Job Discussion Forums

[Phoenixrising]

My husband and I have been considering moving to Japan for years, but the stars have never aligned. We have finally decided to take the plunge next March/April intake We both want to pursue ALT positions, but we have a few questions about being marketable and logistics.

1. Should we apply independently to Interac (yes we are aware of the potential horrors of dispatch) and hope for the best with placement and location? Or should one person apply and the other fly over on a dependent visa and look for work? Any options we're overlooking?

2. Is a CELTA or TEFL certification a significant requirement to apply to a dispatch company?

3. Will the salary be sustainable for two people?

4. Any suggestions for decent accommodation besides Leopalace? My husband is quite tall and while watching him try to squeeze into a loft would be hilarious for me, I think it would get old quick.

Not sure if a quick peek at our info will be helpful, but I included it anyway:

Hubby (age 29)-
BA in Humanities and Asian Studies
Intermediate Japanese language proficiency
5 years unrelated work experience
Will have about 6 months ESL tutoring experience upon applying
(He wants to know if he should try to squeeze in a TEFL certificate or pursue teaching certification for future jobs. We know the market is super competitive.)

Me (age 28 )
BA in English Literature
MA TESOL
Basic Japanese language proficiency
6 years ESL tutoring/teaching experience in the US
3 years university teaching experience in the US (I currently teach undergrad and graduate courses in ESL and composition)
Teaching Certification for grades K-12 ESL and 6-12 English will be complete April 2014

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[teacher4life]

[Ryu Hayabusa]

My advice would be to get a job with Interac or any other dispatch agency that places people in large cities. Work for a year while keeping your ear to the ground for better jobs. With your MA and experience, it'd be possible to get a better job after a year. Join JALT when you get here and try your best to network. A lot of better jobs (such as direct-hire positions) are found by word of mouth.

It would be tight for two people to live off of 230 000-250 000 yen per month. It's doable. But is there really a strong reason for the two of you to live on such a low budget just to live in Japan?

1.) You should both apply to Interac and hope to be placed together. If you don't get placed in the same city, make a decision at that time as to what to do.

2.) It's not a significant requirement, but it would help to give you a little edge in the hiring process over those who don't have such certifications. I would highly suggest the CELTA for any where other than Japan, though. And the teaching training one gets doing a CELTA really helps in lesson planning and delivery.

3.) It's sustainable but near subsistence wage.

4.) Suggestions for decent accommodation depend on the city/area you'll be in.

Good luck!

[TokyoLiz]

Why the heck would either of you want to work for a dispatch agency with your qualifications?

See the JALT.org job listings? http://jalt-publications.org/tlt/departments/job-info-centre/jobs?page=3

And see J-Rrec http://jrecin.jst.go.jp/seek/SeekTop?ln=1

[kah5217]

There were a few people in this year's Interac intake that were given houses instead of Leopalaces, because their spouses were living with them. Now, I don't know if they were hired together as well (I didn't want to ask the woman in my group in case he wasn't) but depending on the branch, they will work with you to an extent. If you get a placement like mine, you'll most likely work in different cities but probably close (I'm the only contract here but there are some in the city half hour away).

I'll tell you, though, you're going to need more than just your pay to make it through. We get about 10,000 USD less than JET.

[Phoenixrising]

[Phoenixrising]

[Phoenixrising]

[Phoenixrising]

[kah5217]

Not sure. I get the standard 230,000 yen per month, and with my location bonus and transportation reimbursement I'd say it totals 250,000 before taxes.

Car lease around 20,000, rent is high considering the apartment size, so figure 60,000 plus utilities, my water bill is 3,500, phone around 5,000, I like running the heater and dry fan so electric is probably going to be 6,000, gas maybe 2,000, I like the kombini so there's a solid 15,000, groceries 20,000, petrol 8,000, and "presents and goodies" for an undetermined amount. So I'm looking at saving around half of my check. Keep in mind that I didn't leave any allowances for eating out or drinking (enkai are too expensive for me to justify often) or for clothing/toiletries.

Japan has a big commuter culture, so it's entirely possible for you two to find a middle ground and commute easily. Though the company is very specific on what they will and won't reimburse you for, so don't think you can ride the Fresh Hitachi to work every day and have them foot the bill.

[hagiwaramai]

Hello PhoenixRising.

Have you already taken the obvious first step of simply asking Interac for their advice or information? If not give them a call and ask how much provision they can make, if any, for couples, assuming of course you both got the job. Failing that, if one of you didn't get the job, it probably wouldn't take too long for that person to find something from within Japan once you got here assuming you were in a large enough area, i.e big urban area, so again ask Interac how much guarantee if any they can give regarding offering you your preferred location. For all the big companies' faults they're usually pretty good when it comes to putting you where you want to be.

And of course don't forget to scour the net for better or different opportunities. OyahoSensei is one of the best in terms of job quality, although a lot of them want people to be in Japan already. jobsinjapan is also good, and of course gaijinpot. The latter two update daily so keep checking them and you never know what'll turn up. Good luck!

[TokyoLiz]

This forum needs a like button for responses like Hagiwaramai's.

I found the best jobs on Ohayo sensei.

[hagiwaramai]