Job Discussion Forums

[Glenski]

Capsule hotels are meant for people, usually businessmen, who miss the midnight trains home. Not much in the way of facilities. The pictures you saw were of places maybe 50% larger than the only one I've ever stayed in. Mine cost about 3800 yen.

[Quibby84]

I guess it really does add up. I didnt know that you were including the airfare though, so that makes it sound more reasonable.
We will have that much saved.
If we were to stay in a gaijin house would we have to pay 60,000 ish for one person or for two, (considering that we will sleep in the same room)?
Because it seems like other things (such as hotel rooms and such) is charged per person.
thanks again!

[Apsara]

60,000 yen would be for 2 people, although the price depends on location- in central Tokyo you could pay more than that, but not 120,000 yen.

[Quibby84]

oh, ok, well 60,000 yen is not that much for rent per month (that is close to what we pay now) are all utilities included? Is there a stove and microwave and tv and such? How much would it cost per month for an gaijin house that we could simply just move into (without having to buy to much stuff). If you do have to pay for utilities, about how much does it cost?


A few more questions that I have been thinking about. Wardrobe? What to wear in japan?
I am short, about 5 feet, but probably a size 6 or 7, is that big for japan? We cant even find Michael's size pant here. He is 6'2 and wears a 30/32(or 33) size pants, and small shirts. The pants are pretty much found only on the internet or at express (for $100 a pair...). We are planning on stocking up on clothes (and everything for that matter) before we go because I really dont want to get there and not have the clothes I need.
What do men and women of our "status" wear in Japan?

[bornslippy1981]

Most gaijin houses include utilities. If you're coming to Tokyo, I'd suggest Sakura House - http://www.sakura-house.com/ - very straightforward, and the staff speak good English. I stayed with them about 2.5 months, and had minimal problems, except for mice which seem to follow me wherever I live.

Personally I wouldn't go overboard on clothes. Bring some summer and some winter clothes. I went to The Gap the other day during some sales, and got some shorts and shirts on sale so I'll be okay for next summer.

I'd leave a lot of clothes you don't need at first with somebody back home, and then have them ship it by sea mail once you get settled and have a regular address. If something happens, neither of you find jobs, or you simply don't like it, you won't need to worry about getting rid of things to make room in your suitcases to get back home.

[Quibby84]

those apartments look like I could live there. So rodents are that big of a problem in japan? Do they crawl on you while you sleep? Is there a way to get rid of them?

What is type of clothing do teachers where there? And does it cost alot to ship packages from the US to Japan?

[earthmonkey]

Please don't give your money to this company which promises to get you a job. These "companies" are not reputable. They prey upon people (like you?) who believe anything which they read on the Internet.

[Quibby84]

To late....we are almost done with it. I talked to several people there and it seemed kinda strange, their accrediation and stuff, but they seemed nice, the class seemed helpful, and the price was SO much better than oxford seminars. At that time we didnt even know about going to japan and finding a job there.
Yesterday Michael called me and told me to look at one of the questions in the e-book, there was a word spelled wrong. BUT it is helpful and it is definitely getting me excited about teaching english in Japan.
How we see it right now is this: We have already paid, we will get that piece of paper, and we may or may not get a job (they will probably find us a job but since I have been on this website I know to research and research before accepting a job, and if the job isnt right we will turn it down).
At least then we will have that $250 piece of paper that says we have some english teaching experience. After I graduate we will either apply for one of the "Big Five" or just go to japan and pray to God that we find a job...

[furiousmilksheikali]

[Quibby84]

what if I had said "have everything work out like a olympic trainer" would that be better? Or worse? Yes? No? Yes? No? Yes? Yes?
lol

[Apsara]

Haha, you have a good sense of humour, Quibby, you should do well in Japan!

As for clothes, with your height and size you shouldn't have too much trouble with clothes here. There is always the Gap, Benetton, etc. anyway. Your partner however will probably have problems with sleeve and leg lengths, and shoes- he should bring everything he wants to wear for the year.

Make sure you bring plenty of bras- even if you fit the ones available here you might not like them as they are often heavy on padding and lacey decoration.

Most eikaiwa jobs require men to wear dress pants, a shirt and tie. Some want the jacket as well. Women have a bit more leeway, but office attire is usually expected. Many insist you wear hose if you wear a skirt, and rules like no sandals, no sleeveless tops are common. If you end up working with young kids it may be a different story.

[Sweetsee]

Sorry for butting in. Aspara has given you very good advice.
Quibby can I ask you a couple of questions? I am very interested in your story and would like to help if I can but I am not clear on a few things.

[Quibby84]

ask away, I love to talk about myself...

about those panty hose...ugg...how do you do it? I mean with the humity and all? Could I maybe just paint my legs or get a really orangy tan? HA!

(assuming you are female) what type of shoes do you wear? We tried looking for a pair of shoes that were comfortable, went with dresses, and went with pants; we were not successful.
Have "Crocs" hit Japan? They are these really ugly shoes made of foam that are REALLY comfortable. They had gotten very popular here but I think the fad is dying. They would be nice to wear in Japan with all the walking and the taking shoes on and off.
Have you ever lived in the states? If so, what stores would you suggest I shop at? I like to be dressed nicely, I just like to avoid the "looking around from store to store" part of shopping..lol.

[Sweetsee]

Great Quibby, thanks!
1) when are you coming?
2) where to?
3) when?
4) for how long?
5) what other post graduate plans had you two entertained?
Crocs, never heard of them but bring them, you'll be all the rage.
Haven't seen anyone in hose these days, around here anyway.
Grew up in Santa Barbara and used to go to Ross and Marshall's,
when I was there on holiday, you know? Affordable brand clothing.
Very big on brand goods here, over the top in fact.
Don't know what to advise you on shoppoing because don't know when you are coming or when.

Enjoy,
s

[Apsara]

Crocs are here in Japan, but not in a big way. You could wear them walking too work, but they wouldn't be acceptable for wearing while teaching (again, except for some kids classes, I used to teach part time at a kindergarten and could wear what I liked).

When I was teaching eikaiwa I used to wear open-backed shoes in summer since open-toed ones were not allowed at my first eikaiwa. At my later jobs hose and closed-toed shoes weren't compulsory, thankfully. I wore fairly flat shoes because I'm almost 5 foot 10, some people wear medium-height heels though. I also hate pantyhose so mostly wore pants- the aircon can be brutal in summer anyway in some offices and in winter it's too cold for me to wear a skirt outside- hate having cold legs.

I'm not from the States but have been there (once)... most of my work clothes came from Zara since I need the length in legs and sleeves, when I was in New York I got some cheaper stuff from H&M as well, can't help anymore than that I'm afraid.