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iteachenglish
Joined: 01 Feb 2007
Posts: 4
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 Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 10:04 am Post subject: getting started in an asian country |
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A year or so in taiwan korea or japan sounds exciting but one thing i found quitean issue is the $$$ required to set yourself up.
With costs like bond, key money , etc required to start a lease , I was very surprised that quite a few posters say it takes 3-4 months to break even. When i was on the jet program, everything was arranged but maybe the main difference is when ur on a gvt program things are arranged 4 u but when you take a contract with a language school its Do it yourself or very high rent in an apartment owned by the educational franchise.
Any ideas about where you think the statements about the first months is true? I dont need to save money but i also dont want to pay for the right to work |
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movinaround
Joined: 08 Jun 2006
Posts: 202
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| Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 11:51 am Post subject: Re: getting started in an asian country |
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| iteachenglish wrote: |
A year or so in taiwan korea or japan sounds exciting but one thing i found quitean issue is the $$$ required to set yourself up.
With costs like bond, key money , etc required to start a lease , I was very surprised that quite a few posters say it takes 3-4 months to break even. When i was on the jet program, everything was arranged but maybe the main difference is when ur on a gvt program things are arranged 4 u but when you take a contract with a language school its Do it yourself or very high rent in an apartment owned by the educational franchise.
Any ideas about where you think the statements about the first months is true? I dont need to save money but i also dont want to pay for the right to work |
I am definitely assuming you haven't looked up much info on Korea at all  There are almost no start up fees. Almost every job pays for your ticket there (or reimburses you immediately, assuming they aren't going to rip you off) and provide a free furnished apartment with no money up front (or ever, though some try to get a deposit, just avoid those jobs). All you would need is about $500 (I am over-estimating here) for food and stuff, then you would get paid (most likely atleast). |
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saint57
Joined: 10 Mar 2003
Posts: 1221
Location: Beyond the Dune Sea
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| Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 12:05 pm Post subject: |
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| I brought two grand to Korea and was glad I did. My only long holiday was in the first month before I got paid. I wouldn't risk going with only $500. However, I've heard of people going with much less. In these cases people are usually hoping for an advance from their employer, which isn't unheard of. |
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movinaround
Joined: 08 Jun 2006
Posts: 202
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| Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 12:22 pm Post subject: |
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| saint57 wrote: |
| I brought two grand to Korea and was glad I did. My only long holiday was in the first month before I got paid. I wouldn't risk going with only $500. However, I've heard of people going with much less. In these cases people are usually hoping for an advance from their employer, which isn't unheard of. |
I only spend $400~$500 a month, and that's without major saving. I don't drink or party a lot though. What is the breakdown of that 2 grand?
I still think $500 would be fine (discounting any malicious pay strategies on the part of the employer ofcourse). If the OP has more, bring it! But if not, well, even without any help I think you can get by on $500. If there is someone there to show you around and where the cheap eating is, no worries at all. This is taking into account you aren't going crazy buying electronics, going out drinking every weekend or decorating your apartment with new furnishing...
saint57 did bring up one thing I forgot. Korean bosses are a bit more lenient when it comes to giving out advances. Do not expect it at all from a Japanese company. I don't know about Taiwan though. I wouldn't suggest banking on this strategy though |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 12:06 pm Post subject: |
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| Korean bosses are a bit more lenient when it comes to giving out advances. Do not expect it at all from a Japanese company. |
Some companies (like several of the Big Four) will loan you 120,000 yen from the get-go. Of course, you have to pay it back in the next few paychecks, which are already smaller than usual because you are on a probationary salary, but it's not fair to say that NONE of the Japanese companies help their employees.
JET is a luxury job. Airfare paid. Sometimes housing is free. Salaries are higher than eikaiwa, although the qualifications are the same. Hours are better, too. |
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movinaround
Joined: 08 Jun 2006
Posts: 202
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| Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 12:25 pm Post subject: |
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| Glenski wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Korean bosses are a bit more lenient when it comes to giving out advances. Do not expect it at all from a Japanese company. |
Some companies (like several of the Big Four) will loan you 120,000 yen from the get-go. Of course, you have to pay it back in the next few paychecks, which are already smaller than usual because you are on a probationary salary, but it's not fair to say that NONE of the Japanese companies help their employees.
JET is a luxury job. Airfare paid. Sometimes housing is free. Salaries are higher than eikaiwa, although the qualifications are the same. Hours are better, too. |
My friend couldn't from AEON. The same went for some of my NOVA friends and a few working in smaller companies. I also know for the AEON interview they ask several times if you are financially prepared for the move. I didn't really say none, just that the OP shouldn't expect it, i.e. not go there without enough money if possible. Which ones can you get that loan from, so next time I am asked that question, I can offer better advice. Thanks in advance.  |
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