Job Discussion Forums

Gus3 · Joined: 18 May 2011 Posts: 28

I'm an American who has recently earned my TEFL certification. My plan is to travel to Japan in early 2014 to look for work. I wanted to know which month would the best to go. Some sources have told me January-February, others March-April.

I'm planning to apply to the JET Program, so March-April would be the most convenient if the whole hiring process doesn't work out. But, if most of the hiring is done from January-February I would very much like to make my move then.

From your own personal experiences, what are the peak hiring months in Japan?

Also, how far in advanced should I book my flight?

ssjup81 · Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 9:02 am Post subject:

Well, as an American, legally you can't just hop on a plane and start job searching. You'll have a tourist visa. You wouldn't qualify for a WHV, unlike those from the UK for example.

The hiring times are pretty much December - February for an April start. The fiscal year and school year begins in April. JET is a bit different as they usually send their ALTs out in July and August.

My advice is to look out for ads that do overseas hiring. Ironically, my former employer put out an ad for a new teacher just last week on Gaijinpot. They're recruiting outside of Japan, but it's Eikaiwa work.

Eikaiwa have the tendency to hire year round if a teacher is needed.

Rooster. · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 247

As an American you are allowed up to 90 days without a visa in Japan.

RustyShackleford · Joined: 13 May 2013 Posts: 449

Yeah. Most people who search in country do a visa run to Korea. Technically you're not supposed to but it's tacitly overlooked.

ssjup81 · Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 5:35 pm Post subject:

eledoremassis02 · Joined: 16 Apr 2013 Posts: 12 Location: United States

Thank you for the help!

Ultimately, I'd like to work as an ALT or an Eikaiwa. If it doesn't work out then if there is something else I can do in Japan then that'll be just as good.

Some people suggested to go to Japan on a tourist visa and look for work then. It might be something I will do in the future. For now I'll try to be a little more patient and just keep applying/re-applying on Gaijin pot.