Korean Job Discussion Forums

[WavFunc]

First post! Long time listener, first time caller.

I'm going to move from Korea to Japan in June of 2010.

I've been in Korea for three years and decided that it was time to make the switch. I had a pretty good time in Korea and also worked at pretty decent schools the whole time, but Korea is starting to get to me and I'm nowheres near ready to go home yet.

When I say 'Korea is getting to me' I'm referring specifically to the culture. Outside of work I always feel bored and like I'm in a rut of some kind. I don't feel all that welcomed and often feel like I have been everywhere and done everything in Korea despite not being fluent in the language. Koreans are nice overall, but the amount of "run ins" I've had since I've been here has set me over the edge more than once.

I guess I'm just looking for something more stable in terms of day-to-day experience as well as something fresh and exciting. Korea was plenty exciting for my first year, now its not.

Anyway, on to the questions... This is aimed at those who have taught in Japan before. I'm posting this in the Korea forum because there are a lot of KOREA SPECIFIC things in here I need help with...

-How easy is it to safely move stuff from Korea to Japan? I have a desktop computer I built that I don't want to sell. Even after selling all my excess junk I'm still going to have too much stuff to take through the airport.

-About visas. Can I get a Japanese work visa in Korea or do I have to do it in Japan?

-Would you recommend going to Japan in person to look for jobs, applying online or both?

-I'm looking for ALT positions in or near Tokyo. I know Tokyo might not be possible. I'm open to living in cities outside of Tokyo (I can go there on weekends -- my friends in Japan live in Chiba). Any good resources/websites/contacts?

-What are the similarities between PS jobs in Korea and ALT jobs in Japan?

-How about saving money? I hear its better than Korea if you don't live in an expensive city, especially since I already own everything I'd want to own. I'm going to for jobs that pay around 220,000+ yen.

-I've been reading here long enough to know the answer to this question, but I'm still curious what people have to say. For those who have spent time in both countries, which do you prefer to live AND work in?

Cheers

[yeti08]

I would also really appreciate the same information. I do not have a set date, but have been thinking in a year or 2 of doing the same thing. I just want to experience more.

[.38 Special]

I will impart what I know:

- Teaching in Japan is comparable in some ways, financially, to teaching in Europe. You can comfortably break even, but don't expect large savings. It is the single most expensive country in the world to live in, excepting those tiny casino countries in Western Europe. Because of extensive public transportation and the ability to move very easily about the country, do not expect the prices for goods to fluctuate too much, but real estate should be cheaper as you move away from Tokyo.

Overall, for quite a few years, the pay in Japan has been comparable to the RoK. However, the much greater cost of living dampens savings.

- Many Japanese jobs will only hire within Japan. There are too many teachers to justify the inconvenience of hiring from abroad for Japanese schools. It would be wise to show up with plenty of cash and preferably a pal to show you the ropes. Showing up unawares will cost you a premium.

- I don't know about transporting your goods by mail, etc., but it would be a good lead, I imagine, to look into going by ferry from the south. If you can transport cars via the ferry, I can't see any reason why your accoutrement should be an issue. No doubt there are other ways, but that is all I've got for now.

Good luck.

[Dude Ranch]

[WavFunc]

[freethought]

http://www.jetprogramme.org/

that would be my suggestion. no guarantee for around tokyo, but you can request it.

depending on where you're from the exchnage rate with the yen right now will allow you to save more than you would here, so long as you're not expecting to go out every night drinking etc. The 1200 won bottle of soju you drink in Korea is a 1000 yen bottle of sake in Japan (more than man won).

The things that may way on you in Korea wont in Japan. Things are much more orderly and cleaner.

[WavFunc]

[joltaxt]

You're odds of getting a job are 1000% higher if you are in the country. Don't expect an interview if you live outside of Japan.

Stay away from Tokyo. I know it's tempting, but I have many English teacher friends there who are BROKE. When they do go out, it's always on the cheap, I mean, there is never any time to treat yourself.

Japan is insanely expensive. Stick with Jusco to buy your groceries if you can, they're all over and had the cheapest prices I could find. There are tons of hyaku-en ($1) stores there, so be sure to frequent those if you ever need something. Good luck.

[WavFunc]

[joltaxt]

I recommend keeping up with O-Hayo Sensei and Gaijinpot, where you can find jobs regularly. And it filters out the jobs where you need to be in Japan, and those where you can apply if you live outside of it. You're at an advantage because you live in Korea and have experience, so I think you'd look like a better candidate than those in Aus, US, Can, applying simply because of distance. Not to mention you could probably still apply to the jobs requiring you to be in Japan if you're that serious on traveling for an interview. Be adamant about you being willing to travel there for a job interview. Most importantly, if you get a job interview, be ENTHUSIASTIC. They want someone that can make kids smile, if you're boring don't know how to smile forget it.

One more thing, I don't know if you're Caucasian or not but this DOES make a difference unfortunately in Japan. I noticed minorities had a much more difficult time landing jobs than the people who simply looked "white."

[WavFunc]