I’m from the US and currently enrolled in university for my BA in English with a focus on creative writing. My family owns a preschool in the states watching teachers children and I’m working there part time as well. I’ve wanted to teach for a while but being a teacher in the USA is a nightmare form what parents tell me, so I have instead been looking to teach English abroad. I’ve narrowed it down to Japan and China, my friends aunt has taught in China for 15years and loves it and has saved a great amount of money. I’m just wanting some clarity on some of the things I’ve heard about Japan that worry me.
The pay: I hear from quite a few people that competition is fierce and that it’s hard to save money or make a decent living teaching English there, something that’s not a concern in China, I’m afraid to go to Japan and work and have to scrounge and Budget tightly and not have enough to enjoy my time outside of work, I already have to do this In the US.
Work-life balance: It’s no secret that japan has a issue with people being overworked and/or forced to stay longer than their scheduled times. It seems, that compared to China, I’d have to work even more for less pay.
I really would prefer Japan over China because of the unrestricted internet access, more stable political structure, cleaner air and cleaner environment, and I do like the Japanese historical culture a lot more than Chinas. I’m just worried about making enough money there is all.
by IcyBead
