doing
windows..." so to speak.
> Anyone have any insight on these points?
> Also once in Japan are there any large "Gai-koku/Non-Japanese"
> Supermarkets to pick up my Mozzarella cheese, Aunt Millies Pasta
> Sauce, etc...? If things work out, I may end up trying to live there
> much longer than my trial period (1-2yrs) and would love it if I can
> find some of my favorite groceries from home.
I ate out almost everyday. If you like Italian, a lot of the alleyways in Tokyo
have Italian joints. I like seaweed on my spaghetti...
--Viktoro