View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
query29
Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 25
|
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:30 am Post subject: newb needs answers |
|
|
I am sure this question has been asked over and over, but I need fast answers. I am 29 with a BA is psych. I am bright, charismatic, and energetic. I hate my retail job here in the states and want to teach EFL. If I work my butt off, I can have airfare and ~$4000usd by late march. Can I make it in japan? I have minimal student loan payments, but I do want to travel and have fun (modestly). The worst case scenario would be going there for three months as a "tourist", not finding work and having to beg for airfare home.
Sorry for long post, but any thoughts/advice? Thanks! |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Gordon

Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan
|
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:37 am Post subject: |
|
|
Ask this on the Japan forum, if this is where you want to work.
Start applyng for jobs that hire overseas. If nothing works out, come here and find a job on your own. I think you should find something and be able to survive until you do with $4K US. However, you will have to work hard at finding the job and be very proactive, a job won't fall in your lap. March is a good time to come, earlier in the month the better. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
query29
Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 25
|
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:40 am Post subject: |
|
|
thanks for the reply. Japan is my first choice. Assuming I can't find a job before leaving, should I come in early march and only bring $3000? |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Gordon

Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan
|
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:11 am Post subject: |
|
|
query29 wrote: |
thanks for the reply. Japan is my first choice. Assuming I can't find a job before leaving, should I come in early march and only bring $3000? |
Yes. More money the better. Perhaps if you have someone who could stick an extra $1000 in your bank account back home IF you need it. It is easy to access your bank account from Japanese post offices, if your card has a plus or cirrus symbol. Japan is not a place to be broke in. Things are expensive especially since you won't know where or how to do things cheaply. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
query29
Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 25
|
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks.
Are recruiters as big a problem in Japan as Korea. That is, if I apply to your average online listing and get accepted, is there a good chance that the contract will be honored. I plan on honoring my end no matter where I go. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Gordon

Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan
|
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:21 am Post subject: |
|
|
query29 wrote: |
Thanks.
Are recruiters as big a problem in Japan as Korea. That is, if I apply to your average online listing and get accepted, is there a good chance that the contract will be honored. I plan on honoring my end no matter where I go. |
Most people apply directly with the schools, not with recruiters. The exceptions are with dispatch companies that have you work as ALTs in public schools.
Japan is better than Korea at keeping their word, just don't start working UNTIL you have that work visa. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
query29
Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 25
|
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:23 am Post subject: |
|
|
I've heard. I know its dumb to ask, but how can I tell the difference between the two. Any advice would be helpful since I want to get started on this as soon as possible. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
|