Job Discussion Forums

Josh_S · Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Posts: 5

Hello,

We are buddies from Toronto, and are hoping to teach and live together in possibly Osaka beginning the end of August or early Septemeber. We noticed another post asking about the differences between ECC and AEON. Our hope is to get a job with ECC, but we are curious of people's experiences with both.

As well, we were curious of people's experience living in Osaka. Is it possible to find a decent apartment for two that is comfortable and affordable? What would the general amount be for rent per month? And does anyone have a good contact to locate an apartment?

One last question, we were not planning to take a TESOL course...will this hinder our chances of aquiring a job from either of these schools, or will it hurt our chances of finding private tutoring on the side?

We won't ask more than that for now, hopefully you can answer some of our questions.

Thanks,

Josh & Adam
Toronto, ON, Canada

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

Housing will probably run 70,000 to 90,000 yen/month (total) for a 2LDK. I don't live in Osaka, so if someone does, they can correct that fairly generalized figure.

Comfort depends on individual taste. Realize that many apartments are quite cramped compared to western standards. Low ceilings and beams between rooms, very small closet space (often without hanging rods, so you are forced to buy them), very small bathrooms (separate from the toilet), etc. Heating may be just a single space heater somewhere near the middle of the apartment. Don't plan on central heating. You may have to buy/rent a water heater for the kitchen sink. Unfurnished apartments are VERY unfurnished. They won't include any appliances whatsoever, including refrigerator and stove, any curtains, any light fixtures, washing machine, etc. And, regarding stoves, don't expect a floor model range like you have back home. Figure on a 2-burner gas stove like a camping stove, with a built-in drawer for grilling. Look at some of these web sites to get an idea of typical housing, whether sponsored by a school or not.www.markinjapan.ca/features/apartment/index.htm
http://vocaro.com/trevor/japan/home/index.html
http://ekhardt.com/tokyo/myapartment/Iapartment.html
http://www.tiger-marmalade.com/gallery/apartment
http://www.collin.org/travel/japan/apartment/apartment.html
http://www.globalcompassion.com/home.htm
http://www.greggman.com/japan/apts/tokyo%20apts.htm
http://daveahlman.com/arch/arch_apt.htm
http://chaninjapan.utopiades.com/Information/Apartment.htm

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

chi-chi · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 127 Location: Back in Asia!

Well, interesting question. Osaka is an interesting place.
If you are not American, do not fear about any teaching credentials...jobs will hire anyone, regardless of native speaker or not, University education or not. The most important job requirement seems to be to have blonde or red hair, and be very white. If you have that and a working holiday, you are in.
However if you are American and need sponsorship, please expect employers for you to please understand that it is very difficult to sponsor visas, especially if you do not look white. Jobs want employees, but do not want to buck up and pay for a visa. You will get plenty of illegal offers, or get work to find that you are being replaced with someone who has less education than you.
Japan reminds me a lot of other places in Asia where I have worked, so follow the rules for unscrupulous countries, this is not the West.
I wish you best of luck if you are on Working Holiday. You will have a great time. Do not worry about being professional or having education. After all, I was replaced with someone who has less education than me. Maybe you can get a significant other and some movie work while you are here.
There is old Japan and new Japan, old hand foreigners and new foreigners.
Japan is surely changing a lot. The times change, things rearrange, even in Japan.
If anyone has any issues or disagreements, feel free to banter with me, via PM, with any proof to the contrary. I am in the mood for a little debate, since I have so much free time on my hands.
Chi-Chi
PS. I hope you know how to change diapers.

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

chi-chi,

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

sidjameson · Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Posts: 629 Location: osaka

I have lived in Osaka the last 6 years. I live 10 mins from the centre of Osaka by bicycle. I walk to the bars(10 mins too in Minami) this month the apartment next to mine will become vacant.
It is old, but not a dump, but it is also a great location and has 2 bedrooms, kitchen and a living room. The rent is only 70,000 a month. It is a great location.
Key money is always a problem in Japan. This apartment's is 2 months but you can get 1 back at the end if there's no damage.
This is a good deal. I hope you can get an idea.

Josh_S · Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Posts: 5

That apartment sounds great, but I am not sure as of yet when we are heading there. Do you know when I would need to let them know by?

Thank you to everyone else for your helpful information.

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

So chi-chi do you have trouble walking through doors with that large chip on your shoulder?