Job Discussion Forums

[The Goblin Queen]

I'm wondering the best way to go about things, as I assume most of us are.
I apologize if these inquiries are repeated constantly within these forums.
My name is Meghan and I'm 21, and I live in Vancouver, BC.
I've just finished my classes for getting my TEFL certifcate at Vancouver Community College. I still have yet to finish a couple of take-home exams and a 28-hour practicum of volunteering in classrooms. I also need to apply for my passport and get a working holiday visa (or something similar) from the local Japanese embassy here. I also plan on taking as many Japanese classes as possible before I go until I can stand it no more.
I don't have a degree. And no, I'm not trying to mock all of you who claim to take their teaching careers seriously, or whathaveyou. I am just really interested in broadening my horizons, creating experiences, learning, and being awesome.
I took the TEFL certificate course with the knowlege given to me by the school that not all ESL schools require a bachelors degree (or something similar.)
I've never been to Japan, but it is my #1 choice of destination. I'm not really there to make money, but I'm hoping I will make enough to fund my experience there, and not lose a bunch of cash in the process.

So I'm wondering quite a few things, and I'm hoping for some honesty, cuz I would really appreciate it...

-is it better to go to Japan and THEN look for a job, or look for one here, and THEN go?
-what schools are respectable, yet still hire beginner teachers with TEFL certification? (If there is a contract required, a 3-month one would be preferable.)
-what are the key things that need to be taken care of before going? (ie: medical, clothing, certain items that can't be found in Japan, getting a computer, insurance, etc.)
-where are affordable/safe places to stay while looking for a place to live/a job? (ie: hostels, etc.)
-what areas of Japan are more affordable to live in/not rural and ten thousand lightyears away from cities?
-what areas of Japan are the most open-minded/casual/artistic?
-what are some good tips on saving money? (going to/from and being in Japan)
-what are some of the best ways to learn how to get around?
-what are some tips on not getting screwed over for being a first-time visitor/caucasian/first-time teacher/not a fluent speaker of Nihongo/etc.?
-what other key considerations am I missing?

Basically, I need a game plan. Ideally, I would like to end up in Japan in the spring of 2006.

Thanks very much for your patience.

^_^

-Meghan

[Glenski]

-is it better to go to Japan and THEN look for a job, or look for one here, and THEN go?

In your situation, with no degree, you cannot get a work visa, but you can get that working holiday visa (in about 2 weeks). Since it doesn't require an employer to sponsor you, you can come over right away and hunt for work. Be advised it is expensive to set yourself up here. Plan for US$4000 for a couple of months. Also, the best hiring time is March.

-what schools are respectable, yet still hire beginner teachers with TEFL certification? (If there is a contract required, a 3-month one would be preferable.)

I don't think anyone can tell you names of schools for this sort of thing. Most eikaiwas are willing to hire people are willing to hire people with no experience. As long as you have a proper visa (like the WHV), it is more a matter of chemistry during the interview and whether the employer sees that you are somewhat capable of teaching and not getting culture shock.

Contracts are almost exclusively 1-year in length.

-what are the key things that need to be taken care of before going? (ie: medical, clothing, certain items that can't be found in Japan, getting a computer, insurance, etc.)

Clothing would depend on your sizes.
How you get rid of your current housing is up to you.
Insurance can be either a foreign one, or Japanese.
Medical? What are your concerns specifically? No shots are needed. Don't know if you are currently on prescription meds or use contact lenses.
Most things can be found in Japan. Even some western foods can be purchased through the Foreign Buyers Club online. Sort of depends on how finicky one is. Usual items that people suggest include deodorant and multi-vitamins.
Whether you want to bring a laptop here is up to you. There are generally no power concerns.

-where are affordable/safe places to stay while looking for a place to live/a job? (ie: hostels, etc.)

Guest houses (gaijin houses) are the most common places that will rent without an employer to guarantee. You can stay at them for a few days or months at a time. They are like boarding houses. They will run 50,000-80,000 yen/month and some have a refundable 25,000 yen deposit.


-what areas of Japan are more affordable to live in/not rural and ten thousand lightyears away from cities?

Just like in your home country. The smaller the city, the more affordable it is. Get a guide book and learn where the larger cities are.

-what areas of Japan are the most open-minded/casual/artistic?
This is a very subjective question. Open minded to what? Casual in what sense? Artistic meaning what?

The more rural/traditional places will be less open minded about western ways. I can't really understand the other 2 points to answer them.

-what are some good tips on saving money? (going to/from and being in Japan)
Please read these threads.
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=25466&highlight=saving+money
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=4201&highlight=cheapskates

-what are some of the best ways to learn how to get around?
Where?

-what are some tips on not getting screwed over for being a first-time visitor/caucasian/first-time teacher/not a fluent speaker of Nihongo/etc.?
Screwed over in a job situation? Look at the contract and if it has lots of legalese, beware. If you are confused about the reliability of an employer, post questions here.
General rules of thumb:
employers usually pay for local transportation (not from overseas)
employers usually provide furnished housing (with paid key money and phone set up)
salaries will usually run 250,000 to 280,000 yen/month (don't accept less)
If the employer won't let you contact current teachers, don't work there.
many employers don't know visa regulations, so be patient, but if you have questions about something, come here and ask (or go to immigration). Beware if the employer wants you to come and start work immediately with grand promises of getting a visa.
Don't live with your employer.
Be advised that although many (most?) employers are trustworthy, many still put illegal clauses in the contracts, whether knowingly or not. Example is one forbidding that you have private lessons in your spare time.

-what other key considerations am I missing?
Realize that Japanese students (young and old) are not used to western styles of teaching. Volunteering to answer questions is usually not done. Responding to direct questions is painstakingly difficult and embarrassing to some. Despite studying English for 6 years in high school, they can hardly speak it because the English they learned is for entrance exams, not conversation. Eikaiwa students are not usually serious about learning English grammar; many just want a social experience out of it.

On a culture shock front, be prepared to be stared at a lot and to have common questions asked (Do you like Japan? Do you like Japanese men? Can you eat Japanese food? Etc.)

Don't impose western morals on things you see here.

[madeira]

This is a very picky, small point... but you aren't doing the VCC practicum, GoblinQueen. The practicum is a part of the VCC TESOL program, and is longer. (60 hrs). You also need to have a degree to get in. You're doing the "In class assignment" portion of the TEFL. Much cheaper and shorter! (Is it supervised? The course description doesn't say.)

Otherwise, good luck, and I'm sure you'll find a job here. The only problem is, I'm pretty sure you'll either want to stay on here after your WHV is finished, or travel to other countries. Having a degree gets you through hoops... so why not do it now?

[canuck]

Most of your questions are covered and answered extensively by using the search function on this board.

Your best bet would be to get your passport as soon as possible. In addition, get the working holiday forms from the Japanese consulate and start filling them out. It can take a lot of time, especially if you wait until the last minute. You need to get a health check note from your doctor saying you're in good health etc.

I would suggest finding a job from Vancouver over internet. My friend did the same thing. You'll probably end up accepting something in the country side, but if you're open to that, cool. That also reduces the amount of money you would need coming over here and not only living, but using for your job hunt. Being 21, the chances are you don't have a lot of cash.

[PAULH]

[The Goblin Queen]

[Glenski]

[markle]

[Glenski]

[PAULH]

Immigration is now clamping down on foreigners from western countries with valid visas but who 'moonlight' doing second jobs outside their visa status. You either need to change your visa or you risk getting your visa taken away from you. A work visa is not a right, but a privilege and they can be invalidated or annulled at the discretion of immigration as you are essentially breaking the law.

FWIW I have a friend who often used to DJ at clubs in Osaka but I think he has a long-term permanent visa that allows him to do other jobs than teaching. No dice on an instructors visa and many employers will now be wary about hiring someone 'under the table' if their visa is not all clear that permits non-teaching activities. The days of doing what ever takes your fancy are over and you wont be cut any slack because you come from a western country, have a degree and speak English.

[pnksweater]

It sounds like you read a lot of japanophile magazines. You won't see all the goofy "crazy Japan" stuff unless you go looking for it. Most editions of FRUITS are shot within 2 square miles of Tokyo. Really it's more like one corner and a street. Outside of certain areas of Harajuku you don't see much of that stuff. The good time vs cheap cost of living thing is tricky to solve. Basically the further you live from an urban center the cheaper it gets and the less exciting your neighborhood becomes. If you are going to be straped for cash you may have no choice but to live out in the sticks and catch a train into a urban center on the weekends and holidays.

Regarding the DJ thing... my husband works as a DJ. He's on a dependant visa and does this under the table. Some places are keen on hiring foreign DJs, others are not. Just be warned that a lot of club owners a pretty flaky and actually getting a gig can be a major headache at first. Also, language can be a bit of an issue as well (depending on whether or not they speak English. Your Japanese won't be ready to bargin after a few months of classes.) I hope you like house because in Tokyo it's all they want DJs to spin. That and really bad top 20s hits. If you're serious about it consider bringing your collection with you. I think my husband arrived with around 2,000 CDs and hundreds of records. Music is very exspensive here, but the used market is good. There are also some excelent niche vinyl shops as well.

[Brooks]

I would say Kobe is your best bet.
For fashion, Osaka`s and Kobe`s is colorful, but in Tokyo it tends to be brown, black and gray.
Depending on your asthma, you may prefer living in the country, or at least not far away from it.

I met a man who quit his job in Osaka and moved to Yamanashi since his son`s asthma was so bad. He runs a bed and breakfast place in Kiyosato.