Job Discussion Forums

shikoku · Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Posts: 11

I've been trying to find jobs in Fukuoka for ages. I've looked at a Fukuoka forum, jobs in japan, O Haya- Sensai and all the others. I'm considering moving there in late August/September. I have a friend who I will stay with and I'll have about 3,000 USD. Is this a silly way to do it?

I have all the necessary requirements: BA, Celta, a little experience.

Is it likely that I'll find work there or should I apply beforehand and wait? I know that if I went I'd have to leave the country and come back to be sponsored. Is it expensive to go to Korea?Does anyone know how long you have to stay out of the country for this process?

I'd love to know of any good schools that I could apply to directly if anyone knows of any. I read on this job forum that the YMCA in Fukuoka was a good school, though it is in Japanese! (Unfortunately, I don't speak any Japanese yet.) Confused

David W · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 457 Location: Japan

You're well prepared. I'd give it a go. With a place to stay and US$3000 you'll be able to stay easy for 2 months but it shouldn't take that long to land a gig. Getting to Pusan from Fukuoka is easy and cheap. It's not far. Good luck

shikoku · Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Posts: 11

Thanks for your optimism. I need that now! Very Happy

homersimpson · Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 569 Location: Kagoshima

Celeste · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2003 4:40 am Post subject:

There are jobs to be had here, but as another poster said, they do go unadvertised a fair bit. People here like to hire through an introduction. We do have the big eikaiwas here, and they are usually hiring, and a lot of people manage to get several part time jobs with different schools. You will undoubtedly find something. Feel free to e-mail me when you get here.

shikoku · Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Posts: 11

Homer, I thought that in order for you to be sponsored a visa you cannot be in the country in the first place? It works out better for me anyhow if I don't have to leave the country so that's good news.

If not many jobs advertise in Kyushu, how would I go about applying? Do I just contact the schools directly? Do I send them letters in advance? Is there anything I can do now about contacting schools in Fukuoka that might help me when I get there? Sorry if the questions sound repetitive but I am new to this.

I appreciate your responses.

Also, I know that there is a holiday in Japan in the middle of August. I'm working in England till the end of July. Do you think it would be better to work a little longer and save up for a flight as well and go late August, or should I just go straight after this other teaching job in the first week of August? Does it make sense to go just before the holiday when everyone will be taking off, or after, when I run the risk of being too late if others have accepted positions where teachers have left?

Any info is reassuring

Oh, Celeste, I will email you when I get there, thanks.

Last question. My friend is on the Jet scheme in Fukuoka too. Will she get in trouble if I use her address as my contact details when I get there? She's not supposed to have people stay?

homersimpson · Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 569 Location: Kagoshima

Ange · Joined: 16 Feb 2003 Posts: 23 Location: F U K U O K A

When you get to Fukuoka head to the IMS building in Tenjin. On the 8th floor there is a foriegn residents centre called The Rainbow Plaza. They usually have quite a few jobs advertised on their notice board. You can also advertise there for private students. I got offered about 4 jobs in Fukuoka that I applied for through notices in The Rainbow Plaza. You shouldn't have too many problems.

Ange · Joined: 16 Feb 2003 Posts: 23 Location: F U K U O K A

Oops - forgot to say that you definately don't need to leave the country to get your visa. The company that hires you may or may not be aware of this. All you need to do once you have got the paperwork is go to the immigration department at F u kuoka airport. It is really easy and painless. Good luck!

shikoku · Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Posts: 11

Ange I will stop by the IMS building in Tenjin when I get there. Thank you for all for your comments. Since I've never been to Japan, I thought I'd try Westgate University program first (if they accept me) and then I'll use that visa to work in Fukuoka afterwards.

I have an interview tomorrow JST ( tonight my time). If they are not interested I'll just head to Fukuoka and see what happens. It sounds as if I don't have much to worry about if the latter happens. Thank you for your responses.

Very Happy