Newbie interested in working in Japan

[yolandaoz]

Hi everyone,

I know you probably have been asked this question many times before, but any advice would be great. I'm a 25, australian girl interested in Japan working opportunities. I have completed a 3 year BA degree in Business. I have not done any teaching previously.

Are there agencies suitable for a newcomer like me, that helps with the initial process of securing work and even accomodation...or is that wishful thinking???

Any assistance would be great. I would love to find out more & I've been reading all the info on this site, but I seem to be getting more and more confused and any info of your experiences would be much appreicated.

thanks yolanda

[gfell]

Welcome yolandaoz,

Based on your background, you really don't need an agent in order to find teaching work in Japan.

Save up around 100,000 yen which should last you for 1 month living in Japan. You would definitely find some work in this time.

In regards to accommodation, I would suggest staying at a gaijin house initially. These places are great for newbies as they don't require key money and they are fully furnished and ready to go. Have a look at www.aacircle.com.au/links/browselinks.php?c=35 for a list of accommodation options in Japan.

I know you must be a bit worried, but really, you will be fine. It's a piece of cake! Let me know if you have any more questions.

[yolandaoz]

Thanks gfell... In regards to these gaijin houses..are they mainly for temporary housing or can it be long term. I was reading about the initial upfront payment you need to make, is this very common in all accomodation types???

thanks

[gfell]

It's quite common for foreigners to live in these gaijin houses for months at a time. I don't think there is any limit to the maximum duration. Best to confirm with the actual gaijin house. The gaijin houses are great because they are fully furnished, and you get to meet other foreigners, which can be helpful in a strange country.

If you were to rent an apartment, you would most likely need your employer to go as the sponsor. To walk off the street into a Real Estate agent hoping to rent an apartment will be difficult. Most cases you will be rejected.

When you move into an apartment, it usually has fresh tatami mats, new wallpaper, spotless bathroom and kitchen etc. So, you would need to pay a few months non-refundable bond. This bond is then used to bring the apartment up to scratch again for the next tenants. Unfortunetly, it's very expensive to rent an apartment in Japan. It's only cost effective if you plan to live in it for 18 months or more.

Hope this info helps!