Job Discussion Forums

[scottie1984]

Hi, I'm looking to teach in Japan for a year, I have no formal teaching training.

I'm keen to work in/near a city rather than in rural Japan.

Is this realistic? What is the best way to secure an urban job?

[Glenski]

If you have a bachelor's degree, you are qualified for entry level work in eikaiwa or as an ALT This is prime hiring season until April. Get your applications in now. Many ALT slots are already filled, and a lot of them are in country settings, so you might want to focus on eikaiwas.

When did you plan to start working?
Can you come here to job hunt or interview?

[scottie1984]

Thanks for the response.

I have two bachelor degrees and a masters (although not in relevant subjects). I don't have a heap of cash to survive a couple of months, nor do I have any Japanese, so it seems risky to just arrive without a job.

So I wonder if something like AEON/Interac is better for me, but it's a case of balancing them with the chance of being stuck in a rural village as the only English speaker...

[ssjup81]

It depends on where they are hiring. Just look at job ads on places like gaijin pot. When I was an ALT I was in Yamagata city. For this Eikaiwa position that will be ending next week (*cheers*) I'm in what they consider inaka.

How urban are you talking, btw?

[Glenski]

You didn't answer my question about WHEN you plan to come. In just 3 more weeks, most of the jobs will be taken.

If you can't support yourself for 2-3 months (US$4000-5000), then don't come, especially if it's not soon.

And, some of us who enjoy rural life might not appreciate the words "being stuck". What do you have against rural living? I can guess.

[scottie1984]

Thanks for the responses.

Apologies, I'm not able to travel until mid-July. The main reason for prefering urban is that my Japanese is non-existent atm, so I think I might struggle without english speaking friends.

Coming from Scotland I have nothing against rural life generally!

As for how urban, an hour or two drive to a city would be ideal.

[Glenski]

So, start studying today. With daily periods of 15-30 minutes , serious studying will get you somewhere. Plus, realize that being in a rural environment will actually help you to learn it, out of necessity. It's not that terrible.

As for English speaking friends, try not to do what many do -- live in a gaijin bubble.

[teacher4life]

Japanese is a very easy language to learn as far as speaking and understanding is concerned. Pronunciation is a piece of cake. Reading and writing is a different story of course, but get to it right away. In 3 months you can master hiragana and katakana if you put your mind to it. Japanese language ability is very necessary for the best jobs despite what anyone may tell you.

In 2 years you can pass JLPT2 if you work hard and stay focused, but it is merely a test for non-Japanese. REAL men do the kanji kentei!

[scottie1984]

When you say 'very easy' - I will take that to mean I could make some progress with some hard work! I won't even ask what the kanji kentel is!

I have already started some beginners' stuff, so hopefully will get there.

I suspect I'll end up applying to AEON/ECC/Interac soon, then start applying for specific jobs in the country with employers that could help out with a visa.

[steki47]

Not much hiring done in July, but there will be some action in August for a September start.

Urban vs. rural-I found English-speaking friends (Japanese and foreign co-workers) in small towns of 100,000. Plus much of Japan is pretty compact; nothing is more than 1-2 hours from a big city.

[Glenski]

[Cool Teacher]

When I first cam eto Japan I lived in a small town and I spoke ZERO Japnese but actually I learnt quite a bit. In the end it was fun.

[JRJohn]

My instinct is to go for urban over rural. This is because I know I am happier with the greater stimulation and more means of relaxation, which a big city affords.
I can get depressed or stressed in smaller towns where I have to socialise intensely with just a few people I work with, and I tend to come more alive in cities.
If you go to the countryside, the advantages are: much lower rent and key money, a simpler lifestyle, and closeness to nature. Sometimes commuting costs will also be lower.
If I were moving to rural Japan right now, I would have to take this laptop and ask for an internet connection to your home immediately. That makes a huge difference keeping you connected to home, and to other ALTs and teachers. The internet may also point out where you can learn Japanese in your area. In the countryside, you do need to look for opportunities to socialise with other teachers in your prefecture, because unfortunately there won't just be a pub or bar to drop into.
I would add that if I lived in say, rural Hokkaido, weekend trips to Sapporo would be an essential escape.

[teacher4life]

[kah5217]