Job Discussion Forums

Livvy · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 1

Hi there,

I'm a disgruntled writer/translator/editor thinking of doing some travelling and perhaps changing careers. I've always been interested in visiting Japan. Figured teaching English there might be a good way to get that done.

So, I've seen postings for English instructors/teaching assistants through the JET program and Westgate companies. So what's the scoop on these? Are they any good? Do they treat their employees well? Are employees renumerated fairly? Are the packages decent?

Also, where salary is concerned, I've heard some folks say that teaching English in Japan or other Asian countries is a good way of saving some money if you've got extensive student debts (my situation completely!). Is this true? What is taxation like in Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam? Do you get taxed in both countries? What other expenses usually arise? Are the savings really that considerable?

Thanks to anyone who can help demystify these things...

Sincerely,
- Livvy (Montreal, QC)

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Livvy,
Why don't you post this in the Japan forum?

The "scoop" on JET Programme is this:
ALTs get more pay than entry level teachers in conversation schools.
They also get their airfare paid for, and depending on circumstances may get rent subsidized or completely paid for. Most positions are in the rural areas in public schools, and ALTs may have to commute to several schools in the month. As the "A" implies, you are an assistant, not the main teacher, so you have to rely on a Japanese teacher to provide a format and discipline. Experiences vary. Half of the 6000 ALTs hired every year don't renew.

Westgate offers one of the extremely few 3-month contracts around with full visa sponsorship (depending on the program it offers, you may also get a 7-month one), but the 3-month contract is not consecutive. They reimburse for airfare in your first two paychecks.

If you want to know if the packages are "decent" beyond what I wrote, please do some research by looking at their web sites and comparing with your other options. Eikaiwas offer 200,000 to 250,000 yen/month these days and many avoid making copayments into health insurance. I and others have written extensively on the differences between ALT work and eikaiwa work.