Job Prospects and affordability

3 comments

1. This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.

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   **Job Prospects and affordability**

   Hello. I’m a nineteen year old from Toronto,Ontario, and I’m currently in college for social work(I might switch programs) I don’t like living in Canada, and I don’t see myself with a long-term future here. I’ve visited Japan in the past for long periods of time and I really enjoyed the experience.. So I’ve read that Teaching English in a Alt/Eikawa is basically a dead-end and impossible to live a comfortable life or start a family with.

   What should I do? When I’m done my TEFL, should I try getting a teachers license or something? what exactly can someone who wants to teach english in Japan, and live a decent life do? Are Private high schools worth? is trying to get a Masters in education for university better? I’m genuinely curious. Should I try Teaching Alt/Eikawa for a little bit to get experience?

   Also, I’m curious about what cities/towns/prefectures are best for cost of living/affordability and for pay. I’ve heard Rural areas and smaller cities are cheaper, but teaching in larger cities pays more.

   Thanks.

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2. For the most part, being an “english teacher” in Japan is not much more than a being trained parrot. The pay is terrible, but for a new college grad, it is attractive, because college students are used to being broke. The career prospects for english teachers are not too great. That being said, I know some english teachers that have managed to do fairly well for themselves, but they seem to be the exception, not the rule.

   What should you do? First, you should reflect on why you enjoyed Japan. Coming to Japan as a tourist is amazing. Same is true for many places. However, working and living is a much different experience.

   What else should you do? Visit other countries! There are lots of fantastic places to live where there isn’t the issue of a language barrier.

   What else should you do? Well, if you’re set on moving to Japan, then you need to learn Japanese. It will be helpful to find work outside of english teaching.

   Best of luck!

3. >What should I do? When I’m done my TEFL, should I try getting a teachers license or something?

   What do you *WANT* to do? Do you want to teach a subject at an international school? Do you want to be a social worker?

   If you have no idea what you want to do you should check with your colleges career counselors to try and figure out something.

   ​

   >Should I try Teaching Alt/Eikawa for a little bit to get experience?

   There is nothing wrong with spending a year or two having fun while doing this sort of work. The experience won’t really count for much in Japan though. So its not like its a great career move or a stepping stone or anything. But if you treat it for what it is, a sponsored holiday before you start your life, it can be tons of fun.

   ​

   >Also, I’m curious about what cities/towns/prefectures are best for cost of living/affordability and for pay. I’ve heard Rural areas and smaller cities are cheaper, but teaching in larger cities pays more.

   I mean, sure, minimum wage is higher in Tokyo then in other prefectures, but its still minimum wage. You’re not going to be living a baller lifestyle anywhere, and if you’ve got student loans that you’re trying to pay off you’ll be pretty broke all the time. If you can get into JET, that’s basically the highest paying ALT gig possible. You’ll almost certainly be sent to a small rural town as well.