ALT salary, living expenses in japan, how i budget | JET Program 2022

[@chelseav]

Hello everyone! Thanks for watching this video! As of August 2023, I'm no longer an ALT with the JET Program (I left on good terms!). I won't be responding to comments on this video anymore, but you can still connect with me on Instagram @chelseav_jp Thanks for supporting this channel the past 2 years, it was fun creating videos about being an ALT!

[@shinrasboy]

Got accepted into the JET Program and I just found out that I’m moving to Tokyo! I know I can expect no subsidy, but I want to truly thank you for making such a clean, concise guide. Nobody ever talks about how much they make after taxes on the program. I know every situation is different, but having a rough number is so valuable.

[@chelseav]

congrats on your acceptance! and thanks, i hope it'll be helpful for you as you settle in

[@Staffenlose]

Lets goooooo!

[@lexedwards1236]

That is so cool! I am applying this year, and I was wondering how far into the process you learn where you will be placed? Hope you're loving Tokyo!

[@selfhelp9175]

Yea keep in mind guys. This is someone on the JET Program (Pretty much the best program to teach English). 230,000 yen (after taxes) with subsidized rent is the best its going to get as an ALT. I had job offers from borderlink/interac starting on 223,00 yen (180,000 yen after taxes) with no subsidized rent plus some months were pro rated so you got half your pay or no pay at all. I make more money working a regular 9 to 5 job in my own country. It's why I turned them down. Honestly, if you really want to go to Japan as an adventure for a year or 2 then that's fine. But long term you need to switch jobs, return back to your home country, or get a direct hire at a school. Hope this helps.

[@JayAreAitch]

I don't think anybody who's going anywhere career-wise is gonna view JET as much more than fun experience. It's not a step-up from basically any real job.

[@hellothere8812]

Most just do this to visit Japan for a year or 2, i doubt any one joins with the plan to make this their permanent job.

[@matty6878]

its important to budget in the first year in japan since if you're staying longer than that you gotta pay taxes. so many people forget about that

[@chelseav]

yes absolutely! figuring out how to pay taxes with foreign income is confusing enough

[@em0lees]

Thanks for breaking down the extra costs such as health insurance, pension, taxes and etc. These tips are really invaluable and informative thank you, Chelsea! You definitely earned me as a subscriber :)

[@billbarthel5224]

Just got my placement in rural Kagoshima as well! Please no rent!!! 🙏 Hahaha! Thanks for the video! Can't wait! Makes the budge go so much further. Especially coming from a major city in the US!

[@abia7762]

I would love to see an apartment tour. I’m currently saving to join the JET program after completion of my uni studies and am mostly interested in appartments in Japan. I really love how you have gone into detail about the spending on all areas of living costs!!

[@chelseav]

thank you!! apartment tour is a work in progress coming soon!

[@bobfranklin2572]

Really fantastic video. I like that you know yourself and are diligent and conscious about your spending habits, but aren't totally brutal with it either. Great to see and fantastically informative.

[@chelseav]

i appreciate that so much! its been a lot of self reckoning to finally find that balance

[@kaylabenjamin1]

I just got into the JET program and I plan to use your breakdown as a reference! My departure isn't until July so I should have some time to save but I unfortunately have a fairly high bill I want to completely pay off beforehand. Thank you so much for your insight! It was super helpful seeing your breakdown and getting an idea for categories I can conceptualize for when I go. Here's hoping my place is completely subsidized too 😂!

[@jenceledonio2408]

Hi mam.. how to apply in JET PROGRAM

[@moonhead4057]

I am currently a college student studying the Education Course Major in English. I also plan on being an ALT someday, so this video was really informative and helpful. Thanks for this Ma'am Chelsea!

[@roshankapoor8061]

Your Voice is so soothing to listen too... And the video was very informative as well

[@YaBoiRichie]

Great video. You are criminally underrated and deserve way more followers! Please don’t stop making this type of videos as I aspire to join the jet program for 2023

[@SheTouchedGrass]

This is the best ALT Salary Breakdown! Thank you so much for being a wealth of information! :)

[@nezia006]

I still have to study for 2 years, but I'm already planning to get into the JET program after I graudated and when I save enough money. For the video, it really is helpful because it gives me so much ideas on how to spend and budget the money (If ever that I get accepted). It'll be my preference, for sure.

[@Sman201]

Same here. Once I'm done school I hope I can visit and work in Japan for a little while

[@Jose-rs9vf]

Thank you so much for this! Coming from the states this is livable! I make around 3000 a month and barely survive...

[@ethanamohia]

Wooow this video really broke down the expenses in a way that was easy to understand, that skill is probably super helpful in teaching too! Ill hopefully be there in August, I've just handed in my shortlist reply form. The video has helped me grasp what costs may be like and has gotten me a bit more excited for Japan, so ty!

[@laiyiliable]

Thank you for this video Chelsea! This was super helpful, I think this was one of the most well organized budget videos for the Jet Program I've seen so far. I can't wait for more content! :D

[@ArcadiasPlanet]

Thanks so much for this video, I feel like a lot of J bloggers gate keep information which makes it hard to get a financial grasp of being a teacher in Japan.

[@DannyJapanny]

Great video. I recently learned about the JET program and was too late to apply. I really want to do it next year though, so right now I'm learning Japanese. This was really helpful. It gives a good general idea.

[@davestang5454]

This is ridiculously complicated, no insult intended. If I had to itemize like this at home in the U.S., I would go insane. Your list of categories must be over 50 items! I hope you did not feel like you had to make such a complicated list when you lived in the U.S. I can work out all my monthly expenses at home in 2 minutes with just a pen and paper.

[@wanderlustjapan4501]

Your income is twice as mine. What I found is cycling not driving saves on gas costs, car insurance, car checks, and cost of the car. It also keeps me in great shape. I have cycled all over Japan. Most places are cycle friendly. This includes most of Kagoshima.

[@Antbeast23]

I like the budgeting. Savings investing and travel Spending money Rent bills credit cards etc Taxes

[@denzelmacaraig8581]

Yours is the most detailed and organized budget breakdown I've watched! Thanks for posting this

[@tori3b]

This was such a brilliant video! It was so informative, well put-together and you seem really sweet :) I watched all your videos after this one

[@JDPrimeShots]

These are budgeting goals! Appreciate all the tips! 🙏

[@InstantLuc]

Great video Chelsea. Thank you for your insights. Rural Japan has such a nice vibe to it. I love Tokyo but maybe for mental peace the countryside is best.

[@chelseav]

i wholeheartedly agree! its been nice slowing down in the countryside

[@suki411]

Great video! Can you make a video about Japanese skincare? 💕

[@chelseav]

ooo i'm still learning a lot about it, so we'll see!

[@lexedwards1236]

Wow, what a helpful video! Thank you so much for all the information. You are amazing at planning and saving also!

[@MUNEEBHAIDER7438]

Wow ! What a great explained ❤

[@user-ob3lh8wz2q]

This is a well- designed video and a good budget program.

[@blurrylens4538]

Amazing and well explained video!

[@stefanhansen5882]

This was awesome. Thanks!

[@kiwi8133]

thanks for the video! im a 2021 alt who is still stuck outside of Japan bc of the border closure :/

[@chelseav]

im sorry to hear that, i know its been so tough with all the waiting :(

[@kiwi8133]

@@chelseav your videos are so excellent, I’ll just live vicariously through you until i can get there! Thanks so much for sharing

[@ogechukwunwahiri2157]

Can you show us what an ideal Cv should look like while applying as an ALT in Japan

[@Jake_Jones]

I’m currently in the process of finishing up my application right now, and I’m a little rattled by some aspects of the JET experience lol (not that I’m even excepted or denied yet) As a social person I’m worried about potentially having trouble fitting in if I’m placed somewhere rural. I can speak Japanese to a decent extent, but it’s difficult to make adult friends enough as it is in the US. Did you have any trouble with this in Kagoshima? Also did you have any trouble getting used to driving on the left side of the road?

[@chelseav]

thats a valid concern! for myself, im in a rural area but there are other JETs in my town whom i see regularly, which im grateful for! there are many JETs placed on islands where they're the only non-Japanese person (which can sound intimidating) but it seems that they're able to get deeply involved in their community. as for driving, it took me about a week to get used to driving on the left side

[@Jake_Jones]

@@chelseav thank you for your response! The idea of being able to get involved with the community more seems really nice! I feel a little less anxious about that now (not that I’m accepted or anything yet lmao)… Fantastic videos :)

[@borlach321]

$2,400 per month. Poverty wages in one of the most expensive countries in the world. Not to mention most landlords refuse to rent to foreigners. And you will have to pay for your own insurance. Who would do this? You could earn more money at Mcdonalds in your home country.

[@lexedwards1236]

Cost of living is lower in Japan. Also, this program only allows you to stay for 5 years max, so this is just a really cool learning experience, not a career. Your program almost always helps you find a place, so the landlord thing isn't an issue someone applying would need to worry about. People that want to leave their own country and try something new are the ones applying!

[@user-gw8zf1el3d]

Very informative :) Thank you!

[@tenerifecats6652]

What about a personal retirement investment? Are you planning to retire in Japan? I don’t hear many living outside the US talk about financial security when they get older and want to retire.

[@bhuiboy]

WEEK HAS BEEN MADE CAUSE THERES A NEW CHELSEA UPLOOADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD !!!!

[@tiffanynguyen6013]

Wowowwowow this is so helpful, thank you for your transparency!

[@lelagill4923]

Best video I've found on this topic. Thanks!

[@Waterking001]

Thank you for the extremely useful and well edited video! About internet, do you have wifi or ethernet in your apartment? It's a must for me since I game a lot.

[@chelseav]

i have wifi but you could totally do ethernet!

[@johannw345]

Thanks for the well structured video, helped a lot! But I just have to say, you have gorgeous eyes! haha

[@designslidertech]

You are sincere 😘 You are detailed 🥰 You are organized. For all these, you just got +1 subscriber. And that's me.

[@jezzabrina]

Hi Chelsea, thank you for this very informative video! May I ask how much did you prepare prior to applying for JET program?

[@saberkite]

I love this breakdown, thank you! I'm interested in applying to the program but I was worried about the expenses. Is a car necessary, though? I don't know how to drive, lol.

[@aspookyfox]

I’m applying.

[@muhamadtaruna5706]

Hi its really good video, But, is this still relevant to now ? or no ? What about living cost in Nagoya ? is it enough with 250.000 JPY without rent or its still enough if included rent too ? I really confused right now, and couldn't find any good source that still relevant to now days. thank you in advance and hopefully you notice me and could answer me.

[@pikachu3023]

Such a great video! Has anyone ever told you you look a lot like the youtuber Click for taz? 😅

[@kiyoshikobayashi3627]

Hii I have been watching your videos lately and I am considering applying to the program… I just wanted to know what’s next after JET’??… Is it possible to branch out to other job options or is there a way to apply for other jobs while in the program’??…

[@minage3902]

Your video is very informative! I'm interested to join the JET program and I resigned from my current job now. My employer said she doesn't know how to make a recommendation letter 😭

[@chelseav]

oh no, sorry to hear that. there are templates and examples online that can be a good starting point!

[@saifunnahar2885]

Really nice.

[@Jonastice]

ALT先生たちの給料ってちょっと大変見たいね、この前入った仕事インターラックって言う会社の給料は毎月２１５，０００円だったの。もし手取りだったらその税金、社会保険、年金を取引れたら毎月１８８から１９０、０００までなの。めちゃくちゃ低すぎてがち大変だったんです

[@imakebread6946]

Wheres the budget for Nissan Skyline? Its missing

[@heeeyits_k]

Hi Chelsea, thank you for this video! I just want to ask if an ALT under JET programme can stay in Japan as long as you want or after the max of 5 yrs, after finishing ur contract, you need to go home already?

[@chelseav]

your visa to live as a foreign resident in japan is dependent on your occupation! i've met folks who change their visas, or find similar work as instructors to maintain a valid visa. but the maximum amount of time you can stay on the JET program in most cases is 5 years

[@nikkapiad3659]

its okay if you do not get some of insurance you mention above? if the reason is you will not live that long , for example just 3 years of work . thank you

[@chelseav]

if you are working through the JET program, i believe insurance, pension, and taxes are compulsory

[@KatiePrescott]

You can claim back the pension contributions (or at least a significant proportion) when you leave Japan

[@RonaldoSanchez-g1y]

I'm not quite to ready to move to Japan (I'm 49) but I can retire with my pension at 60 or 62. Do these teacher programs hire any part time assistants or only full time employees?

[@TextbookBoxingGB]

Really useful video, thanks for the detail on it By any chance do you know how common is it for JET people to pay a reduced or no rate for rent

[@chelseav]

many JETs that i've met have some portion of their rent subsidized!

[@ナブ]

just for ppl watch in 2024 3.36 million yen us currently 21.7K USD as of April 2024

[@Shawn-sensei]

The link to the Google sheet seems to be broken! Could you paste your itemized budget into the description?

[@chelseav]

oh dang! what are you seeing when you click on the link? you should see a blue button titled "use template" in the top right

[@yalsuna118]

Hello po! I plan to be an ALT under the JET Programme. I want to ask which TESOL/TEFL online school did you take in order for you to have the certificate?

[@kylejohnsonxo]

Hey Chelsea! You mentioned that you use your phone for a hotspot at school. Does that mean you don't have WiFi access for your laptop at school? Do you know if that's typical for ALTs at their schools?

[@chelseav]

it really depends! some of my ALT friends got work laptops/tablets, some are allowed to connect to the school wifi. for me personally, it was easier to rely on my data plan on my phone than try to connect to the wifi at 8 different schools

[@yumikim3029]

​​​@@chelseav 8 schools ? You are handling 8 schools as an ALT?

[@michaellacoomber6640]

I know it is a personal question, but when you initially moved to Japan, how much savings did you take? A rough estimate will do. I'm worried I am unable to save enough to get me through month 1.

[@savannahpowell8124]

I have the same question. I got into JET for 2022 and I’m worried that I won’t have enough in savings to allow me to go even though it is my dream😢

[@chelseav]

i was recommended to bring $2000. you can find a lot of things secondhand here, and some bills like utilities won't be due until you arrive. every person i've met had different financial situations and were expected to pay for different things, so save as much as you can and ask your supervisor about more details once you can contact them!

[@maitri_negi]

Which company did you work for?

[@bobfranklin2572]

You don't pay ANY rent 😳

[@simr9576]

Good day...I was amaze on how you spend your money...I have plan to switch my job as an ALT sooner .My question is is there overtime payment for teachers in Japan..or how much is basic pay for beginners teachers in Japan.. thank you so much

[@chelseav]

im not sure how other teachers get paid or what their salaries are. as a JET ALT, i do get comp time for some events outside of school hours, but there's no overtime pay

[@MP-uo6qd]

can you send me the link to the website to become an ALT please.

[@rockymin3474]

No rent?

[@gaijin_simar]

I wanna how hard it is to get into jet program?

[@carlakamillenarciso4261]

Hello Ms. Chelsea, may I ask how is the working visa if u got qualigied for jet alt? thanks. would really love to know more about the process after u get hired.

[@chelseav]

hi carla! the JET coordinators at my designated embassy handled the process of filing our visas, so i can't speak much about it myself

[@dalakittv4829]

How can I apply for JET program? Thank u madam❤️

[@ryokohonda4619]

Is there a difference from being American or a native or non native speaker?

[@chelseav]

in terms of teaching english on JET, so long as you're fluent in english, you can apply, even if english isn't your first language

[@OutcastYBJ]

Hey I’m thinking of joining the jet program so visa wise what was the process did they handle everything or did u have to do all that yourself I haven’t seen anyone really explain it and I’m dumb 😭

[@chelseav]

the program managed our visas and told us how to fill out the visa applications!

[@OutcastYBJ]

@@chelseav oh that sounds comforting i love how they help u out with everything because I wouldn’t survive on my own in a foreign country

[@alyamoktar6189]

Is it easy to get holidays as an alt?

[@chelseav]

my contract lists 20 vacation days per year! my supervisor asked me to schedule them before the semester starts so that i don't have to cancel on one of my schools

[@CastleBomber]

konbanwa!

[@papi9527]

Do u need to be a degree holder?

[@chelseav]

yes, you need a bachelor's degree in order to apply

[@bassamal-anezi9683]

What the salary no good at all. Move to KSA you will get 3000 dollars a month no tax

[@maureencali]

The JET teacher we know that was placed is Okinawa had an offer of 400,000¥. So it depends on placement. He was placed in an island w/ a population of only around 650 residents. It’s very cheap to live there and you get money, but at the cost of loneliness, possibly. It’s away from the city, away from lively and regular interaction unless you’re fluent in Japanese.

[@singularity333]

Wow being broke

[@zardon_zane1630]

damn!!! that is so fking cheap :o

[@sugma148]

Why a welfare pension? What happens if you leave? It pays for actual Japanese citizens but never you?