Job Discussion Forums

Gus3 · Joined: 18 May 2011 Posts: 28

I'm a recent college graduate and I'm planing to take a trip to Japan within the next couple of months to look for work. From Chicago to Osaka. I've tried signing up with a few of the eikaiwa and ALT companies here in the U.S. but its been a bit of a hassle. Most hold hiring sessions months apart and often require traveling to different parts of the U.S. or Canada for the interview, which can be pretty expensive in itself.

I've noticed that most listings for jobs in Japan, such as on Gaijinpot, require applicants to already reside in Japan. My plan is now to go to Japan using my landing permit and stay at a hostel for the full three months while looking for work.

What I'm looking for here is advice from anyone who has experience with this. Any bit of information would help. Such as:

1. How much money should I bring with me?
2. Should I use cash or travelers checks?
3. Is the whole process of applying, getting an interview and getting the job generally shorter then when you apply overseas?
4. What are the essentials that should bring along with me? (Paperwork, toiletries, type of clothing, etc.)
5. Should I buy a one way or round trip ticket and where do I go to get a good deal?
6. How important is it to know the language? My Japanese is limited to simple phrases that most tourists would be familiar with.

Anything you think I should know, post it. You have my thanks. Very Happy

Mr_Monkey · Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Kyuuuuuushuuuuuuu

Be aware that when an advert says "applicants must currently reside in Japan", it usually means "we are not going to sponsor your visa". Having a three month tourist visa will not help if the school doesn't want to sponsor you.

deadzenpoet · Joined: 06 Aug 2010 Posts: 71

Have you been to Osaka before? Do you have an actual plan on how you are going to apply to the schools? What are your qualifications? Do you know what hostEL you are staying at?

I know Osaka well but I wouldn't be comfortable looking for work unless I had at least $4,000 to back me up for 3 months. Use a credit card to take out cash there. A decent hostel should provide most necessities. I know of one in Umeda. You can get around fine without knowing Japanese but you will probably have to be very aggressive and patient in the job search. I'm not sure finding a school to sponsor you is a guarantee in the short term. Dress lightly til fall for it is humid there at this time. I always ponder moving back there myself but lack the cash and confidence for now. Good luck and please keep us posted!

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

It's cheaper and more expedient to travel to those hiring sessions in the US and Canada.

What Mr_Monkey said. When you see "Applicant must reside in Japan" it is almost always code for are not willing to go through the initial visa sponsorship.

I'd say, walking in cold, you would need close to $5000 to cover expenses even if you get hired by a company on the US side. Startup in Japan costs yennies.

You didn't say whether you have an elementary school or high school qualification, or a TESOL qualification.

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

Gus3 · Joined: 18 May 2011 Posts: 28

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

Direct hiring of ALTs/AETs is reported not to be done very often, and it usually requires some good experience in teaching plus contacts. Go ahead, but don't put your eggs in one basket.

deadzenpoet · Joined: 06 Aug 2010 Posts: 71

This hostel is about 20 min walk to JR Osaka.
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/umeda/dormitory/

I haven't done hostel research lately but as far as I know, this is the only one near Umeda. Umeda is the most centrally located in relevance to trains and other places in Kansai. Most of the other hostels are in south Osaka and maybe too inconvenient for you. It is very well-run by a nice couple. Being close to Umeda will help you familiarize yourself a little more with the train areas for they are crazy confusing at times with all the masses of shopping centers underground.

Gus3 · Joined: 18 May 2011 Posts: 28

After thinking about, I've decided to postpone my trip until Spring. Until then I'm just going to keep applying for eikaiwa or ALT jobs. So, what would be ideal month to go?

jillybean · Joined: 01 Jul 2011 Posts: 32 Location: JAPAN

Jan-Mar. would probably be the best time to go, that's when the majority of hiring is done for the start of the school year (in April). It's quite slow any other time....UNLESS you already have a visa.
I don't know if most banks even use travelers checks anymore. I tried to get some before I left but BoA doesn't carry them anymore. Also, I would bring one of those small, portable wifi devices with you. You're really going to need quick access to internet and email during your job search and you might not always have access to a good connection.