Job Discussion Forums

[Glenski]

[Gordon]

As gaijin, we are watched closer than everyone else. I try to make a good impression and put in more of an effort to abide by laws more than I would living back "home".
I'd have to say that if I wanted to park in my parking spot, was paying for it and someone else parked in it, I'd be ticked off too and would probably call the tow company if I didn't know who the owner was.

[AndyH]

I spent seven months in korea as a hagwan teacher in 2002, and couldn't get out of there fast enough! Of course, I did have a few positive experiences with Koreans, but I grew really tired of being paid late nearly every month, being the scapegoat for all the world's problems because I'm an American, and in general, living in a hostile environment. I took a ferry to Japan, and LOVE IT HERE!
IF your employer honors your contract, and IF you can avoid spending all of your money on booze, you can definitely save more in Korea. I guess it all depends on what you are after. If you feel the need to go out drinking every night in Japan, your pay will quickly dwindle down to nothing.
I save the equivilant of about $200 per month in the Tokyo area, and could definitely save more if I was determined to do so.
If you want a positive experience from teaching in Asia, I would definitely recommend Japan.

[Mike L.]