Job Discussion Forums

[fat tony]

Greetings, I am intending on going to Hokkaido in a couple of months. I will be entering on a tourist visa and will try to find an employer who will sponsor me for a work visa. I have 2 questions I am hoping someone will be able to help me with. What are the implications of this w.r.t immigration? Is it ok to say to immigration that I will be looking for work and trying to get a work visa or is it best to hide my intentions. I will have my degree, references etc and some teaching materials with me.

Also. what are the job prospects like in Sapporo? I did a CELTA last year but have no other teaching experience. I would like to teach both adults and children. I have worked as a vet for the last nine years, am well presented and I'm not actually fat. I have enough money to keep me going for a month or so before. I am also prepared to work in other cities if necessary, but would like to stay within a couple of hours of Sapporo.
I would appreciate your thoughts on this.
Thank you
Fat Tony

[einsenundnullen]

Tony,

Someone in Hokkaido who posts here can tell us the name of a newsletter that lists jobs on the island. Unfortunately the name escapes me, but although it costs a little bit, I've read that it's a pretty good resource. Glenski must know it.

Chris

[Glenski]

Been in Sapporo since 1998.

Being fat, thin, or otherwise won't hurt your chances.
DO NOT tell immigration you are coming to look for work,or you will be sent back home.

In addition to having a month's cash to tide you over, I'd suggest more. Even in a couple of months, you may not find work for 2 months, and after that, you won't get paid for 4-6 weeks. Exactly how much did you plan to bring? I'd recommend US$4000.

If you want to get some advance information, contact Ken Hartmann at his web site the Hokkaido Insider. Pay 5000 yen for the year, and you get not only the free notices about many things, but you get job related ads as well. It's the only site that offers exclusively Hokkaido info. Other sites list only sporadic ads.

Job prospects here are about as good as anywhere else. Sapporo has the Big Four eikaiwas, plus Berlits, IAY, ELS, NCB and ECC Junior. Also, there are many small schools. If you're qualified, there are plenty of high schools and colleges to apply to. Unfortunately, there is only one international school.

[fat tony]

Thanks for your replies.

With regards to immigration, I suppose it is possible they will look through my luggage and may find my degree, references, CV and other teaching materials. What is the best way around this? Post the things which can't be put on disc? What about suits?

You mention "if you're qualified". Do you need to have a degree/qualifications in education to teach at a school or college?
cheers,
fat tony

[Glenski]

I would think the odds of that are astronomically small. You should bring a disk copy of those things as backup anyway.

[fat tony]

Thanks for your postings Glenski,
I have a bachelor degree but I don't have any teaching experience except what I did during the CELTA course. Obviously most schools would prefer some experience, but are there enough jobs out there for people who don't? I'm really just trying to weigh up my options- whether to try and find a job while in Japan or just try to get a job with the big 4 that interview in Australia. With the latter it's likely I would not be placed in Hokkaido and would also have less favourable working conditions (from what I've heard.)

I will have US$4-5000 to tide me over til payday (and a credit card).

Does anyone else have any experience/heard any tales wrt immigration searching luggage and finding work related items? I know that some Antipodeans have been sent packing from UK airports when CV's etc have been found.
Cheers, fat tony

[AndyH]

Fat Tony,
I've never heard of immigration refusing people entry due to CVs, etc, being found. I think they are probably on the lookout for more important things. When I came to Japan, via ferry from Korea, customs officials didn't even open my bags. They just asked me if I had any drugs, weapons, porn, or knock-off jewelry, and waived me through.

[wintersweet]

I'm interested in teaching in Hokkaido, too. I'm 27, female, and a native speaker from the USA. I have a BA and will have a TESOL certificate by mid-May. I speak only basic conversational Japanese at this point. So, if you have some recommendations, I'd like to hear about 'em.

I think I'd handle Hokkaido winters better than Honshu summers. I'm okay with long, cold winters, as long as I don't have to drive on ice.

I know about the for-pay job list, but I don't want to commit the cash yet.

[Glenski]

[wintersweet]