Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ciccone_youth]

I was teaching in Seoul last year, came home a few months ago, and I decided to take the plunge again. But this time, in Japan. I secured a position for November, with pretty good conditions- quite similar to what I had in Korea.

Anyone else went to Japan after Korea? I was tempted to go back to Seoul, since I know the city so well and know what to expect for working conditions, but I wanted a different experience, and on my own this time.

Any helpful tips? Thanks!

[Dude Ranch]

good job

how did u get hooked up in japan? I've thought about doing that after korea
whats the school like?

[ciccone_youth]

Thanks.

It was all so random. When I got home (Montreal) back in March, I started sending my resume to different recruiters in Japan and Korea, I missed Asia so much and was desperate for a job.

A recruiter (Japan) contacted me, and she happened to be in Montreal for a day, so she asked if I could meet her for an interview. Usually Japan interviews only take place in bigger cities like Toronto and Vancouver, so I was lucky.

The interview was so long (almost 2 hours) and challenging. Quite different from what I had for Korea. She said she really liked me, and hired me right away. I postponed my departure to November because I am working on a great contract.

The school is PKC, I've read mostly good things about them. Similar deal to what I had in Korea (housing offered), I only have to pay for flight. The hours are quite good, but you have to travel to different schools every week.

I just needed a change from Korea.

[the ireland]

congrats on your job, I always enjoyed your posts when you were a more frequent member on the site. I still read but don't post so often.

A couple who taught in our school taught in japan before coming over, they got caught up in the whole collapse of the english school over there, but they really enjoyed japan and highly recommended it. I think they liked it much more than korea too.

I have a few friends teaching in Japan now, they love it there, although it is expensive (they have to pay their own rent) but they never experienced teaching in Korea, so it's hard to judge from that.

I hope you have a great time over there.

[ciccone_youth]

Thank you! I'm very excited, and I've heard mostly amazing things about Japan. I had a great experience in Korea as well, and I think things would go smoothly in Japan.

I'm still not sure about the location, it could be anywhere in Japan- which is fine.

I know it's a bit more expensive in general, but I'll be careful. I'm not the kind of girl who parties every single night either.

I'm excited, but a bit nervous too, it will be a completely different experience.

[the ireland]

it's only money anyway so who cares as long as you have fun....this is obviously spoken by someone who enjoyed tuition fee- free third level education thanks to the irish government although they are most likely reintroducing fees next year

[ciccone_youth]

Yes, well I'd like to save a bit of money. That's why I went to Korea in the first place, I saved a bit, but coming home unemployed (and depressed, hello retail therapy) was bad.

I'm mostly going there for the experience, but also to have a stable income again for a year. My contract now is alright, but with the high Canadian taxes and rent, I'm not saving up anything.

[Forward Observer]

You should try and hook up with Tiger Beer while you're there. I don't know if you remember him, but he's a really cool person. I'll point him to this thread and see if he'll pm you. I'm pretty sure he works at a uni in rural Japan.

Cheers.

[AustSaint]

I have the experience of doing Japan-Korea-Japan-Korea, I guess I am a bit of a yo-yo when it comes to these countries. I think Japan is perhaps the easiest country in the world to live in, very convenient(you can get nearly everything there), the jobs are quite nice(a mixture of adults and kids at most places) and just the anonymity of it is quite refreshing after Korea. The problem is saving, Japan can be a place where you can live from paycheck to paycheck depending on your lifestyle. I was lucky enough to move out of my company supplied accomodation and get my own place, that did cost a little to set up but in the longterm it saved me money. I lived in Japan for four years, loved it and still have great friends there, hell I would still be there if it wasn't for breaking up with the reason I was there for over four years.

[ciccone_youth]

Thanks for the feedback. Very reassuring. My main concern is about making friends. I had no problems at all in Seoul, but if I'm in a smaller city in Japan it may be a concern- although I'm sure there are lots of foreigners everywhere (and fun locals).

Yes, I remember Tiger Beer! Didn't know he was in Japan now, I guess I missed a bit on the forum lately.

[lifeinkorea]

I am curious what they talked about in the interview to make it 2 hours.

[ciccone_youth]

Well, she explained how their company works for the most part, and we just chatted a lot about my experience in Korea. She had me improvise ideas for a classroom (like coming up with games ideas), but that seemed easy for me.

I kind of went to the interview as a joke, I didn't really think I'd ever go back to Asia, so I was quite relaxed and charming

[Koveras]

I'm planning a move to Japan early next year. By all accounts you're lucky to be taken on in november. That's like the lowest of low hiring seasons. I worry a bit about the wages and working hours; it sounds like some people over there spend all their time working, and still save almost nothing. They work one place in the morning, another in the afternoon, then private lessons in the evening. That isn't my style. I spend several hours a day on my hobbies. Good luck with your new job, and don't put yourself out.

[ciccone_youth]

The good thing is, the Yen is quite strong these days. I'll be working a bit less hours than I did in Korea, just more traveling (which I don't mind, I can listen to my iPod and read).

Most people living in Japan told me they did okay with the money saving, and that did not involve eating Ramen every night We'll see!!!

[Koveras]

What are your hours? In Korea I spend, all-told, about thirty hours at school a week. I don't think I could get away with that in Japan, though I'd be thrilled if you corrected me.