Quote:
Originally Posted by Xlll
1. Does a work visa limit the occupations you can apply for in Japan or can you apply for any job while in Japan as long as you have a work visa?
2. I take it you were a entry applicant once, which means you have a university degree; you can do so much more considering you can apply for a work visa which enables you a broad choice of jobs in Japan. What made you choose to become a ALT, since I hear there pay isn't all that good (forgive me) and its hard for them to adapt to the native culture since they basically teach or speak English 24/7?
|
1. Legal or not, I know a few former teachers who are still using their instructor's visa and working in bars. I don't really know the answer to this one, but I am assuming that it is no. And they probably will have it changed fairly soon.
2. On the issue of pay, the reason some may say the pay is not that great is because quite simply most of us could make more money at home with our degrees than we do here. Now for in Japan and the amount of work that we don't do, ALT's are being paid very, very well.
The second part of your question I assume relates to the issue brought up once in Nyororin's thread that English teachers do not have a chance to study Japanese and make Japanese friends. To that issue I have this response to give: Whether you are working in an eikaiwa or public school, your integration into Japan is totally dependent on your desire to become involved.
I know English teachers who spend all their time hanging out in bars with fellow foreigners, but I know just as many who go hang out in the rice field helping his student's grandfather with harvest time. You are ultimately the one who will decide how your time here will be spent regardless of where or what you do for your job.
Also consider that ALT's work in public schools. I work with all Japanese Monday through Friday. I see how Japanese children are growing up. I have to study Japanese because otherwise it will be very hard to teach English to them. Every kid, parent and grandparent in my area knows who I am. I am not sure how much more integrated I could become unless I start working on Kenta's farm!