Any help from anyone in Japan would be greatly appreciated =) - Page 2

Shwah · (#11 (**permalink**))

That seems fair =). Which parts of Japan do you recomend I should definatly check out?

RickOShay · (#12 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shwah

That seems fair =). Which parts of Japan do you recomend I should definatly check out?

Check out as in sight seeing?? Because where you live will most likely be determined for you by your job.

Shwah · (#13 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMM

You will have your job decided before you go to Japan, and there are jobs, like English teacher, which you really don't need Japanese.

But the more Japanese you know the better for living in Japan.

Ohhh so when I plan on moving over there I need to get a job over there first or is it the government which decides on what work would best suit me? I want to be a teacher anyway =). I'm just going to have to study really hard because I've been thinking of it for 5 years and I still really want to do it.

MMM · (#14 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shwah

That seems fair =). Which parts of Japan do you recomend I should definatly check out?

There are tons of places worth seeing...it will depend on where you are located for your job.

Shwah · (#15 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickOShay

What kind of work are you looking for? Because anything other than teaching English, and you will need to be pretty darn good. Unless of course you have a special skill, like engineering or something and work for a company that transfers you here. But just coming here and trying to find a (good) job outside of teaching English and you will probably need to be at JLPT level 1 (which probably takes most determined and dedicated learners about 4-5 years to pass).

(Sighs) My special skills are art and photography which arn't very useful but I do have quite a long time to learn the language so I actually have a chance. Is JLPT some sort of language test you have to take? Oh and it's cool I actually want to be a teacher

... The only thing is not an english teacher

. I guess I can't be picky though

Everyone thanks for all the help!

Please still talk I just wanted to show my grattitude

MMM · (#16 (**permalink**))

I went through the JET Programme, and I would recommend looking into it.

I was placed in a public high school, and it is common for the English teachers from foreign countries to also help out with clubs they are interested in. You could certainly help out with the photography club at your school.

RickOShay · (#17 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shwah

(Sighs) My special skills are art and photography which arn't very useful but I do have quite a long time to learn the language so I actually have a chance. Is JLPT some sort of language test you have to take? Oh and it's cool I actually want to be a teacher

... The only thing is not an english teacher

. I guess I can't be picky though

Everyone thanks for all the help!

Please still talk I just wanted to show my grattitude

Well, I would say you are probably looking at having to join up with the English teacher crowd. It may not be what you want to do, but it is certainly a way for you to get yourself here. I too would recommend you look into the JET program. The pay and benefits are by far the best in the world of entry level English teaching. No special degree in English is necessary either, just a 4 year BA/BS in any subject is fine. You also do not have to have any Japanese ability, but I would highly recommend learning it the best you can to anybody who thinks they want to live here for a while.

Shwah · (#18 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMM

I went through the JET Programme, and I would recommend looking into it.

I was placed in a public high school, and it is common for the English teachers from foreign countries to also help out with clubs they are interested in. You could certainly help out with the photography club at your school.

Ahhh Things are looking up for me. These clubs are extracurricular activities? So it would be like a class but just for fun with trips and events? That wouldn't be too bad. I'm really passionate about photography so even if it is just for fun atleast I would be able to help out/teach the students in a completley relaxed environment.

Once again thanks for all the feedback. It now doesn't seem like an impossible task

typing · (#19 (**permalink**))

Well... Where you go depends on where you get a job.
Where you get a job depends on the method upon which you get a job.

If you come to Japan first (I'd recommend Late February early March) on a work vacation visa you can apply to schools (High/Jr/Elem) and have a job by April. You may get stuck at an Eikaiwa (lots hire around this time too since Juku really kicks up around April) because of a lack of experience.

The more Japanese you speak the Better. If you are really, REALLY Fluent then schools will be more interested in you (like native fluency) you can also get in at jobs like translation, editing, IT, and possibly Trade (Especially if you speak more then just English and Japanese) The more you speak the easier you'll find everything anyways.

Anyway I've got a lot of info up on my Blog if you want to check it out. It has a bunch of job search links, some Eikaiwa reviews and the process I went through to get a job here.

Somewhere over the Ramen Bowl