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10 Comments
Hi Jinhan!
This is Winston, a Singaporean guy studying in one of the local universities back in SG. Just thought of dropping by to say hi because I read your posts and got really impressed by how much you’ve achieved.
Personally, I’m taking JLPT N2 outside of Uni, and have been on a 5 week backpacking trip alone just recently. Anyway, it’s my dream to become more proficient in Japanese as well as to go to Japan on exchange. I would even like to make a bold move of working in Japan for a while after I graduate, but it seems a bit distant at the moment.
So for now I thought of just letting you know how amazing this website is, and how inspired I am by you!
Winston
Hi Winston,
Pardon me as I didn’t even realise I hadn’t responded. Thank you for your message and I hope you’ll make your way here someday.
Heya, Jin Han! How are you? Hope all is well with you.
I’m writing about two things:
First, I’m not sure if I already mentioned to you… but I moved to Tokyo end of August. It’s been a rollercoaster ride but a good one. Thanks for the tips!
The other reason I’m writing is to get your advice about transferring money from Japan to Singapore. Specifically, do you have any advice on transferring money to a POSB/DBS account?
Thanks, Jin Han! =)
Hi Angelo,
This post might give you a better idea on transferring money to a POSB/DBS account. I’m not certain if there are better options and even though I have a Transferwise account, I haven’t actually used it to send any money anywhere yet. Although it charges a 1 percent handling fee, that’s much cheaper than most banks. That’s as much as I can offer for now. Share your experiences if you do try Transferwise.
I didn’t realize it was a comment and wrote a respond post instead =\
Hi Gaijinhan,
I am currently living in Singapore and have always wanted to work in Japan. I saw a job posting on gaijinpot.com which really interests me, but it requires the applicant to have already reside in Japan. Could you please advise on how to make my first move? Do I have to apply for work visa and go to Japan for interviews? Really appreciate your replies! 🙂
Hi Fion,
Unfortunately, I do not know of any way you can get work visa without having an employer in Japan. The procedure to get a work visa is typically to have an employer apply for a CoE (Certificate of Eligibility) for you and you will then have to bring the CoE and your passport to the Japanese embassy in Singapore to receive your visa.
Another option would be to spend time in Japan as a student. That way, you’ll be a resident already and just have to change your visa status after getting work. If you’re alright with contract-based work to begin with, you can try job agencies like Hays Consulting, which is more experienced and willing to help applicants apply for work visa.
Otherwise, your best bet is to put up your strongest resume enough to overshadow other applicants who are already residing in Japan.
Hi Gaijinhan!
Thank you so much! 🙂 I guess I have to find other ways.
Hello Jin Han!
Hope you’re doing fine 🙂
Like most of the comments here, I’m also fixated on doing stuff related to Japan/Japanese culture. Sad thing is I only realized this 2 years back. Sad because I’m turning 34 this year (born in 1983, same age as you haha). I started taking part time Jap classes at Ikoma and will be attempting the JLPT N4 soon.
I very much would like to experience life working and living in Japan, though I’m not sure if I’m actually too old for this..(feeling kinda depressed as I type this :'( )
I like to write and also do funny things like correcting my friend’s company FB posts. So I’m kinda looking at doing translation work, and of course ALT work too (I mean, if it comes in a package, I’m not sure).
Anyway to cut the long story short –
1) Is there such a thing as being too old?
2) Assuming I go the teaching route, do I first take CELTA > apply for a student visa > take up a learning course in, for instance, Yamasa Institute > look for work?
3) Is there *gulp* an age limit for application of a student visa in Japan?
4) Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question. But may I know how did you look for work when nearing the end of your studies?
Sorry for the long post!
Alex
ps – btw I think we have common friends haha, I am Riguang and Tommy’s classmate in poly :p
Hello Alex,
After seeing your comment, I went to Facebook and realized we have more common friends than that!
I like your questions which I think will be very helpful to others who may have the same doubts, so I shall respond to you in a post itself.
Hi Jin Han,
Has your monthly cost of living in Tokyo increased since your last post on this topic? And I would be glad if you could share some money saving tips and hacks.
Thanks!