It’s the time of the year when the fans of Japanese culture, pop and traditional, vie for a chance to spend a year or two living and teaching in Japan. Yes, the JET program application has been opened for a number of weeks now. How long exactly, I do not know but the deadline this year’s going to be on the 1st of December.
A little over a year ago, I took a month of unpaid leave from work and flew all the way to Thailand and did the CELTA course administered by Cambridge ESOL, part of the University of Cambridge all because I wanted to live and teach in Japan. Going up against “native speakers of English” from countries like UK, USA, Australia, NZ, Canada and South Africa, I’d definitely need more than my BA in English Linguistics, I thought. Alternatively, I could join the competition in Singapore and apply for the JET program. That would shrink the competition by a good margin. With my CELTA, I’d probably stand a good chance.
I printed the entire application form, went to my family doctor and got a health check, filled up some 80% of the form and I decided, nope, I’m not going to wait till August to visit Japan. Further, it’s no guarantee that I’d get a place. I abandoned the idea of applying for the JET program, threw the application form away, rejected a permanent contract from my superior and tendered my resignation.
To spare you my boring story, I headed to Japan for 6 months of Japanese language studies from April 2010 and with the Student VISA, I started looking for work towards the end of my studies. To be truthful, getting work with a Student VISA is a lot easier than with a Tourist VISA. The VISA conversion is much less complex and less time consuming. So, today, I am working as an ALT in Japan, not via the JET program, if there is a need to reiterate that point.
Part of the reason in writing this was also because, before I got this job, I was lost like most people (I’m assuming) and I thought that the only way to be an ALT is through JET. Well, at least, the easiest way, because the embassy does most things for you. And honestly, JET ALTs are overpaid and heavily subsidised for almost anything and everything, so you can be certain that you’d return to Singapore with a thick wad of cash to drown your DBS or UOB accounts with. I digress.
At that time, I had hoped that someone somewhere in the world would throw some light on how else I could get my way to Japan as an ALT or something. So, to people who are going for the JET program this round, I wish you all the best and for those who unfortunately miss out on the chance but want to have a wash of Japanese culture over you without waiting for August 2012, here’s some insight.
How to be an ALT in Japan for Singaporeans!
Nah, that’s not true. This is pretty much for anyone but it would sound so much prettier to my fellow countryhuman (not a feminist but giving a shot at verbal hygiene).
So, there are 3 ways to be an ALT in Japan:
1) JET Program (which you already know)
2) Direct employment from schools (which is impossible without references from schools in Japan)
3) ALT Dispatch Companies (this is where you should look)
So, where to find ALT dispatch companies? I teach in Aichi Prefecture and live in Nagoya City (though I don’t actually teach in Nagoya), where there are 4 big players here. Interac, Cosmo, ALTIA and W5. Outside Aichi, there are also big names like Borderlink and RCS. The pay is less than what JET participants get but it really boils down to how much you want to be in Japan. JET participants get ¥3.6 million a year, which is ¥300,000 a month. At the current conversion rate, that’s around SGD$4,800. Non-JET participants like myself get between ¥180,000 ~ 280,000 a month depending on the number of working days. Yes, you get paid by the day. No work = no pay. But at that rate, it’s around SGD$2,900 ~ 4,500. Not that bad, right?
Summer vacation is around 1.5 months long, so you get nothing during that month but alternatively, you can return to Singapore or go for a holiday, that’s if you saved up regularly.
The downside of being here via the JET program is that you are not allowed to engage in activities outside what the JET program requires you to do. That means no part-time work, not that you actually need one given the ridiculously fat paycheck, but that could also mean more difficulty getting other jobs here, if that’s what you intend to do after giving a shot at teaching. If you’re doing it the non-JET way, however, part-time work is not a problem and regardless of the length of your contract, you can get a maximum 3-year Work VISA. The company doesn’t decide. You do! And the good news is, your Work VISA doesn’t get terminated when your contract ends.
The urban legend is that ALTs must know some Japanese language. Sure, companies are happy if you know some Japanese because that way, you’d be able to communicate with the school teachers (not the students!), but I’ve heard some ALTs know no Japanese, so give it a shot anyway.
I hope what little information here is good enough to get you going!
Hey! (Fellow Singaporean ALT here!)
Nice post you’ve put up about landing an ALT position in Japan. Wish I’d come across the different Methods to Become an ALT in Japan last year though. 😛
I took the JET way, and was posted to Shizuoka. (Actually, I’m just 3 hours away from you lah, so if you want some good ol’ Singlish hor, you know where to look.) Just wanted to make a note for those who’re interested in landing an ALT position. JET doesn’t let you choose where you’re located – sure the pay’s good, and the support you get from the helpline’s pretty good as well, but if you’re one of those city dwellers who insist that you get placed in a city… Well, pray hard, and hope your karma serves you well.
That being said, Interac network and JET does tend to post to country-side areas, which can be a boon, or a bane, depending on how you look at it. I personally think that if you do want to experience a different side of Japan, the country-side areas are good – they’re basically places you’d NEVER go to as a tourist. Still, I think that it’s a good experience.
So good luck to all you who are joining the fray this year!
Hey, thanks for the comment. It’s interesting to find another Singaporean ALT here. You can bet Singlish is one thing I miss speaking here since I came. Shizuoka ain’t that bad right, since it’s barely 2 hours from Tokyo and you get Mt. Fuji slapped right in between yourself and Yamanashi. Not forgetting the rides of Fuji-Q Highlands some mid-way up the mountain. I heard that households in some of the areas there get free water too.
I’m actually teaching in a school at the countryside too. Well, at least that’s what the teachers here call it. I’d think ‘suburb’ is more apt. How countryside can it be when it takes no more than 20mins by the local train from Nagoya? You do make a good point about not ever visiting these places if we weren’t working here and frankly, being here has been more than a few notches better than I had thought it’d be.
hi gaijinhan, great blog! =)
i’m a jet hopeful for next year. =)
well, in case it doesn’t get through, i’ll try your method!
i’m keen to take CELTA too.
i’m curious why you choose to go thailand to take the CELTA course?
why not take it at the british council here?
keep writing! will be checking your blog regularly! =)
Hey Mike, thanks for the comment. It’s great to know that the post helped – or could possibly help – in some way.
Well, taking CELTA in Thailand is a lot cheaper than taking it at the British Council in Singapore. I think I’ll write a little about that in my next post, that’ll probably give a little insight to others who may have the same question. =)
ALAMAK. I wish I found your blog earlier because I applied for JET almost out of desperation, thinking that it was the only way to get to Japan and have a job upon touchdown. Which is true, to say the least, but I do see the pros of having a non-JET ALT position. Especially the fact that I probably would want to remain in Japan after my JET contract ends.
However our situations are different; I have a husband who is selflessly game to go with me to Japan even though he speaks no Japanese, is at the peak of his career and has a lot to stay in Singapore for. If I were to go to Japan on a student visa without securing a job he would probably kill me for being naive. Haha. But I’ll show him your blog. It may not sound too incredulous should he see a 見本.
Hope Japan is treating you well! I just returned from Tokyo three days ago. They have decent nasi goreng, bak kut teh and chicken rice in Ebisu (not the Sin Tong Kee but the Hainan Chi-Fan) but the hokkien mee and laksa is like fourth-rate food court standard. The Japanese staff identified us as Singaporean and said they don’t have Singaporean staff so “良かったらここで….”
At least I know where to look if I want to バイト in Tokyo.
Will be keeping tabs on your blog, have a great time ALT-ing in Nagoya 🙂
Hey Lydia,
Thanks for popping by. I must say, a sense of warmth rushed up within me when I read what you said your husband is doing for you. He sounds like a great man and I believe both of you will be blissful no matter where you are.
Japan has been great to me and I love it here, more and more everyday. I was on the train going past Ebisu last week and my friend was saying maybe we should alight there because she’s never been there before but we decided not to because we’ve got no idea if there’s anything there to see (or eat!) and I was going to take the night bus back to Nagoya from Shinjuku in a few hours’ time. Damn, I wish you found my blog earlier too, so I could’ve dropped by and tried the Singapore dishes I miss so much. But all’s not too late, I’ll be sure to pop by the next time I visit Tokyo!
I sincerely wish you all the best in the JET application. For some reason, I really hope you’ll get it. Given that you speak Japanese, your chances of getting it are probably higher too. If you don’t mind, do keep me updated on the result of your application!
thanks for your enlightening post! I for one is desperate for getting an ALT position in Japan, regardless of salary or location. Though the best timing is to start Apr this year and end Mar next year. Sadly, I missed the recent JET application period, and dont want to wait for another 1.5 years to go, so have been spamming resumes via online channels, though they’d probably just disappear into the sea of resumes.. =(
Just wondering, do you know of any ways to get myself an ALT position? thinking whether there’s a need to fly all the way down to those big companies and request for face to face interview to obtain a spot or something.. btw i have JLPT3 certification and currently waiting for N2 results.. thanks!=)
Hi Aoiyuki,
I was wondering if you’d like to share what sites you have been using to send out your resumes? Honestly, given the large number of applicants to almost every teaching job, plus the not-too-distant history of major Eikaiwas like GEOS and NOVA going down (though they have now been revived and repackaged after being bought over by a company called G-communications), the number of floating English language teachers are abundant in this land. Plus, we’d lose out not just because we’re Asian, also because these English teachers who lost their jobs from the closure of their previous companies already have work visas.
If you don’t mind me asking, are you only going for ALT positions or English teaching position in Eikaiwas as well? ‘Cause I don’t wanna be spamming you with unnecessary information.
thanks for your reply! I’m currently trying GaijinPot, but there aren’t too many positions I can apply, as I don’t “already reside in Japan” nor have a driving license. All I have is Bachelor’s degree (and nothing to do with English Language/Studies), and only teaching experience is giving private tuition.
Basically looking at any positions that can enable me to work in Japan, be it ALT or teaching or any other thing =P
I can totally understand the frustration in not “already residing in Japan”. If you’ve got a Singapore driver’s license though, the license part isn’t such a big problem since it can be converted to an International Driving Permit, which only lasts for a year but when you get here, you can go get a Japanese one.
Also, most non-ALT positions don’t require you to have a driver’s license. You can keep looking for ALT positions while looking for non-ALT positions at the same time. You might want to try looking at major schools like AEON or Berlitz too. I don’t know how things are working now but I’ve got a friend who was granted interview with Berlitz some years ago via Skype from Singapore. I think she did good but decided to give it up for some personal reasons.
Since you visit Gaijinpot, you probably know that a company called Gaba often have postings there for people residing overseas only. I don’t want to be suggesting you to try that company since I don’t know much in detail about them but it could be a possible route.
I actually did think about flying over without a work visa and try to apply direct to the schools. Though I didn’t do that in the end, my CELTA trainer from the UK did say it would likely increase your chances as opposed to those who send their mails from home. As a teacher himself at ECC Thailand, he said that they are always looking for teachers and if someone shows up at the door with a resume, he would be more than willing to do an interview on the spot if he’s got the time.
May I ask what your major is? If you’ve got technical skills you may want to try Michael Page. I’ve got a friend who found a finance job in Tokyo via that site and the company doesn’t require her to speak Japanese, although she did already have a student visa. But, no harm trying!
Bests!
thanks for the advise! my major is Chinese. Guess i’m more of a language person, nothing much I can do except teaching..
actually i’m trying Gaba now, even though comments i found on the web ain’t too pleasant. i’m not complaining though.. took a look at the AEON and Berlitz website, seemed like the former doesnt accept applicants from asia, and the latter doesnt accept non-japan-residing people. will update you again if there’s any progress, wish me luck 🙂
If I’m not wrong, you probably read something about the promotion of fraternization in Gaba. I don’t wanna say how true it is because I really do not know though the pay system is a little… hmm… I was partly disturbed by the “Girls be Ambitious, Boys be Audacious” meaning of Gaba but I now realise it really isn’t that sexually connoted. As far as online reviews go, you can mostly use it as a point of reference but not as the truth because anyone can talk about anything on the internet regardless of its trustworthiness.
Anyway, if Berlitz doesn’t accept applicants outside the country, then I guess it’s a no. As for AEON, a look at their site may reveal that they do not have recruitment exercises in countries outside the US, Canada, UK and Australia but I think you can still go for it because I’m actually teaching part-time at AEON. Not exactly at the school itself but for the corporate division. I do know that they have teachers outside these 4 countries, and me being a Singaporean is a testament that they do not not hire Asians (note the two “nots” are intentional). It’s just that they don’t hold recruitment exercises outside the countries mentioned.
Keep trying and keep me updated! Lucks!
I just went for the JET interview and became totally depressed because I blew it up big time. Reading this makes me feel so much better:)
I will make my way to Japan, one way or other!
Thanks so much for posting this!!:)
Hi Ah Le,
I’m glad that my post is encouraging for you (although you didn’t say it was). Hahaha… I just assumed but I like your energy.
Make your way here, one way or another. Please do not give up and if you’ve got any questions, I’ll try my best to answer to the best of my knowledge.
i see, thanks! will try AEON then.. by the way, if you are on facebook, mind adding me? you’ve got my email address right 🙂
I just read this and I think you’re pretty amazing! I’m feeling rather inspired now. I really want to work and live in Japan and that’s pretty much what I’ve decided right now. However, like you said, it’s pretty hard to actually figure out how, for a Singaporean.
I’m actually looking to work in Japan – teaching is probably a viable option. JET rejected my application a few months ago and my Japanese isn’t good enough for a CIR application. It’s going to be at least another year and a half before I get to go to Japan, if I ever find my way into the JET that is.
I only have a degree in Mass Comms, so I was wondering if I should take a CELTA, or TESOL. I’ve read elsewhere that a TEFL (online at that) would probably do for Japan but I’m not sure if it’s just because they are “native” speakers.
Additionally, I would love to study Japanese in Japan so the Yamasa Institute seems like a good option. However, like you mentioned, it does seem pretty pricey.
I guess I’ll make my way there someday, I just don’t know how or when, yet. Ugh. ):
hi! not jinhan but thought i’d give you my two cents since i’m a) ALSO A MASS COMM GRADUATE :DDD and b) have taken TESOL. i am an alternate for JET, by the way. still waiting for replies and not keeping my hopes up; JET tends to favour MOE teachers (who are applying left right centre and spoiling the market :P).
anyway, for TESOL, i took it at British Education Centre (now located in Club Street). While the lessons are dry, I find that the teachers really know what they’re doing and are very concerned over your learning. there’s also a practicum, which really taught me a lot, much more than all the theory lessons. you are tasked to come up with first a 15-minute lesson plan, then a 45-minute lesson plan, and there will be at least two times you get to stand in front of a class before you carry out a lesson with actual foreign students. it was nerve-wrecking but my prof was really encouraging and was able to give me very constructive feedback. i really think the $2000 odd was worth it, just for that practicum. haha.
i reckon both TESOL and CELTA are widely accepted and recognised overseas. also, the TESOL at British Education Centre is relatively cheaper than the CELTA here. mind you, the school is not paying me to do this, i just feel that i’ve benefited a lot from my learning. ah, and my prof even wrote one of the letters of recommendation needed for JET; during my interview i was asked about what i had learnt, since he included the modules that the TESOL cert covered in his letter.
sorry for barging in! 😛 (ninjas out)
Hi! Thanks for this! 😀
That was actually very very useful. I think I might go take up lessons there instead because yes, $5000 is really more than a bit daunting!
Thanks a lot 🙂
I hope you get to go Japan!
Hi J,
Lydia’s right. TESOL and CELTA are recognised almost anywhere but I’d hold my thought on online TEFL courses. For one, TESOL is awarded by Trinity College London while CELTA is awarded by Cambridge ESOL, part of the University of Cambridge. The credibility of TEFL courses is, on the other hand, murky. Much less online TEFL courses.
If your purpose in getting the TEFL cert is just a bet on improving your chances in getting a teaching job, then I’d say go ahead though I don’t know how much it can help but if you really wanna learn the art of teaching, having practical lessons is really going to help you a lot. I shall not go into the details of my CELTA course mainly due to my laziness. My apologies for that, but your intention to get a teaching cert suggests that you are more than just talking about wanting to be in Japan, so I hope what I say here and Lydia’s suggestion can help you achieve that.
All the best!
Hi gaijinhan, I just wanna let you know I’m really glad I found your blog. I really need your help. I have two main concerns. First is expenses. I don’t really have much savings and my current job doesn’t really allow me to save either. How did you manage to get by 6 months without a job in Japan? (Anyway which school did you go to?)
Secondly, I don’t have a degree. Do I need one in order to go there? I know it’s obvious since it will be needed for job mobility but I’m just asking so I can plan my education better.
I understand you’re probably busy and can’t reply so soon but please do add me on FB if you have an account!
お願いします!!
Hi Amber,
Thank you for leaving a message. Well, I actually managed to save a decent amount from my previous job back home, probably because I also spent a good amount of time working as a freelancer before I went full time. So, as a freelancer, I worked from home, which means that I didn’t have transportation expenses to pay for. All I had to pay for were my meals which came up to no more than $500 a month. Most of the time, I could get by with a little over $300.
If you study here for more than 3 months, you would require a student visa. In which case, you will be able to apply for another visa that allows you to perform activities outside your student visa. But you can only apply for that after you get your student visa and arrive in Japan.
I went to The Yamasa Institute in Aichi prefecture. It’s located in Okazaki. People call it rural but I really think it’s leaning a little more to a suburb.
No, you don’t need a degree to study here but you may need one to work here. There are alternatives but it’s really difficult, though not impossible. First, most companies look for people with at least a degree. Second, even if they don’t, it is unlikely your work visa will be granted unless you have at least 5 years’ work experience in a related field (preferably a specialised line). I’ve heard about a guy who has 2 or 3 companies willing to hire him but the immigration rejected all his applications for the work visa because he doesn’t have a degree. But don’t feel dejected because all is not impossible. I have a friend who has got no degree either but she’s worked in that line for 5 years exactly and got granted her work visa. Also, like I wrote in another entry, I didn’t fulfill the requirements my current employer requires but they still hired me all the same and I’m really thankful. So don’t give up!
Thanks for your reply and your add on FB, Jin Han! I wish I had met someone with valuable insights like you earlier!
I think I will get a degree first, seems easier that way.
I don’t mind rural or suburb areas. It will be a refreshing change from living in city life all the time. Besides, Tokyo is congested!
Looks like you’re really enjoying yourself!! Hope I can join you soon!
No problem!
I forgot to mention that the visa that allows you to perform activities outside what your student visa allows actually grants you permission to do part-time work only and a maximum of 4 hours a day and maybe 28 hours a week or something, if I didn’t remember it wrong. And yes, I agree Tokyo is way too crowded! Also, I really am enjoying myself!
Anyhow, all the best for your pursuit in the degree. It’s gonna take at least a year or two right? So hopefully I’ll still be here then. ^^
Hi jinhan, just wanted to tell you I am glad to find your blog too! I have actually been accepted by JET this year but had to give it up because the placement wasn’t what I had expected. It was very sad for me because all seemed to have come to nought after all my efforts for the past years. Feeling rather lost. I wanted to go take a 6-month Japanese course in Japan too but it seems like the intake is in Spring and I missed the Fall semester application date. Can’t imagine having to wait till next Apr.
I have just sent an application to Interac. Will be trying AEON. I am an English Language and Literature major and recently completed a TESOL cert. However, I do not have teaching experience. Sigh…Hopefully, the application can catch someone’s eye.
Hi morningsun,
It’s a pity that you had to give JET up after going through so much. I’ve seen the application forms and I think it’s really a lot of work to just fill that in. What more you went through all the submission, interview processes and what not. Were you placed somewhere near Tohoku region?
Where do you intend to study Japanese? Some schools take in students anytime of the year.
Also, if you don’t mind, do let me know how things turn out with your job hunt, especially if it’s with Interac. ‘Cause I haven’t met anyone with Interac yet.
I think I wrote it in a later entry but you should give ALTIA Central a shot. Somehow I feel you’ll have a better chance with them than Interac.
Thanks for the note, jinhan. I was not really posted to Tohoku but too close enough for my preference. You know, I have been comparing the costs of taking a 1-year Japanese course in a private university and a Japanese Language institution. I found that the costs are actually quite comparable. I know that universities such as Keio, Waseda, Nagoya and Ritsumeikan all offer 1-year course for under 900,000 Yen. Quite a number of Japanese Language institutions are offering such courses at higher costs and there are so many of them I seriously have no idea which one to go for.
My inclination is to choose one of the universities because I may just want to proceed to Graduate studies but the downside is the application process for entrance to Japanese universities is so convoluted. Most require essays or DVD recordings of me reading a passage or doing a self-intro and letters of recoomendation. I should say the forms are as complex as the JET application form I filled in last year. I am not sure if I should be applying to a few universities or just one. I have sort of learnt my lesson with putting all the eggs in one basket, as with JET…
HI,
I want to take my chance to work in japan if I’m given the opportunity but I’m weak in English langauge so, ATL may not be the best job for me. Other than holding a degree, I do not have any special skill. I wonder what else I can do in Japan. Any suggestion will be deeply appreciated.
Hi Lynise,
Thanks for dropping by. Well, I don’t know everything and I definitely don’t want to sound like I do but I’ll try to give my cent’s worth (it’s not even 2 cents).
I think having a degree puts you in a very good position as most companies look for degree holders and more importantly, the immigration almost doesn’t grant work visas to people without one.
It really depends on what your major was and what you want to do.
I have friends (Singaporeans) working here in the IT line, teaching line and in the construction industry (not the actual construction work of course). Their major differs and in fact, one of them doesn’t even hold a degree but she has had at least 5 years of work experience in the same field, which was why her work visa was granted.
There are various job hunting sites on the internet where you can try sending your resumes out to. If you need help on where these sites are, let me know again but I’m sure you can google an entire list of them.
Bests!
Btw, I’m a fellow singaporean. ^^
Thanks for the Info gaijinhan. It really helps shed some light on the problem. Ha..
Initially, I was kind of depressed thinking that I have zero chance working in Japan. After hearing what you have said, I feel I have a better chance now. It would be great if you could point out where those sites are. TIA.
Btw, I am working on getting my JLPT N2. Upon passing N2 I believed it would increase my chance in landing a job in Japan. ^_^
Hi Lynise
Always a pleasure to be of help.
You may be able to find more than I already know but anyhow, here are some of the sites that I can remember:
1) Gaijinpot http://www.gaijinpot.com
2) Daijob http://www.daijob.com
3) Career Cross http://www.careercross.com
4) Tsubasa Inc. http://www.tsubasainc.net
5) B-Cause http://www.b-cause.co.jp
6) Micheal Page http://www.michaelpage.co.jp
7) Human Resocia resocia.jp
If you’ve read some of the other entries, you’d come to understand that things can at worst be very very difficult but almost never impossible. No matter how close the chance is to zero, it’s never zero.
And that means, go for it. You never know when that one-tenth of a percentage might happen.
Bests!
Hello Jin Han, I chanced by this post when I was surfing the net for Japan-related jobs, and was surprised to find so many replies on this post. Many of the replies describe similar situations I am facing and your answers to them gave me hope to continue finding what I wish to find.
Well, for me, I didn’t have an English degree (mine was Mass Comm), and no ESL teaching experience. But I applied to JET last year and got a position of Alternate, thus didn’t get to go to Japan. I also did a TEFL (online) and a TESOL (with teaching practicum) from LTTC, which I was told to be recognized.
I applied to Gaba recently and got through the first four rounds of selection. However to my dismay, I failed the last round, which included the teaching demonstration done via phone. I have also been applying to many positions, via gaijinpot.com, jobsinjapan.com, dave’s esl cafe, and hokkaido insider, but very few came back. Of those who came back, the reply is usually the same – either they require me to fly in for a face-to-face interview (I can’t because shortage of cash) or that I do not have experience, or they prefer someone with work visa.
I also explored the possibility of doing graduate studies in Japan (my area of interest is cultural studies), but very few universities offer such course, and for those that do, a high proficiency of Japanese is required to read it.
Anyway, for your course in Japanese language at the Yamasa institute, what exactly do you learn in the course? Since it is only 6 months, I assume it is not a course that teaches you from the basics to the advanced right? Also, any advice you can give on my situation? I’m not sure if I should continue to send resumes or should I get a teaching job locally to gain experience first before venturing out again (and probably apply for JET next year).
Thanks for your great blog nevertheless.
Just wanted to let japancolours know that Ritsumeikan University is accepting applications for their Study In Kyoto Program, an intensive language program and the deadline is 30 oct, end of this month. It could be a way to live, study and eventually work in japan.
Hey morningsun,
Thanks for sharing!
Kyoto sounds like a great place to be in. =)
Hi,
The course at Yamasa does teach students from zero to advanced levels but that would span around 2 years (max).
There are various courses offered by the different divisions there but I enrolled for the AIJP (Academic Intensive Japanese Program). In this course, you can opt to do a minimum of 3 months (1 term) or a maximum of 2 years. I chose to do 6 months and of course they have the placement test to decide which level to put you at. So, I didn’t start from zero and I sort of finished the AIJP course.
I think it’d be really difficult if you’re unable to fly in for interviews though not impossible. Since there’s no surefire way to secure work here, I can’t really say what you should do at this moment. If you think doing X is going to help you get what you ultimately want, then I’d say go for it.
thanks morningsun! Wow, two semesters cost about 20k … looks like I gotta get some employment somewhere first to save up this amount …. perhaps in two years maybe …
Hi gaijinhan,
I was on the verge of giving up my dream of working in Japan, as I do not posses a degree. Fortunately I found your blog, it really gave me the motivation to continue but I have a few questions before liaising with British Council.
1) I realized the better way out would be teaching, if I compare to my designing field but I’m stuck. As in, it will be good to have a degree, or even better if I have a degree in English language. I’ve read the previous posts and noticed the topic about British Council offering TEFL, but I couldn’t find details such as course fees, etc, please enlighten me.
2) What are the requirements that I will need if I apply through JET? The Japan embassy website merely ask me to send my request but did not state the requirements.
I’m very sorry for telling such a long story and might had even asked some stupid questions. Please kindly enlighten me as I really really want to work in Japan and be drown in their culture.
Wayne
Hi Wayne,
Thanks for dropping by.
Do not worry about asking questions. I do not think they are stupid.
But before I answer your questions, I would like to know if you’re Singaporean because your IP address suggests you’re in Hong Kong, in which case, I may be unable to provide an accurate answer.
Hi gaijinhan,
I’m Singaporean, I was using my office computer earlier on and the server is situated in Hong Kong.
Hi Wayne,
Well uhm… first, here’s the link. You can see the CELTA course details from this page.
Second, I hope you don’t mind but please allow me to make a small comment. The thing is, I wouldn’t recommend teaching if you’re not interested in teaching. I mean yea, there are a lot of ways to get to your goals and sometimes you have to make detours and do things you don’t like before getting to it. Teaching is not one of them. I feel that you have to enjoy and like teaching to be able to do it. But of course, it’s your choice.
As for the JET program. All the requirements are written on the Singapore Japanese Embassy website. Visit the site again. You should be able to find it.
One of the requirements to be a JET participant is having a Bachelor’s, so whether you are looking to teach or not, you’d need to have either a degree or at least 5 years experience in a relevant specialized field.
I hope I’ve provided the answer you’re looking for. Lucks!
hi gaijinhan,
thanks a lot for your guidance. I’m looking into teaching because I somehow like that kind of satisfaction when I managed to make my japanese friends speak better english 🙂
By the way, is there any specific degree that I’m supposed to get? I scored B3 for English during my Os and I’m very worried that I cannot get through CELTA’s write-in interview… What do you think?
Hi,
There is no requirement on the majors you have to have. Please go read the information on the Japanese Embassy site. Everything is written there.
I don’t think I am in the position to make an assumption on whether you are able to pass the interview and I feel that you shouldn’t seek my opinion on this but if it helps, I got a C5.
hi gaijinhan,
Thanks a lot for your reply. I’ll give it a try.
Hi gaijinhan,
I believe you’re the owner of this blog?
I must admit that reading your blog has certainly given me hope and filled me with inspiration.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could review my plans and give your advice on it.
Much like you, I too am a fellow Singaporean who has a similar dream of one day working and living in Japan. I am currently working in Singapore, stuck in a recruitment job (for the money, going to change soon), taking a part-time Japanese Language course (N3 Level only) while saving money to take that big leap of faith !
I spent a few years in the UK, got a BSc from a University there, English is my first language and I have plans to take the TESOL Diploma course offered by the Training Centre here very soon.
I read somewhere in your blog that you took a 6 month Japanese course in Japan before actually applying for a teaching job there. This has indeed sparked my interest as I have noticed from browsing the online Japan job portals that many jobs have a “must currently be residing in Japan” or “permit to work in Japan” prerequisite, and this seems like an excellent way to satisfy one of those requirements. Which Japanese language school did you attend for this 6 month course? Was it The Yamasa Institute?
Most of the schools I have looked up/been recommended seem to only conduct 1 year+ courses or shorter courses ranging from 3 week to 12 weeks. The cost of the 1 year course average in at about 700,000 JPY for the School Fees only, not counting accommodation/living costs. These Schools are in Tokyo/Osaka/Sapporo. I am intrigued, how did you manage the accommodation/living cost ? Or did you just have a lot of savings? 🙂
Regarding this visa status, I am actually rather confused about the whole situation. Did you go to Japan on a Tourist visa and converted it to a Student visa while in Japan? Or did you apply for the Student visa back in Singapore first before leaving? How long was your visa valid for ? Is it realistic to be able to job hunt while on a Student visa? Isn’t time rather limited? Appreciate any advice you’re willing to provide on the visa status.
Thank you!
YG
Hi YG,
Thanks for dropping by. You flatter me. I don’t think I’m in the position to review but I’m certainly glad to offer my 2 cents worth.
Honestly, like you said, studying here was the way I took to satisfy that “residing in Japan” criteria. Yes, I did the course at The Yamasa Institute and they offer the regular classes in 3-month blocks. Each level lasts for 3 months so you can choose whichever duration suits you. Of course they’ve got other courses that go by bi-weekly blocks, which I wouldn’t recommend given your purpose of coming over. I did a 6-month course which cost me 400,000+ JPY for the tuition fee and about the same amount for the accommodation. That set me back by almost a million yen but all that’s left was living expenses. I used up almost all my savings just for that without guarantee of a job but thankfully I managed to be still around. So yea, I did save up quite a bit. For a period of two years, my monthly expenditure averaged $400 and the rest went into my savings. But those savings are history now. I’m starting from scratch here.
Regarding visa, there’s quite a bit I feel I need to share here. As you may already know, Singaporeans get 90-day tourist visa to Japan. This means, you don’t need a student visa if you’re just gonna be studying for 3 months. In which case, even if you are residing here as a student, holding a tourist visa is as good as not residing in Japan because you are not required to be registered as a resident and you’re technically a tourist. If you register to study here for a student visa, you must get the student visa in Singapore before you fly over. The school will inform you of the relevant documents necessary for application and they will do it for you. The Yamasa Institute offered me a 15-month visa even though I only registered for a 6-month course.
Many people I met at the school did their job hunting on a student visa. It definitely is more realistic than hunting on a tourist visa. Companies are more willing to hire you if you’ve already been screened for a residential visa. Yes, time was limited but like the many people I met at the school, a lot are still here, working. So it’s not impossible and definitely not a rare case. On the other hand, the little time I had pushed me to work hard to look for jobs. When I had to move out of the school accommodation to a place with no Internet connection, I visited the Internet cafe almost on a daily basis just so I could send resumes and check my email to see whether anyone is offering me an interview. Internet cafe’s kinda expensive to me though but I was lucky to meet great people.
And if you ever do get to come here on a student visa, don’t fly out of the country without applying for a re-entry permit because if you do that, your visa gets cancelled and all your efforts go down the drain.
I don’t know what else to share but anytime you’ve got a question, feel free to leave a message.
Cheers!
Hi gaijinhan,
Thanks for the quick reply!
You pretty much cleared up the visa question, sans one more question below.
I guess you convert the student visa to a working visa once you get a job offer in Japan? Does this have to be full-time? Or will regular part-time fulfill it?
I read that people on student visas can apply to do part-time jobs; 4 hours a day, 28 hours a week. Did you take up a part-time job and was it easy to get the permission? 😡
I do apologize for the numerous questions that i have!
I was calculating some figures and it did work out to around that; 400,000+ yen for 6 months tuition fee and the same amount for the accommodation. I’m glad to see that my estimate was not that far off ! One question i have though, did you have to show confirmation of your bank account balance when you were applying to be a student in Japan? One Japanese school i emailed with some inquiries said that i had to show I had about 1,800,000 yen in my bank account. I did make inquiries about both a 6 month and a 1 year course though.
Lastly, I will be taking the TESOL Diploma here in Singapore. Honestly speaking, is it completely necessary to have prior teaching experience to get a full-time teaching job in Japan? CELTA does look like a good certificate to have, but the cost is fairly significant, especially when you’re trying to save for this big leap of faith!
I’m interested to know what else you would recommend to someone in my shoes.
Thanks again!
YG
Hello YG,
I’m an English teacher in Singapore, working my way to teaching in Japan! I graduated with a TESOL Diploma just last year. Did it in Singapore. It was really good and the instructor was really experienced. You can give it a try. The name of the school is Impart Learning Pte Ltd (6338 5756). The instructor is Mr. Brian Pereira. Mention my name and he will know. Have fun! 😀
Cheers,
Si Wei
Hi,
Yes, you have to have a company willing to hire you full-time before you can get your work visa.
No company will go through the trouble of visa application just to get a part-time worker.
I did get the permission to do part-time jobs with stipulated hours like what you listed but I didn’t do any part-time work then.
As long as you have a student visa, you can get the permission. I don’t think there’s any chance of rejection. Just go down to the city hall and apply. You can get it the same day you apply for it.
Yes, you do have to send an official bank statement to the schools as proof of your financial ability to sustain a living during your time there.
An official bank statement from POSB costs around $25, if I didn’t remember wrongly. And no, you can’t just photocopy your bank book or print your internet banking screen on paper. It has to be issued by the bank.
The only teaching experience I had before coming over was home tuition, which I don’t think is that big a deal. Of course I did teaching practices during the CELTA course but I don’t suppose 8 of those would count so much as a teaching experience either. So I would say no, it is not necessary to have prior teaching experience although having one would likely raise your chances of employment.
No particular recommendation is coming to mind now but if you’ve got further questions I can help answer, feel free to ask.
Bests,
A bit late, but just to drop a note to YG that you may be able to get away with getting the bank to give you a (free) bank balance slip. If I recall correctly, UOB has such an official slip (with the logo and everything), and 2 of the 3 universities I applied to accepted it in lieu of a letter of guarantee.
Si Wei,
Thanks a lot for that ! Interesting, I did not know that the Diploma course was offered outside of the TESOL Training Centre down in Cecil St.!
I am going to give them a ring tomorrow.
gaijinhan,
Sorry about that funny face in the previous post! I have absolutely no idea how that crept in there. Thank you yet again for the valuable insight which you have provided me with. I was quite worried that prior teaching experience in an actual school classroom would be necessary, but it appears otherwise.
Thank you again!
Don’t worry about it. I actually didn’t notice the face until you mentioned it.
i’m really inspired by your story and hope you can give me some insights on working towards this industry in Japan ^^
i’m 19 this year and has always wanted to work and live in Japan.
i always wanted to try a teaching or a translation job.
i have dropped out of poly (Biz course) as i have little interest in working in Singapore.
i am considering to sign up for TESOL private diploma where i hope i can work on my English.
do you know of any English teaching/linguistics degree that i can pursue with this diploma or is there any other route that is suitable for me as i only have O’ levels?
thank you~
Hello,
Thank you for your sharing.
I’m actually planning seriously to go to Japan this August. I’ve been sending resumes through e-mails and have not yet gotten a reply yet though. I have been considering going over to Japan to work for years now, and I do have JLPT 2. I would really like to use my Japanese skills, coupled with my English skills to teach the kids in Japan in a way that is easier to understand.
If i do not get anything from here, I will go to Japan in August with a tourist VISA and look for work. I guess that is the next best thing for me.
I guess if there is a will, there is a way. I believe I am going to be able to convince at least someone to be willing to hire me for my skills, and my dedication.
Hope all goes well.
Please give me some advice, if you have any.
Greatly appreciated!
Oh, and I have a degree in communications too.
Hi there. Really nice article you have posted up there. Appreciate all the useful information you have given. It has always been a dream to work and live in Japan. I’ve been studying the Japanese language here in Singapore for about a year plus, coming to my 2nd year. I understand that there is a number of ways to get around the JET program and securely land a job in Japan. However, just an enquiry, is it really necessary to have a BA Degree to secure a job in Japan?
Thanks, I look forward to your reply.
Regards,
Firdhaus
Hi Firdhaus,
Thank you for the message. No, it’s not necessary to have a Bachelor’s degree to get a job here.
I definitely wrote it somewhere in the blog though I don’t remember where, but companies typically hire people with having a Bachelor’s as the basic requirement since work visa is normally granted to people with at least university education. But! I also wrote that there are exceptions. The exception is that if you have at least 5 years’ working experience in a specialised field or 10 years working experience in a non-specialised field, you can still be granted the work visa.
Hi,
Thank you for your reply. I appreciate it. Yes, after going through your what you have written, you did write about the educational requirements issue. Thanks for clearing that out. For now, I need contacts/sources where I can begin my gradual, yet hopefully substantial, process in getting a job in Japan. Will you be my guide for this? Like help me out with what websites to look out for, tips and advice, etc.
Your attention is greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Firdhaus
With the mass migration of foreigners from Japan last year post tsunami, English schools are quite desperate for teachers. I understand their strict 4 year college grad criteria has dropped to a 2 yr degree in anythng. Heaps of ALT jobs in Tokyo. ie setup a job alert on http://www.alttokyo.com or check Tokyo classifieds, or other online Japan blogs. Sallery has not changed though, dont expect to get rich on 250,000 yen/month as an alt.
Hi there,
thank you for sharing this blog post with everyone! I just returned from an interview at a Japanese retail shop in Singapoe (I’m Singaporean) and am feeling extremely discouraged ):
I have just graudated this year with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science, and when I found out about the JET Programme, I was really excited and all set to apply for the 2013 JET ALT. However, I lack the teaching experience. People have been telling me that you may have the passion to want to live in Japan and work there, and help the kids there with English, but then again, so many other people out there (even in sunny Singapore) have the same dream as you. What makes you so sure you can stand out, what more with your lack of experience etcetc… ): even for the interview I had just gone for (literally, just), I feel like all my plans are in limbo. My original plan was to work at the shop for a good half a year, while waiting for the first round of JET results to be released in Feb. However, I was told that my level of Japanese is gonna make it very tough to communicate with the bulk of Japanese customers at the shop. (I’m only gonna be taking N5 in dec this year).
I was wondering, do you have any advice as to a plausible backup plan that I may have? For example, what are the recommended agencies to apply to to become an ALT not via the JET route. Also, would you suggest doing a Master’s in Japan? Are fees exhorbitant (I’m guessing so :X) Any advice/help you could dish out would mean alot to me!
Thank you so much everyone! (: and I wish all of you the best in whatever you’re doing now!!
Hi there,
I just happened to see this comment, so I thought I will also give some comments, if you don’t mind. I was once inspired like you to go to Japan and become an ALT, and asked the author of this blog tons of questions, and now I’m here, teaching in Japan. My advice would be, if you want to take part in the JET Programme, show them (in your SoP and during your interview) that you meant business. Some people join the programme so that they can travel, but what they want are people who really possess the passion and has what it takes to work in Japan and assimilate into Japan’s life. Teaching experience, if any, will be a bonus. But I have known JETs who got in without any teaching experience at all. Also, I have known JETs who can’t speak Japanese at all. So I would say, if that is what you want, then go all out for it! All the best!
– a 2012 Singapore JET
Hi simkimchi,
I am a reader of this blog and I just wanted to share with you my views. I didn’t have any teaching experience either when I applied for JET but I was still selected. Although I did not take up the offer in the end due to personal reasons, I feel that you should give it a try. You could build up your teaching experience while waiting for the interview. Even taking up tuition assignments could help to show your interest in teaching. As for me, I took up relief teaching assignments, and did a TESOL cert course and I talked about them during the interview.
I am currently studying Intensive Japanese in Kyoto. It is indeed very costly to study and live here. I had initially thought that I could get a part-time job here but till now, because of my limited proficiency in speaking (my level is between N2 and N3), I couldn’t get a part-time job. Neither could I find an English teaching job (even though I hold an NUS degree in English and English Literature and a TESOL cert) because the preference seemed to be for native speakers.
I have sent out a number of job applications so far to major teacher recruitment agencies here and didn’t receive any news at all. Nevertheless, I believe everyone’s situation is different so you can give it a try. I will still strongly encourage you to do your best to get into JET though.
In my view, JET is the best way to come to Japan to work.
Best regards,
Morning Sun
I think gaijinhan san you left out one very important info.
For people who like to follow in gaijin san’s footsteps to come over to Japan first by a student visa and then find work from here, it may sound easier to you, it did to me too. But in fact this is not the case.
From what I know, before you can even qualify for the student visa, the Japanese Immigrations Bureau will require you to submit a statement of financial standing, which clarifies you have the necessary funds in your account to support your school fees as well as living expenses cost in Japan during your studies there.
And to qualify for the student visa, one must at least study 6 months on more in Japan. Depending on the type of accomodation you choose, the very least you have to show you have at least 1 million yen, estimate SGD 15,000 (excluding air ticket and moving costs) to the Japanese Immigrations before they grant you your visa. If you study Tesol or Celta, thats an additional SGD 3000 gone !!
When I knew about this, I immediately froze in trying to even apply for studies in Japan.
That is a serious heck lot of money to put into a 6 months course with no guarantee you can land a job there. Normal Singaporeans drawing normal salaries will take at least a full year to save up that amount.
I can only imagine just how much $ gaijin san poured into this and it was good that he succeeded. But even so, he has to start working and saving from scratch.
But if you dont succeed in scoring a job there by 6 mths, you’re basically screwed, and have to come back to SG without a dime. So one has to think carefully and weigh his options whether are you prepared to take the risk? Is it worth it?
I guess the only person who can give you that answer is yourself.
Hi, GaijinHan, just wanted to check, is it necessary to have a degree to be able to take the Celta Course?
And if say it is possible, after passing the Celta Course, am I able to teach as an ALT?
Thanks!
Hi Maurice,
No I do not believe you have to have a degree to take the CELTA Course and frankly, it is not a requirement to be an ALT. Most ALTs I know have no teaching qualifications.
Hello! In my desperate attempt to find my way to get to Japan and start my life there, I found your page! I am a fellow Singaporean too! I read through most of the comments, even checked out the links and Ritsumeikan University ( I am keen on the ‘Study in Kyoto” program. However…. I am still rather clueless… Thing is I would rather secure a job first before the spot in the uni. I am a MOE trained teacher. I tried checking out most of the links I found here. Unfortunately, most require me to be presently residing in Japan. I have been on my com for a few days now, however, quite amazingly, still lost as ever. Please help me! What should I do first? Please do not read this and smack your forehead! Please!!! Tasukete kudasai!! Onegaishimasu!
Hi Usagi,
Thank you for your comment. Even after reading it a number of times, I’m still as confused, if not more. Are you looking to study here or work here?
Hahaha my bad Gaijinhan! Please allow me to me clear things up a little (However, my situation has changed a little now!) I want work in Japan. I wanted to do what you did and get there as a student and then look for an ALT job. I wanted help on the proceduer to apply for the visa and secure accommodation. However, I then realized, (after posting the comment) that I don’t have sufficient funds to meet the minimum amount required to apply for the student visa (SGD 15,000 ). So now, I am applying to quite a few ALT positions; mainly on GaijinPot. I do not know if there is a way around it (minimum amount required). If there is do let me know! Thanks for your reply Gaijinhan! I wish you the best of everything!
Hi Suhanthi,
Not a problem. I didn’t know there’s a minimum amount required to apply for student visa. I’ve only heard of the need to have sufficient funds to sustain your living expenses and the course to which you are applying. Never really heard of such a specific amount.
Anyway, there are lots of different ways I guess. I know a girl who had a student visa here and upon completion of her studies, she actually flew back to Singapore for a bit before coming back to Japan on a tourist visa to look for a job. And you if read the other comments by some readers, they’ve done a number of interviews just by applying from Singapore as well. And I’m not lying when I said a number of them have made it here.
Bests to you.
Hey Gaijinhan! I’m back! I could use your input on this. I have applied to a number of ALT positions; I even got a couple of interviews lined up next week. However, as I went on line read reviews to try and wrap around the whole ALT job, taxes, rent and stuff, I keep running into all the negative reviews in the world! People keep describing it as the worst job on the planet (next to to an Eikawa). I am not too sure if these are just comments & reviews of young pampered kids or if it really is something bad. I hear foreigners are expected to pay 15% in taxes monthly. That plus rent should take away quite a chunk. Most ALT positions offer 250,000 yen and below; is this enough to live comfortably in Japan. By comfortably I do not mean cab rides, restaurant dinners and high-teas! I mean is it going to be a pay-check to paycheck deal?I hope you don[‘t mind the questions. It;s just that I would rather listen to a fellow Singaporeans honest review! Also, Gaijinhan, you planning to stay in Japan or do you have plans to come back home?
Hi Usagi,
I’m glad you shared your doubts with me.
Frankly, I’ve never had any such negative experiences and none of the people I know do.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the negative situations I’ve heard are all problems with the ALTs themselves instead of the school.
I’m not saying that is true of the entire country. Some of the stories may be true, but based on what little experience (and I emphasize little) I have, I do not think that is a cause for worry.
The negative stories you read on Eikaiwas were probably true though and they may still be, but I believe the situation has changed for the better.
The ridiculous amount of overtime work by teachers (e.g. Aeon) has been controlled by newly erected labor laws. The none payment of salaries by schools (e.g. Nova, Geo) has been dealt with when both schools went bankrupt and was bought over by a company called G Communications. But then again, these are just the really huge and famous schools. The same problem may still be in existence but I can’t say for sure since I have no idea.
Most teachers don’t earn 250,000 yen a month. They probably earn less. And no, not only foreigners are expected to pay 15% in taxes monthly, as long as you are working, regardless of whether you are a foreigner or not, you have to pay taxes every month which will be taken off your pay. Also, with the recovery effort, the government has passed another tax for the recovery purposes.
All in all, I don’t get to save much, but I don’t have to scrimp and save either.
I think if you can get 250,000 per month, it’s pretty decent to get by.
I hope this information helps.
Hi Gaijinhan! Thanks for your reply! At least now I will prepare for the interview wholeheartedly! I have been a little troubled recently with all the negative reviews I have been running into. I do not intend to get to Japan to make my fortune or plan for retirement. I just want to get to Japan. Live there. Work there. Make a life there. I am not too sure for how long; but I just want to get there. Thanks for your advice! Now I hope I’d clear the interviews! By the way, I didn’t get contacted by the bigger players; some of the dispatch companies contacted me. OWLS (a whole load of bad reviews about them!) and a Kindergarten. Now I am keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed!
Hmm, I have no idea about OWLS so I think you should take the necessary precautions.
But if you’re game enough to give it a shot, maybe you could share your experiences after being there.
Bests,
Sure will! I will keep you posted! 🙂 I hope it works out!
Hi Gaijinhan! I hope all is well with you! I have a few more questions. Ok so I have had 3 interviews so far. I am really not keen on a position with OWLs (they seem reaaaaally shady). I had an interview with G. NOVA too. Thing is their deal is a little worrying. They offer about 260,000JPY, however you get 10 paid leave per year (after 1st 6th months), 5 day work, must work on weekends, no Public Holidays, no sick days, if you do not work there is no pay, and whole bunch of crap about relocation based on needs. I am a concerned because I really want to pursue Japanese language studies in Japan. I am hoping to eventually get into the translation line. Not so much just for employment but cos I really want to learn Japanese. I can read & write Hiragana & Katakana fine; I can’t do Kanji yet though. I can understand Japanese better than I can speak it. But I am at conversational level. With a schedule like what NOVA is offering, would I be able to take a breath and experience Japan and be able to learn Japanese effectively (and affordably)? Do you think I am better off with a ALT job than an Eikawa job given my situation? I could really use your opinion!
Hi Usagi,
First, sick leave is virtually non-existent in any company in Japan although I did have that benefit when I was with the Board of Education.
5-day work + must work on weekends is basically standard fare for language schools. That’s about the only time students are available for lessons.
I do not understand what the “if you don’t work, there is no pay” deal is. Do you mean per day? In that case, you’re probably paid by the hour and the 260,000 yen a month is just an estimate. Relocating based on needs doesn’t seem rare with a lot of companies that are spread out across the nation.
Given a choice between OWLS and NOVA, I personally would go for the latter. G Communications should be a pretty reliable company.
But I can’t really tell if an ALT job is better. Honestly, I enjoyed playing with the students and had my best time as an ALT, but the sense of satisfaction is close to nothing since we’re virtually paid to sometimes just sit in class or walk around.
I can’t say which is better for you since we all look for different things, and I do not think an ALT contract would essentially be better off than one at an Eikaiwa apart from not having a relocation clause.
Hi Gaijinhan. Thanks for your reply. As for the don’t work, no pay part, I meant there isn’t any leave at all. If I don’t go in to work my pay for the day is deducted. I am cool with working weekends and all. It’s just the working on all PH as well that got me a little unsettled. But I will figure it out. I was thinking perhaps an ALT position may not require me to work on PHs; however now I am not sure those PHs would be paid. Been having a rough time recently. Perhaps I should clear my head and try to weigh it out again. Sorry about the trouble. I really appreciate you taking the time read and reply my questions.
Not a problem.
I thought you said you’d get leave after 6 months? And in that case, it’s basically the same everywhere, isn’t it?
If you take leave, you get paid without having to go to work. If you have no more leave, and require a day off work, then your pay gets deducted for missing work.
Hi there!
Pardon the huge time gap between your last comment and mine as I just found your blog. I’m a 20 year old Singaporean waiting to enlist into NS and it has always been a dream of mine to work and live in Japan so thank you so much for all the information!
I know you don’t need to have any teaching experience but as I have never taught anyone before, I’m not really sure if I’d succeed. Maybe it would be a good idea to teach tuition part time here first. Would that help at all?
I’m also planning on going to a University here first and getting my degree and maybe start working here before I go over but you stated it’s easier if I studied in Japan first before I start working. Do you know of anyone who worked here first before applying to work over there?
Sorry for my ramblings and questions but I hope you can help! Thank you once again!
Hi wildkaiser,
No worries. I welcome questions anytime.
I believe any teaching experience is good experience regardless of how alike it is to actual classroom teaching.
I am one of those who worked in Singapore before coming to Japan. The only thing is I left my job to study at a language school here before actually landing a job. A few people I know are here without having studied in Japan. One of whom was transferred from the Singapore office. Hope this information helps.
Haha thank you for the reply! It does help. Glad to know that people from Singapore have succeeded. Well, I just got a job offer to be a Police Officer here so hopefully I’d be able to go there one day!
Hello Gaijin Han, I’m almost out from my national service. I graduated from Nanyang Poly with a diploma in food science. My GPA is not that great, it’s only 2.92 🙁 Unable to secure a scholarship with such GPA (I regret my past of not studying well but I have to live with the mistake and move on) so I decided to go to work for a undefined period of time when I leave the service to earn a living before going into further studies.
In terms of other traits, I do Japanese translation work for anime/concerts for a couple of years and is currently actively translating TV series/Documentaries/Music Video/Variety Shows(I have my own fansub group that I formed last year) in my spare time on the weekends.
I do not have any formal education in Japanese Language, however watching anime for a couple of years have somehow imbued me with the knowledge of understanding the language. (Listening and speaking is fine but I just officially started learning how to read and write within this year itself)
I’m planning to take JLPT N3 or N2 depending on how confident I feel after taking several placement exams when I leave the service.
Always been my dream to try to live in Japan and working there, how do you recommend I proceed? I do not mind any jobs in particular as I still truly do not know what I want to work as for my future career….
However I do enjoy doing translation work however it is very mentally taxing and I’m doing it out of passion for the artistes I’m admire very much.
Hi Er Gin Jack,
If it were really a mistake, then you should be thankful you made it early in your life.
It’s really difficult for me to offer suggestions on how you should proceed just by reading a few sentences about you. I do not think I am capable to telling you what you should do, but if you have more specific questions, I will try my best to answer them. The thing about working in Japan is that finding work in Japan is very different from finding one in Singapore. Granted, the questions may be similar in “why do you want this position?” and “why us?” if they are asked at all in Singapore, but the competition in Japan is at a totally different level. It is not rare for Japanese people to know what they want to do from a young age and their knowledge and commitment in those fields are difficult to ignore. There are people working for Japan Rail who can tell the location of a photo simply by looking at the railway track. There are those who know the name of the voice that makes the announcement: “Please stand behind the yellow line.” I also have a friend who loves trees and wood so much, she wanted to work in a company that owns a forest. Her original plan was to join a pencil manufacturer, but ultimately landed herself in a housing company. And yes, the company owns a forest. Many of these people have experiences since a long time ago that reinforces their passion for wanting to work in a certain company. That is what companies look for. So, “I do not mind any jobs” may not help you land one. I’ve been through a number of interviews myself in Singapore, as a student looking for part-time work during the school holidays, and as a working adult after my national service. And I am ashamed to say that it is only after arriving in Japan that I realise the way of job-hunting in Singapore won’t cut it in Japan. Since I came to Japan, I’ve started reading up company histories, vision, mission, corporate philosophy, press releases, CSR reports, etc. before I go for an interview. That was how I managed to secure three teaching contracts all at the same time when I was still in Aichi prefecture, and also how I landed myself my current job.
In your case, however, I would think having done translation work out of passion is your strength. That will be what puts you level, if not in front, of your competitors.
Can you apply for the post of ALT with a private degree?
I don’t think the type of degree is a problem with companies.
It’s more of whether your visa will get approved, but as long as it is not a short-term (i.e. 1- or 2-year) degree. I doubt it will be a problem.
Hello Gaijin Han, I kid you not, finding your blog has made my week if not month. I’ve been reading it for hours and the information you provided has really been an eye opener and I thank you for that. Although this particular post is close to 4 years old. HAH.
I’ve got a few questions to ask and hopefully you can enlighten me.
I’m currently in National Service and will be discharged only in 2014 July. Recently took JLPT N2 (July 2013) and managed to pass it.
So here’s the question. On your previous reply regarding degrees, you said that “As long as it is not a short-term (i.e. 1- or 2-year) degree. I doubt it will be a problem. made me kind of worried.
So I was planning to take a Business course in University of London in SIM as unfortunately my GPA(3.1) can’t land me a spot in a Local University Business course. It takes 3 years to complete but after bridging exams before entering reduces it to 2 years due to relation to my course in Poly. So is that considered short term?
Do you have any friends who studied UOL and successful made it in JET or Japan ? I know that question’s a long shot. haha. fingers crossed*
Do you get your degree in a local university in Singapore ?
Last question, IF you manage to enter JET and be an ALT is it contract based? And after the contract ends is it a MUST to come back to Singapore?
After reading about your CELTA experience in Thailand I’m definitely going to give it a shot to boost my chances of ever going to Japan to Teach.
Like many others I have no teaching experience and have set my life goal for the pass 6 years to living in Japan at least I have N2 now. Once again thank you for this god sent blog & you do not realize how many people’s goals & dreams you have kept alive.
本当にありがとうございました。:)
Hi Kiseki,
Thank you for your comments. Sorry for the delay in reply.
Regarding your question:
1) when I said a one- or two-year degree, I do not refer to the kind of full-fledged universities where you can finish in just a couple of years. In Japan, there’s such thing as a “two-year college.” Sometimes translated as “junior college” but their idea of a junior college is not the same as ours so I shall avoid using that term. Two-year colleges do not have the same standing as a regular college, so as long as your degree is from a full university, it should be fine. Honestly, I decided to skip Honours in NUS and with my polytechnic diploma, I was given an additional 20 credits advance placement, so I really completed my course in 2.5 years.
2) I don’t know anyone who did UOL and are in Japan now, or are even interested in being in Japan.
3) You probably got it from 1) that I was from NUS. The good thing about NUS is, Japanese think very highly of national universities, what more NUS which is in the top 30 colleges in the world ranking. Some seem to have the misconception that NUS is ranked higher than Tokyo University, which is not true.
4) I’ve never been on JET so I have no idea, but from what I heard and read, I think it is on contract basis. They will talk with you on whether you would like to renew after every year, for a maximum of 3 years, and if you still would like to continue after that, you will be sent to work at the Board of Education instead. That would be limited to another 2 years, although the position is only for those who performed very well I heard.
I do know of a number of people who stayed in Japan after their JET, so no, I don’t think it is a must. But again, it’s better to double-check because the person I know was in JET over 5 years ago. Things might have changed.
I hope this clears up your doubts.
Bests,
Hello Gaijin Han,
It’s alright & thank you for your reply.
I understand now, thanks for clearing things up. My bad for miss conception of the word “degree”.
Yeah NUS is indeed reputable. That could be why you could land a job that quickly & easily when you were on student VISA in Japan studying Japanese. Hopefully when it’s my turn to look for a job, they won’t be that hard on me.
Thanks for the insight on JET. I will personally do some research on it.
Once again, Thank you for your help it’s really been great. If I have any other questions in the future regarding this topic I’ll just ask you, hope you don’t mind.
Hope you’re doing fine and enjoying life. (;
Take care
Cheers !
Hi,
I’ve stumbled upon your blog and like everyone has said, you’re an inspiration. I’ve been trying so hard to get a job in teaching English in Japan but I was starting to feel that as a Singaporean/Asian, it’s near impossible to get to live and work in Japan through this way. Recently, I’ve managed to get some interviews but one was located in Koriyama and truthfully, I’m not sure how the radiation is like there since googling the place up just brings up articles of overly high radiation in the area. (Any idea about the situation there as me and my fiancé will marry soon and in a few years probably wanna have kids so I don’t know how it will affect us.. :S) The other pays only 160,000yen per month in Chiba but I’m going over with my fiancé so I don’t know how we are going to survive there until he gets a job.. 160,000yen per month seems too little for rent, taxes and 2 person expenses. (T^T) and the last, I failed. 🙁
I don’t have much savings so I don’t know if I can afford a 6 months course in Japan though I am learning Japanese right now in Singapore. I usually look for jobs in Gaijinpot and Teach In Japan. Any idea what else I can do? :S I’ve tried during the period of last year Sept to this year March (in which I had 2 interviews and I actually passed one but he had gotten back too late and we could not go due to some complicated situation 🙁 ) and then again this year since Aug till now. (Had 3 interviews) Both times, I’ve applied for a tremendous amount of positions that accepts overseas applications. I’ve missed out on the JET program too!! 🙁 I’ve a degree in Animation from Lasalle (-_-) (doesn’t help much) and its more like a 3 year diploma and 1 year degree so I don’t know if it will pose as a problem for the visa application since most state 4 years degree! :S I’ve actually got 1 and a half years of teaching experience though not as an English Teacher.. A year as an Art teacher and 6 months as an enrichment centre teacher. I hope with these info, you would understand my situation better and can advise me better. Sorry to bomb u with such a mail though you are not working as an advisor yet you have to spend precious time kindly advising us. Appreciate any advice.
Hope you continue to live a happy life in Japan and hopefully for you, you get to live there for as long as you want to! 😉
Many thanks,
Sarah Fong
Hi Sarah,
Unfortunately I am not too well-versed in the situation of radioactivity to give a sound advice but a quick search revealed that Koriyama is indeed near ground zero. If you look at http://fukushima-radioactivity.jp/ Koriyama is buried under the mountain of blue dots immediately to the right of the word “福島” How accurate the information is and how bad 0.50 microsieverts/hr would be is not my specialty so I will avoid making comments on that. The truth is, many people left Japan since the quake and because of the lack of people wanting to work around the region, work is easier to find there. It all boils down to your priorities, though I personally wouldn’t choose to go there.
Frankly, 160,000 yen a month is barely enough for one person, let alone two. I would assume that amount is tax inclusive. After deducting all the taxes and insurance you have to pay, which would probably come up to around 40,000 to 50,000 yen, you’ll be left with something close to 100,000 yen. I believe the cheapest decent place would be somewhere close to 40,000 yen a month and utilities would set you back around 6000 yen for one person. Let’s just take that figure as a reference, which would mean you’ll be left with 54,000 yen each month. That would be the amount you have to play with for transport, food, and leisure.
If you intend to get a mobile phone, the cheapest (prepaid phone) would cost you 1500 yen per month (excluding cost of the phone), and Internet would be at least another 3000 yen for something of decent speed and reliability.
I hope I don’t sound like a stalker, but I did a quick search on the net and found your portfolio, which made me wonder why you are looking to teach English in the first place. Is there any reason why you are not trying to get work in game character design or anything in that field that matches your skills better?
As for the work visa issue, it’s really hard to say yes or no because no one really knows the true criteria for visa approval. But if as stated on your portfolio, what you have is officially a BA (Honours) Degree, then I do not see any problem. I think I need to clarify the two-year and four-year college issue because it seems to be what is tripping people up.
In Japan, there are educational institutions known as 短大 (tandai), literally “short-term college” or sometimes translated as “two-year college” or “junior college.” But since it is different from Singapore’s junior college, I shall refrain from using that term. Let’s use “tandai” for easy typing. Graduates of tandais receive associate degrees (準学士), while graduates of “four-year colleges” receive full degrees, commonly known as Bachelor (学士). I believe the “two-year college” listed in most official sites are not so concerned about the actual number of years, but more concerned about the type of degree. As long as what you have is a Bachelor and not an Associate degree, I would think you are fine. But again, please don’t quote me on this.
I hope this clears your doubts to whatever extent it can.
Bests,