Job Discussion Forums

chrissytooth · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

I have noticed that both JET and Interac are looking to hire teachers to live in rural areas right now. I do not have a driver's license. I know that Japan has a comprehensive transportation system, so is it comprehensive enough to accommodate rural living without a car? I don't really care where I live in Japan, but I need to be able to get around, obviously. Thanks for your help.

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

well, I suppose it depends very much on your definition of "rural".
I have lived in a J city with no car and I now live in a rural area.
And I have to say, I can't imagine living with out a car here, but I am in Hokkaido and I am sure many rural areas in Honshu would have slightly better transport (??). But, having said that, you could hardly have much of a social life! (IMO)
If you are talking about just a few months, sure you could get by, but if you are talking about years, then I think a car is necessary. But again, it all depends on the population of your town and if you are on a main road between reasonable sized towns/cities (I am not) and how much you are willing to put up with

kotoko · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 109

ALTs have always been more in demand in the countryside than in cities. Our main job is not teaching but being a foreign face in places where there wouldn't normally be any.

There are some seriously rural areas where you would need a car, but my rural place (small city in Mie) does not require me to have a car. I do have a scooter though which is a big life saver. Most people get by on bicycles. Wherever you go though, there will be other foreigners who will know the best way to get around/have a car so you can always ride with them.

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

If you are looking at JET, I believe there is a place on the application where they ask you if you are willing to drive while in Japan. They may take that into some consideration when choosing where to place you. then again they often seem to place people willy-nilly where they happen to need them.

You can also say you prefer a urban placement, then again most of their placements are in rural areas. Okinawa has a fair number of urban placements (maybe because the dispatch companies haven't made inroads here yet. then you can also get stuck on Kita Daito, Minami Daito, or Ie Jima and half a dozen other islands so small they don't have a single department store or an airport.

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

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

In Hokkaido and a lot of northern Honshu biking is impossible in the winter so it depends on the place

Many ALT jobs require you to visit more than 1 school, even in 1 day. So I would think a car would be necessary in 80% of rural ALT jobs?

chrissytooth · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

Rakuten · Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 67 Location: Japan

I know many people from PKC and Aeon that have been placed in "rural" locations. However, I have a friend from Aeon who told me that Aeon prohibits their teachers from owning/driving a car in Japan- so even if you are placed in a rural area and wanted to drive/get a car, you can't.

I think the same goes for Amity, but I am not 100% sure about that.

Bread · Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 318

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

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

Rakuten · Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 67 Location: Japan

Honestly, I'm not sure. I'm just saying what my friend who works for Aeon told me. I have no idea if that is just maybe his branch school and their individual school policy, or an overall Aeon policy- as I looked on their website and didn't see any mention of it.

I don't know if it's in the official contract/terms of employment or not- as it may just be a regional thing, or a "policy" that is not strongly enforced outside of school grounds, as some schools may consider it a liability.

Regardless, it was mentioned to me a while ago and when I saw this topic and how the OP was considering these companies or life in rural Japan, it reminded me of that conversation. This was also a few years ago- so things may have changed.

chrissytooth · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

So, does anyone know if ECC, Aeon, Amity, or PKC would be willing to place a new teacher (with a BA and TEFL certification) in a city where travel solely via train and bus is possible? If not, do you know who would do that? Or is Japan just all about rural teaching now?

Bread · Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 318

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