Job Discussion Forums

laylow · Joined: 12 Feb 2011 Posts: 37

Hello all. Can anyone provide the negatives and positives about Westgate? Please feel free to PM me. How much can be saved if you are frugal? I do realize Japan has a high cost of living. Exactly how small are the studio apartments? What is the teaching environment like? Thank you for any feedback you can provide? I am at stage 3 of the application process and thinking about if I would pursue this position if offered a job. One of my main questions is how much can a frugal person save monthly? Thank you in advance for ANY feedback, both positive and negative, that you can provide.

Kind regards.

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

There is quite a lot on older threads about Westgate - search for the word rather than a title perhaps.

Main plus point is that you get a one-year work visa and it is a good way into the country. The contract is only three months so you can stay on if you like Japan.

Pay is average and there is a big chunk taken out for your Leo Palace ( or similar) apartment. Actual working conditions vary a lot because you could be teaching anywhere..

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

I have seen one furnished place in Sagamihara.
Seemed fine but you have to share it with up to two roommates.
You can use a washer and dryer. Nice kitchen area.
Comfortable sofa.
Pretty decent, I thought.

I think it was 70,000-80,000 yen with utilities included, but that was over 10 years ago.

You can't choose the school and commutes can be up to 90 minutes, but can be less. You need to wear a suit when teaching.

timothypfox · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 492

70 to 80,000 yen?! Is it really that much now? Wow! I think with Westgate, I imagine you are stuck with the apartment you get while you are working for them.

If there is any way to get your own apartment, you can get cheaper. In a small town (if that is what works for you), I have seen studio type apartments (tiny one room things) rent for about 20,000 to 30,000. That is small town living through.

Naturally Sagamira is near Tokyo, and my town Kokubu is near Kagoshima.... so rent is cheaper...

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

So I thought they were overcharging the teachers and making money.
But for new teachers they have to take what they can get, which means they want a job with housing.

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

70-80,000 yen is the deal for the small but adequate apartment. They hook up with Leopalace. You are only there for three months, and coming from overseas, so your options are limited. I don't think Westgate allows you to rent elsewhere..