Job Discussion Forums

Nixbear · Joined: 13 Aug 2004 Posts: 8 Location: Durban, SOUTH AFRICA

Hi everyone! this is my first post. I have been reading all your topics and all the information i have gotten out of this forum has been very helpful. I am hopefully going on the JET program next July. I just wanted to know how much money I could be able to save after rent, insurance, food, transport etc and how much i would need to go over with?

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Celeste · Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 10:00 pm Post subject:

On the JET programme, you will probably be able to save more than most eikaiwa teachers. JET teachers make 300 000 yen per month, and for many,rent is highly subsidized. Also, the JET programme tops up salaries to pay for your taxes. (Not your pension and health insurance dues, however.) Many JET ALTs in my area are able to save 100 000 to 120 000 a month, but we pay almost nothing in the way of rent. As always with the JET programme EVERY SITUATION IS DIFFERENT!

Mike L. · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 519

For me that 300,000 included money to pay health and pension premiums. The later you can get back when you leave Japan.

Another bonus was my BOE has insurance for it's teacher's to cover the other 30% of healthcare costs not covered by the National Health Serivce (NHS)..

Rent is usually subsidized and you might end up in a city BOE building for teachers which ususally means a family sized apt for one!

If you can bring about $2000 when, and if in your situation, you first come as paysay is once a month and you may miss it the first time around!

Celeste is dead on with the savings thing!

Not that anyone ever did any "extra work" on the JET program on their own time to supplemnt their income or kill free time!

It's definitely worth it if for the experience if you can get on the JET program.

dtomchek · Joined: 07 Jun 2004 Posts: 135

Hey man:

Well, it also depends upon your habits. I mean, you bring them with you where ever you go. If you are the type to save at home, you can definitely do that here. If you are the type to live beyond your means at home, that is much easier to do here (with the costs here so much above normal), and if you are the type of person to spend every yen you have with zero to spare, then that will happen as well.

Me, I saved (using 110 yen =$1) about $15,000 last year. Of course, I have no rent or car and am pretty isolated so there is little chance of spending the money I do make (went on 2 trips as well to Hawaii and the Philippines). The $15,000 includes the insurance money we get back at the end of our stint here.

You can save a few bucks here if you are careful. Good luck with the process (its a long one but well worth it).

Nixbear · Joined: 13 Aug 2004 Posts: 8 Location: Durban, SOUTH AFRICA

Thanks for all the replies, I hope I can manage to save as much as that Smile

It will be a great nest egg to return home with!!