Job Discussion Forums

vgchiang · Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 23

Hi everyone!

I've had my sights on teaching in specific areas of China, but given my lack of experience and my Chinese face, I am having a hard time getting a job. I just graduated from college 3 months ago, so companies there don't even want to deal with helping me obtain a visa.

My first choice was China only because I wanted to immerse myself in the land of my ancestors, and improve my Chinese speaking abilities. But that could always wait until I've had more teaching experience under my belt. Plus I want leave the U.S. asap, as there's no time to waste to get my life going!

I know that it's pretty tough getting a decent job in Japan too, but I was wondering if it's tough ANYWHERE in the country, or just the big cities. I think I can sway either way - big cities or small cities. As long as I can experience the culture, save $400.00 each month to pay off my student loans, and have a decent living with my own apartment, I am content. If I could live in a smaller city, but be within a few hours distance on train from big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, I'd be very happy.

Are their cities, specific schools, websites that you can recommend to me? I've done some research on cities but research can only get me so far. I'd like to hear the opinions of people who have been to Japan. Thanks!!

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

Welcome to the J forum. You must realize that you sit on the bottom of the heap because of your lack of experience (no offense), and that there are 2 routes you can take to get a job here:

come with US$4000-5000 in your pocket to shop around for 2 months or so (at the right time), or what is more likely considering you have student loans is that you should look into places that hire from outside Japan.

There aren't all that many, and competition is usually high, but what else is new?

Sites to look at abound:
www.eslcafe.com
www.eltnews.com
www.gaijinpot.com
www.ohayosensei.com
http://www.aeonet.com/
http://www.geoscareer.com/
http://www.berlitz.co.jp/english/
http://www.japanbound.com/index.html
www.altia-jp.com
http://www.chuoh.co.jp/english/index.shtml
http://www.jobsinjapan.com/jobs/teaching.html#Sophia
http://www.fukuoka-now.com/forums/forum.php?forum=tech
http://www.teaching-english-in-japan.net/
http://www.japanjoblink.com/japan/index.asp
http://www.kansaiscene.com/classifieds.shtml
www.gethiroshima.com
There are others, and many overlap with postings.

There ya go.

Deep Thirteen · Joined: 23 May 2009 Posts: 39 Location: East Sea Japan

Hello friend. First, don't be too discouraged (sounds like you aren't) about your looks in regards to getting employed in Japan. I'm of Asian descent also and had worries about getting a sniff from anywhere, but found employment recently. I've researched about the situation in China and it sounds more discriminatory than Japan in some regards.

Do your research and plan your attack schedule. If you are serious about it something should come up.

Have a fall back plan though. Korea is another place I researched and was prepared to do.

vgchiang · Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 23

cangel · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 74 Location: Jeonju, South Korea

To get a job in Asia you need a degree and a pulse.

vgchiang · Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 23

cangel · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 74 Location: Jeonju, South Korea

I can imagine Japan being the most difficult place in Asia to get a job. I did 3 years as a JET and then 3 years at an eikaiwa in Japan. The market is saturated particularly after the demise of Nova.

I have never attempted to get a job in China but I have plenty of friends who have worked there. The problem isn't getting a job it's getting a good job - at least that's what I have heard.

If you have specifics as to getting a job in Asia e.g. specific location, specific salary, housing conditions etc., then yes, finding a job can be difficult.

Good luck.

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing