Job Discussion Forums

Another Guy · Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 7

Hi everyone, first time poster, long term lurker.

I've been thinking about teaching overseas for some time and I found this site to be a amazing resource and while I have been able to find 90% of the information I've wanted through searching the board there are a few details I have been unable to figure out on my own.

In a more vague sense though, I'd also like to ask for some feedback about whether you think teaching overseas may be wrong for me?

To say a little about myself, I'm a Chinese Canadian originally from Hong Kong, and also one of the shameful few who can't speak their mother tongue. I came over at a young age, assimilated the culture and graduated last summer with a 4 year degree in Economics from York U. I did the usual post grad job hunt, landed a job in the banking sector and found out I had no passion for the industry. Which leads to today, where I figure I could make the same amount of money overseas all the while having the chance to live in another country, experience another culture and get a small taste of teaching.

I have a few personal doubts mainly because I've never lived by myself before, I'm not a particularly outgoing person but not a hermit either and I don't have any teaching experience besides tutoring one on one in University subjects.

I was wondering if I'm more sheltered and less adventurous then most people that have taken the plunge?

I also have a few specific questions that I could not find answers to by searching if anyone is willing to help.

1. I've recently applied for a new passport, the passport office tells me it may take as long as 3-4 weeks for it be ready, would it premature to apply for jobs until I have passport in hand?

2. Regarding the Visa process, I've been told it usually takes 1-2 months from a company extending a offer to having a Visa ready, I was wondering is the delay mostly in the company applying and obtaining the COE and/or my own application for a Visa at the Japanese Consolute in Canada?

2b. After the company obtains the COE and sends it to me, being a Canadian with a 4 year degree, it is entirely up to me whether I chose to apply for the specialist in humanities Visa with a more favourable tax rate then the WHV or does my employer has any say?

3. From what I've been reading, it seems the most common thing to do to have a good time is to go drinking. I don't drink but I don't have a problem watching people drink or splitting the bill within reason ... will it be difficult to socialize or have a good time without alcohol, or is it a important part of the culture?

4. I'm curious if other Asians teachers go out of their way to look more Caucasian? Through things such as dyeing their hair, dressing in fashions from home. I understand essentially the Eikaiwa experience is paying to speak with a gaijin, so I was wondering if its expected to go the extra mile to look exotic.

I apologize if any of these questions have already been answered elsewhere, I really did try to find the answers myself and thank you in advance to anyone that was willing to help or give feedback.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I'll try to answer a few of the questions, but welcome to Dave's.

Don't worry about the passport, it should arrive before your employer asks for it and you get interviewed and hired. No problem there.

Shyness: don't worry, not every teacher is super genki and outgoing. Teachers come in all shapes and sizes and personalities.

If you are getting an employer to sponsor you, then get a work visa not a WHV. You have a degree, get an employer to sponsor you, easy choice really as it has more benefits, I think.

I haven't had a drink in 7 years and this hasn't really bothered me in Japan, but I don't hang out much with colleagues. When I go out anyone with a brain understands and I don't care what the others think. Usually non-drinkers only bother drinkers who are insecure or alcoholics who feel guilty about their drinking.

Look the way you want to look or feel comfortable. Be yourself.

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

alcohol is a part of the culture here (in Korea too) but don`t drink unless you want to.
You can socialize in other ways.

As long as you are a native speaker of English, your skin color shouldn't matter.
People may just assume that since you have an Asian face, you are fluent in Japanese, and so people may always speak Japanese to you

I met a Chinese-Canadian in Osaka who taught, and he got along with people because he is a friendly person.

There is opportunity in Hong Kong in the NET program, if you are interested in working there and learning Catonese.

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 3:56 am Post subject:

Whether you should go abroad is a question that only you can answer.

1. It won't hurt to apply for jobs if your new passport is being processed. It will probably take far longer to get a job than for a new passport anyway.

2. Unless you specifically request a WHV then you should get a Specialist in Humanities visa. If you are applying for a full-time job then a SHV will be applied for in most cases as you can't work full-time on a WHV anyway. Besides, you have a four year degree so you are eligible for SHV. You may be given an Instructors visa if you go with JET, however.

3. Yes, splitting the bill is customary here.

4. I don't know.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Quibby84 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Japan

about the drinking thing....I think it depends on how big your school is as to whether or not you have people to hang out with. My husband and i do not drink but about 90% (that excludes me, my husband, and a friend that we helped get a job here) drink. They dont shun us for not drinking but they dont invite us out either because they go out simply to drink. We went out with them once and I dont think that it was us that was nervous about not drinking, it was them. We have no problem though because we have each other and we have church and pottery and things like that but if I were alone it would be a problem for me. BUT I am not the type to force myself on others, if they dont invite me, I dont go...so if you are not like me then maybe you will be ok....it really depends on your personality....but I am sure that you will be fine.

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 5:29 am Post subject:

Sorry. Glenski is correct and you can work full-time on a WHV. However, it is extremely unlikely that an employer will request you get a WHV and it would probably be more trouble for both yourself and any future employer for you to be on a WHV as you have to show you can support yourself when you apply for one. Most companies will be able to sponsor (or act as a guarantor, I forget the correct terminology) your SHV. Beware of any company that asks you to come to Japan without a visa as working for them before it is processed is, of course, illegal and the penalties are severe.

I also realize I've jumped the gun on a couple of the other answers. As far as the drinking thing is concerned, a lot of people do drink but there are also a lot of people in Japan who have a very low tolerance for alcohol so most evenings out will involve a few who abstain. You won't be singled out for it (or not by people worth going out with).

There is no reason why looking Asian will hinder your chances of getting a job so don't change your appearance unless you want to look "exotic"!

japanman · Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 281 Location: England

Hello, good to see someone with good manners etc, welcome.
I don't think i've ever seen an "asian" westerner trying to look more exotic by changing their hair colour. I put asian in quote marks because I don't regard you as asian, you are Canadian. Asians are people who are born and live in asian and have a pasport of an asian country. But that's just my opinion.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Quibby wrote:

Quibby84 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Japan

well..maybe not AS bad as an actual shunning....but I guess you are right...but it wasnt so bad that we decided to start drinking. And besides, those people are gone now and a new bunch has come in...so maybe more success with these..lol.