Working/Living in Japan

[koizumi]

Okay, here's the question that's been cracking my mind.

I'm a sophomore here at METU college, studying english language teaching. I'm looking for ways to go to Japan as a student OR as a teacher but couldn't decide actually. Supposing that i went there as a student, they say living in Japan is quite costly. How much a student actually spends there a month?

If I were to got my diploma and be a teacher, than would my salary provide me to get by?

Also is there anyway to live there permanently? Is it all according to your language skills or do i have to have anything else?

Or beyond all that,
is it okay to live there as a foreigner??

thanks for your help from now. i will HIGHLY appreciate it coz i am really, really confused.

[Sangetsu]

Living in Japan as a student is expensive. You must have enough money for both tuition and living expenses. As a student you are permitted to work part-time, but with no degree or experience, you aren't likely to earn very much. If you work more than the maximum 10 hours a week which is permitted, you risk losing your student visa and being deported.

As for living in Japan permanently, it certainly is possible. Your avatar says you live in Turkey, which will make things tricky. Most Japanese schools will only hire "native" English speakers, meaning that English must be the main language of your home country. Otherwise you must be able to prove that you lived for 12 years in an English speaking country.

However, this rule is not set in stone in some schools, and they will happily hire you so long as you and speak English as well as a native, and are a good teacher.

If you do find a school willing to hire you, and have finished your degree, getting a work visa is not difficult. Unlike tourist visas and Working Holiday visas, the work visa can be renewed indefinitely without having to leave the country.

After 5 or more years of living in Japan, you can apply for permanent residency. This is more easily said than done, it usually takes at least 7 years, and often more than 10.

Getting married to a Japanese national will simplify getting a visa and eventually getting permanent residency, but you must remember that the person you marry will have to prove that they have make enough money to completely support you if are unable to work.