Job Discussion Forums

bitting · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Posts: 2

I am an American with 3 years teaching experience in Indonesia and Taiwan. I plan to have do the CELTA course in October and then I am considering going to Japan to look for work in Novemeber. What I would like to know is:

How realistic is it to land in Japan with no job and find work? Especially considering that I do not want to stay in Tokyo.

Will I only have a very limited number of jobs to pick from and be forced to stay around major urban areas?

How expensive is it out there? I hear people saying if you are going to come without a job lined up best to come with 5,000US, no come with 10,000US, no don't come without a job?

And if, by chance, anyone answering has been in Taiwan before what are some of the comparisons between the two?

Thanks for any and all thoughts.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Mike L. · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 519

Don't come in November! You're setting an arbitrary date! The best time to be here woulb be late January early February when the Spring hiring, busietst time of the year, starts peaking in March and running into April!!!

Paul's right about the degree deal!!!

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

me3 · Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Posts: 8

I brought $10 000 US with me from Korea. I was down to $2000 by the time I was saving money. And I lived cheap and didnt drink beer.

chi-chi- · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 194 Location: In la-la land

The real reality is that it will be more difficult for you than for your Canadian/Aussie/New Zealander/British counterparts.
First of all, we are the only nationality (except possibly British) that is required to have a Bachelor's degree in order to work in Japan, and the (good) schools don't seem to be too particularly impressed by that if they have to do paperwork for a visa. Many schools out and out prefer people on working holiday visas, spouse visas, etc etc.
I don't know what the deal is but many schools are also saying "can you work and Maybe we'll do a visa Later" that sort of thing, don't hang out for the "laters", there won't be one. Besides it's illegal to work without a visa anyway.
I'm not trying to be bitter or scare you but the reality is that there is not a Western Union in Osaka, there are many foreigners selling items on the street, and I don't know about the other cities, but Americans have to go home every day due to not finding a proper visa sponsor.
I am still trying to figure out who to write my letter to about the nationality discrepancy regarding visas.
Please do not go without one as a US citizen.