Job Discussion Forums

[melssa]

I have been offered a Skype interview for an international school in Tokyo. They have asked me to list my required benefits and salary. I've tried to research other international schools in Tokyo and cannot find a listed salary and benefit options. I was wondering if anyone can assist me with this - the school is small and new, so I'm sure they won't be paying me too much, but since it is an international school (and in Tokyo) I feel I can ask for more than the customary 200,000 - 250,000. I was considering suggesting about 300,000 yen a month, housing assistance (finding a place and key money - I pay rent), and medical. Can anyone out there offer me some advice? Thanks!

[Glenski]

International schools (true international schools, that is, not just a school with that word tacked on) do not pay as low as 200,000 yen/month, I believe.

Have you looked at whatever might be posted on http://www.tokyowithkids.com/fyi/international_schools.html to see what might be the norm?
http://www.internationalschoolsreview.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/viewtopic.php?p=7974&sid=be31ca0ce84ef46f046e26a7fd80856b
http://forum.gaijinpot.com/archive/index.php/t-33531.html
http://community.tes.co.uk/forums/p/454185/6256969.aspx
http://theinternationalteacher.cyberbali.com/tag/international-school-salaries-japan/

[melssa]

Thank you Glenski. By 200,000-250,000 I meant regular ESL jobs, obviously you would expect more from an international school, especially one in Tokyo, but this is a new school and I'm wary of asking for too much if they don't have the resources for it as of yet.

[Glenski]

In that case, don't ask for less than 250K. It's annoying to see so many companies nowadays getting away with asking less than that, when 250K was the unwritten standard for decades.

[bobbysix]

Firstly, what are your qualifications and experience? "Proper" international schools require a teaching qualification and at least 2 year's experience in your home country.
Regarding salary, the top schools like ASIJ, YIS, and Nishimachi pay upwards of 500,000 a month, plus living expenses. (ASIJ pays about 80K USD a year)
Second tier schools like K. International School or Canadian International School will pay from 400,000 a month upwards, depending on your experience.
Of course, there are other schools that are international in name only, and will pay lower salaries accordingly.