Job Discussion Forums

[jgmodlin]

My Japanese wife and I have been living in the USA for the last year. I spent the prior seven years teaching (primarily Business English) in Tokyo, and while I enjoyed it, decided to give work back in the USA a shot again. My wife has been enjoying life here on the east coast and has been fortunate enough to find a Japanese speaking customer service job. I have been working in sales, which has been lucrative enough, but thoroughly unfulfilling. The time I spent in Japan teaching was great, but I felt at 42, if I wanted to go back to the USA, I had better do it. And before someone mentions, "Why not just go back to Japan?� we are both keen on trying something new to both of us.

We both love travel, and as my wife has thus far demonstrated, we both enjoy living and working abroad. My questions are: What opportunities are there for Japanese to teach abroad? Has anyone relocated (Latin America, Asia, Middle East) their Japanese spouse for an ESL position? Money is not critical for us as we both saved a fair bit in Japan, so lifestyle and a decent living wage are factors for a desired location.

Alternatively, my wife could also use her business skills as a bilingual office worker. I thought this might be problematic though, since she would need to have an understanding of the host country's language. FYI, I am 42 she's 34 and we plan to have children in the next couple of years.

Thanks in advance!

[Symphany]

jgmodlin, I'm not sure how you feel about going to another English-speaking country. I don't know from personal experience, but my understanding from Japanese students that I've taught is that there is some demand for Japanese language education in Australia. There is also a big demand for Japanese teachers in Korea. Surprise surprise. Here is an article on the subject in case you're interested:


http://www.jpf.go.jp/e/japan/oversea/img/2003_03.pdf

[wabisabi365]

As with the above poster, the positions that come to mind would be in English speaking companies.

The ESL schools (particularly the large ones) often need at least one or two native Japanese speakers on staff to help students administratively (as well as emotionally for the homesick students - sometimes they are referred to as "language counsellors"). The language school I worked at in Canada had 2 full-time Japanese on staff.

Travel companies that cater to Japanese need guides for the tours.

Travel Agencies connected to Japanese airlines need counter staff.

Australia, NZ, West Coast Canada - there's a need for Japanese language teachers.

Just a few ideas.

ws365

[jademonkey]

[jgmodlin]

Symphany for the great statistics on Japanese language study around the world. I had suspected some countries would have large numbers studying Japanese, but was surprised by others. I would certainly love living in Australia, I have thought so since I was a kid actually. I am not sure if I would be employable there since I am from a non-commonwealth country (the US). My wife would probably be able to get a visa more easily, I suppose.

Korea would be a good option it looks like, as would some of the S.E. Asian countries (although there salaries might be a little too low). I really appreciate the insight from the Aussies and if you think there is a way that an American can work in your country, let me know, I would definitely go. Vancouver, BC would have the same visa limitations for me too I am guessing.

Anyway, has anyone moved their spouse to another country other than back to their home country? I am interested in how the dynamics would work with a couple both living abroad in a neutral location.

[G Cthulhu]

[chollimaspeed]

[jademonkey]

[chollimaspeed]

[Patros]

There's also Hawaii. I know it's part of the states but I imagine the lifestyle, climate, etc would be a major change. I'd think there's also a strong demand for Japanese speakers in the tourism industry, and you won't have to worry about visas.