Job Discussion Forums

mightyQ · Joined: 15 Nov 2008 Posts: 10

hey, i was just wondering if anyone has any experience teaching in Okinawa? i've been in a japan a long time and lovin life in kobe but also love okinawa! been a few times and my wife is actually originally form there and has relatives in Naha so relocating would be pretty easy, just wondering about getting a good job, i have a master's and tons of experience, would that help? also not really interested in DOD jobs.

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

Most people will tell you that jobs are scarce and in high demand there. Many potential customers are taken by the base teaching jobs. Your in-laws may be able to help in relocation, but they probably don't have a clue about the availability of English teaching jobs. Do your research well before moving. Also, I assume you realize that pay will be lower there because of the standard of living.

mightyQ · Joined: 15 Nov 2008 Posts: 10

i know the salaries are lower and in fact i pretty much expect to take a hit as i don't think i can find a gig that pays as well as the one i have now, but it's more about a life style change as long as we can make ends meet.

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

yes, a very nice place but the wages are much lower than the mainland and harder to get
Good luck
I know some people earn around 100,000 per month, so its not for the faint hearted

Lyrajean · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 109 Location: going to Okinawa

The typical wages here may be lower (I don't know I'm with JET and get paid the same as everybody else which makes me wealthy by comparison with the locals) but the cost of living is much lower too. If you can get out of Naha rent drops to 4man or less. But you have to have a car, no public transit.

I also never had to look for a job but I can tell you that Aeon and Geos are here as well as a host of smaller eikaiwa and people who teach English. I think most of these are part time gigs though. There are only a handful of private ALTs Kaiho H.S. in Naha has one plus a JET. The dispatcher haven't made inroads yet. They still like their JETs very much. There are also only 3 major colleges if you are qualified for University work (read Masters' degree) University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa Christian University and Okinawa Kokusai (International) University. JALT also has a chapter here.