I'm trying my best to get into the JET program but if I don't get in I'm planning on either getting an ALT or Eikaiwa job (I know very well how bad these jobs can be). I was preparing to have some savings anyway because I know sometimes checks might come late but I was a bit surprised when I read that some places require a full year's rent up front if you're a foreigner teaching English. If so, how much savings should I come into Japan with? My parents are wonderful people and I think they can spot my plane ticket if I need them too (fortunately I live near an airport where I can take ZipAir), but like in terms of USD or Yen how much savings do I need to have to not get totally obliterated in terms of starting up a bank account and being able to rent a place? I'm not the kind of person who's afraid to work long hours or skip sleep to get work done but it's a tall order to make like $20k in a short moment's notice even with California's minimum wage.
by pouyank