Job Discussion Forums

[notallwhowander]

Given that I will be at the mercy of what openings are available, I would like to get ya'lls expert opinions on what would be a good place for me to shoot for/even have in mind as well as to avoid. I am starting to fill out applications for ECC.

I dont mind the big cities, however I do like easy access to the outdoors, more specifically the warm outdoors (I must say I am pretty spoiled in this regard living in Austin). I can't say I really enjoy the cold and the shorter the winter, the better. My current passions are rock climbing (not ice) and soccer. I also enjoy making attempts at surfing. Because I will have very limited japanese when I arrive, I would like to be somewhere with a decent sized English speaking community, and not the boonies where I will have to hope that I click well with the 3 other foreigners that happen to live there. Can anyone offer any suggestions as to where would be ideal and less than ideal?

Also I've read varying things about how other asians are looked upon. I am biracial filipina/white...but am definitely look brown than white. What kind of "special" treatment can I expect, or will there be a difference?

Thanks!

[moot point]

Have you ever heard of "Pekanbaru"? That just might be the type of place to suit you.

[notallwhowander]

In japan or indonesia? I would definitely be interested in teaching in indonesia, however, my goal is to save some money as well, thus my initial attraction to japan.

[Sweetsee]

May I ask you a couple of questions?

If yes,

1)how much do you want to save?

2)what for?

3)what do you do now?

[notallwhowander]

Sure!

1. I would be happy saving around 6 thousand, if I can swing more, even better.

2. I want to save to have some kind of cushion be it to travel more or return to school (masters). Basically I've been working in social service jobs which allow me to do little except get by. (Case management, prevention work with youth, Peace Corps). A bad car purchase has me struggling to pay off debt but I'm hoping to be able to have most of it paid off before I leave.

3. Currently I am a prevention specialist that works with "at-risk" youth concerning sexual health.

[Sweetsee]

So, you want to trade in helping people for $6000.00? Sounds good!

How long would you be willing to work to save that coin?

About the car, didn't anybody ever tell you that it is the worst investment you could make. Anyway, have fun with the car because you won't be driving around here for a while.

On the serious side, have you narrowed down your destination to a country? If it's Japan bring money, lots of it.

[markle]

Seems you can't get a straight answer can you.

From my limited experience I'll try to give you one.

As far as easy access to the great outdoors goes well in Japan you are never really far from anywhere, so you're no talking Texas time to get out of the cities. Having said that it's pretty hard to find any true wilderness except maybe Hokkaido.
Which brings me to the weather, Hokkaido is pleasent in the summer but I didn't hang around to find out what winter was like (Ice festivals and all).
Winter further south is a bit milder but there is snowfall on all the main islands.
Soccer is played everywhere and even in the small city I live in people can get a game. There is surfing in some cities but you'll need a wetsuit. Not at all sure about rock climbing but Japan is mountainous so I'm sure it's about.

As for the NonJapanese asian thing well in my experience (I'm not but my wife is and I work with a Malay/Chinese) the worst thing is that people approach them to ask for directions all the time.

[notallwhowander]

Markle:
Thanks for your answer!

I just got a reply from ECC requesting an interview : ) that said that positions available would be in the Kinki District , the Kanto District and the Chubu District.

Sweetsee:
Its a good thing the only way to help people is not through social service : ) even social service is debatable in terms of what good it does. But truth be told, I am sick of just getting by and not being able to afford my #1 passion which is travel. I am under the impression that Japan is fairly set up for people with limited TEFL experience but still allows them to make decent money. As such, I am willing to work at least a year to hopefully save that much money. My question to you would be, why would you say bring lots of it? I've heard that I should have about $2000 when I go, but is there more i should know?

The car is a long story. basically i took a gamble and lost. An omen that I should avoid vegas.

[Glenski]

notallwhowander,
Do you have a bachelor's degree? If not, you won't be able to get a work visa here (Japan).

If you have a bachelor's degree, cool. That's step one that an employer will look at so you can pass muster at immigration (for the visa).

You want to save USD6000 in one year. That means you will have to save USD500 every month. Quite doable as long as you don't party much and don't have to pay much back home (mortgage, insurance, student loans, etc.). You should realize that an average wage here for someone with your qualifications is 250,000 yen/month (300,000 if you get on the JET programme). You will burn half of that on basic necessities, so the remaining 125,000 is yours to spend on everything else in life, including debts back home. Going out twice a week and drinking conservatively will eat up another 50,000 yen/month, leaving you with only 75,000 for the rest of your lifestyle. From that will come your savings, too.

[notallwhowander]

Glenski,
Thanks for the breakdown. After Peace Corps, I can definitely get by without much extras so I think I should be able to buckle down but I will definitely be checking out your thread and taking notes. The degree is no problem, I have one, and I imagine my biggest "luxury" expense will be membership to a climbing gym if there is one nearby. Lucky for me I'm a lightweight when it comes to going out. Unfortunately I dont want to wait for the next go around on JET, ECC is the only school Ive applied to so far.

Is there a difference in the amount I'll be able to save living in Kinki District vs. the Kanto District vs the Chubu District. I figure living in Tokyo is probably the most expensive and with the most budgetary temptations. Is there any difference between the Chubu and Kinki districts?

[Sweetsee]

Hi Notallwhowander,

Don't know how much you will need, I had squat. Suppose it depends on what kind of hustler you are. Though, judging from your post to me I would say the most you desire is going to be the least you receive here.

Good luck to you mate and may the road rise up to meet you,
s

[notallwhowander]

sweetsee:
Thanks for the well wishes, I've always liked that one. The financial breakdown sounds pretty sweet so far. Are you saying there isn't much money in Japan?

[Sweetsee]

No. I think what I meant was that you need some money to get set-up here. Takes money to make money.

Oh yeah, no money here! That's a good one. The Japanese have the single biggest chunk of cash in the world--3 trillion smackers in savings. Let's see that's, 3 trillion divided by...well you do the math!

When are you coming?

[notallwhowander]

ah, now i understand. i didnt so much mean no money in the country as much as money in teaching english, but i think we're finally on the same page. it's a little useless for me to do the math because i cant even fathom that amount of mulah.

i'm hoping to head over there sometime late september so i can take one last full advantage of my beloved austin summers. that said, im still in the process of setting up the interview.

cheers.

[fat_chris]

notallwhowander,

Just curious, where were you in the Peace Corps?

Best,
Fat_C