COST OF LIVING AS A FIRST YEAR ALT WORKING FOR INTERAC IN JAPAN| JAMAICAN IN JAPAN

Hey guys welcome back to my channel. In todays video I will be talking about my Cost of Living as a first year ALT working for Interac. I hope this information will help prospective ALT.
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Credit:
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[@shandavlog]

Cost of living for April 2021-March 2022. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4iZo419rtCMjqc

[@rikabrooks7845]

I love how transparent you are! Thanks for the info

[@shandavlog]

Your wlecome 😊

[@jonnahmaecodilla7425]

Thank you for the very informative video. ❤️ All your hard work will all be worth it soon! 😊

[@shandavlog]

Thank you for your words of encouragement and thank you also for watching ☺️.

[@jessicapeterkin4677]

I love your transparency on topic. I'm thinking about coming to Japan and I'm having mixed emotions. Thank you.

[@shandavlog]

It is a big move so do some more research and think about it.

[@antonishafowler8139]

You will get it balanced mama. Keep doing your best.

[@shandavlog]

Thank you 😊

[@cheneverafter]

I could see how sad you were talking about this. I hope your KZbin channel will be monetized soon so you'll have an extra source of income. Just subscribed, thanks for sharing!

[@shandavlog]

Thanks for watching. I am a farrrrrr way from being monetized but one can only hope.

[@peckaz19]

Thank you so much for this, very informative honestly, I love this

[@shandavlog]

Glad I could help. Thanks for watching.

[@peckaz19]

@@shandavlog just got my email that my COE is ready, I really do appreciate this breakdown, tbh, better than how they showed us from the orientation. If anything else comes up, hope I can reach out to you.

[@shandavlog]

Yea, they don’t breakdown the fees at the orientation enough. A lot of things are not included. Some new ALTs have to pay pension in their first year. And if you have any other questions you can reach out to me and I will surely assist if I can.

[@tamekajohnson3519]

Girl i love your honesty .

[@shandavlog]

Thank you. Honesty is always the best policy.

[@OMGIDontWanna]

I'm supposed to teach with Interac next March, so this breakdown was super informative! Would love to see a video about lesson planning, or even things you wish you had packed vs. not packed :)

[@shandavlog]

Thanks for watching. I am not really required to make lesson plans so I can't do a video about that. Also I will do a Q&A soon and answer your other questions.

[@Sihlelelwe]

OMG me too!! so excited

[@vpersona177]

I am too! Kanto North :D

[@KandidlyKedz]

Interac gives you lesson plans for all topics...I have a video on my channel about it if u want to kno more.

[@shandavlog]

Had no choice but I paid if back in a few months and it is all in the past.

[@devontestewart3030]

I would love to hear how the teaching and learning process differ from ours here in Jamaica

[@calleegirl5737]

This was super helpful, thanks for keeping it real. New subbie😁👍🏾

[@shandavlog]

Thanks for subscribing 😊. Glad I could help.

[@JKLoans]

@@shandavlog it is super helpful. I'm supposed to move over in March/April and I am starting to wonder if it is all worth it.

[@shaneltennant1279]

Sounds likevthings will get better. Thanks for sharing

[@shandavlog]

Yes they will.

[@ChristinaClarke]

Very very informative video. Newcomers take note. This is as real as it gets.

[@shandavlog]

Thanks for watching.

[@peckaz19]

Thanks for showing me this sis

[@ChristinaClarke]

@@peckaz19 You’re welcome Bro, anytime 👍🏽👍🏽

[@SashtaJ13]

I'm gonna be starting in March 2022 in Kanto South! I've lived in Japan before on the JET Programme and had subsidised housing, etc. So hearing you talk about your expenses sounded overwhelming since my cost of living was much lower (I was living in Iwamizawa in the Hokkaido Prefecture) Thanks for a really informative video! Great hearing about other Caribbean people's experiences. (I'm from Trinidad and Tobago)

[@shandavlog]

Thanks for watching 😊. The cost of living is really high and it gets frustrating sometimes when I think about it but I don’t regret coming here one bit.

[@selenabui7957]

Do u like JET or INTERAC better?

[@TheseEyesSeeDarknessClearly7]

@@selenabui7957 JET is always better.

[@tonianedwards6496]

Don't be discouraged ☺️. Maybe you wouldn't be making that much in Jamaica in order to repay student loan back home. You will be able to see your money the quicker you clear your debt .I enjoyed the video ! Video idea : what you eat in japan as a Jamaican

[@shandavlog]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the words of encouragement.

[@BaritureNdee]

Please can you make another video on taking out the loan and how it works. Thank you I've really learnt a lot from your videos

[@shandavlog]

Hey. Thanks for watching. There is nothing much to the loan. They will ask if you need it before you come to Japan. There is nothing special that you need to do. I’m not sure how much they are lending now but during my time we could borrow up to ¥250,000 and we had up to a year to pay it back. We could pay it back in a shorter time as well but we could decide how we want to pay it because. The interest rate was only 1% (2% at most) at the time which meant that if you borrowed ¥250,000 you be paying back ¥252,500 (or ¥255,000 if the interest rate was 2%).

[@pavikinz710]

Here!!

[@callmenako7953]

this was informative. i hope that loan is no longer on the books so you could have at least saved that.

[@shandavlog]

Glad it was. Yea the repayment period for the loan was 6 months so I finished paying back in December.

[@Tsegaye_Ashley]

Thanks. Nice video .

[@shandavlog]

Thank you and you are welcome.

[@tayzcentral6042]

Things will get better sweetie.. Thanks for sharing #weareadulting

[@shandavlog]

Mi fi tell you.

[@tayzcentral6042]

Girl me still a watch... come like me a reason wid you..this slb thing ain't no joke... have to be here juggling to make ends meet

[@shandavlog]

Tay'z Central girlllllll. I am glad I was able to borrow it because that was the only way I could afford a tertiary education but the payments killing me man.

[@edwinthomas3437]

Superb video. Could you suggest me some websites or details of person who provides less expensive apartments in Japan. Can you create a video on this if you can. Thanks in advance.

[@shandavlog]

Thanks for watching 😊 Unfortunately the only information I can provide you with is the link to two websites. I don’t have enough information to do a video. I think you can check out home.yolo-japan.com/en or apartments.gaijinpot.com/en/rent/listing These are the only two I know of that are foreigner friendly but there might be many more.

[@okeliabaker7722]

Well even though it's a lot of expenses it still sounds much better than Jamaica. I still am yet to be able to pay student loan. What you have after student loan and all that is what I begin with in Jamaica. Might not be much to save out of right now but it's good that your able to cover so much with your money and you just started. It will get better over time

[@shandavlog]

Yes girl, still better to me plus the job is not hard and I only work 30 hours a week so I could get a part time job.

[@okeliabaker7722]

Yeah it sounds like a way better opportunity to me than staying here. If you were here you would struggle to afford so many things. Rent, car, student loan.........that would be depressing.

[@MaganoASMR]

Thank you so much for this video. I wanted to ask if you know of the company Joytalk as it has sent me an employee offer to start in April this year. And they noted that I will be allowed to travel to Japan as an essential worker for public schools, did you have to use that as well?

[@shandavlog]

Thanks for watching. I honestly don’t know that company or anyone who works for them but you might be able to find information here on KZbin. When I was moving to Japan it was the start of the pandemic so the borders weren’t closed or anything at that time so I didn’t have to deal with that. I know for a fact though that other teachers have moved here since the start of the pandemic.

[@tasharacameron5020]

When did you apply and when did you go to Japan. It seems like some people leave before March. Good video btw!

[@shandavlog]

Idky I am just seeing these comments. The application process can be long but for some lucky people it is as little as 3 months. I moved to Japan in March 2020 and I started my application about May 2019. You can come over any time in the year depending on demand but most ALT’s come over in March because that is close to when the new school year begins.

[@JKLoans]

I really appreciate your videos since I am a near two months away from taking the job in a few months. I am now wondering if it is all worth it because this seems quite a lot. And, look how I was planning to save uo to go to Thailand in December. Want two slaps.

[@shandavlog]

Well it is worth is to me. After all the taxes and bills I can still go out and enjoy myself. I know I can’t save a lot unless I take a second job but the experience to me is worth it.

[@shandavlog]

I honestly think it is, the culture, experience and everything is just different and those things excite me.

[@olyviajazzmyne7633]

We need an updated video now that u are in ur second year

[@shandavlog]

It past due. Will do it soon.

[@KandidlyKedz]

You need start looking for a new apartment...my friends had to change housing cause it was too much.

[@shandavlog]

It is expensive and small and I thought about moving but I am comfortable and moving costs a whole lot.

[@KandidlyKedz]

@@shandavlog can u ask the company to help u? Sounds like ur with interac.

[@anthonyedwards1203]

Is this something you Would you recommend someone to take part in based on all these expensive?

[@shandavlog]

I still would recommend it. As I said every situation is different. And you can even look at other persons Cost of Living to help you decide.

[@affluentapproach1213]

Helpful video, do you think the position bonus has to do with your city placement? I know rent is more expensive in the major cities, I wonder if Interac compensate you more in bog cities?

[@shandavlog]

Thank you. With regards to the position allowance I honestly have no idea.

[@affluentapproach1213]

I hope so, im waiting on my COE to arrive in the mail then ill be headed to Kanto South, hopefully Yokohama. Keep up the content, ill check in periodically

[@shandavlog]

All the best. Also, thank you and I will.

[@encourneciapaulakidashianf1235]

@@affluentapproach1213 placed in kanto south too. Isnt it either Yokohama or Tokyo?

[@giovannierowe8847]

"And then whatever is left which is usually nothing.." Had me crying. Jah know

[@shandavlog]

Naw cry enu 😂😂😂😂😂😂. But it rough still.

[@tasharacameron5020]

Is city tax and pension monthly or for the year?

[@shandavlog]

I haven't started paying pension or city tax as yet but I think pension is monthly and the city determines how the city tax is paid. I may be wrong but I think so.

[@CandleTosser]

I'm heading to Kanto North for Interac next March. Thank you for this video + the apartment tour! How has your experience been working with the Kanto North branch?

[@shandavlog]

Kanto North is the Regional Company. I work Chiba Branch and the experience has been okay, not horrible, not great but good enough.

[@pritygrl8433]

I’ve been placed with Kanto North too specifically Mito Branch. Trying to find information about alts with mito branch

[@shandavlog]

Wish I could help but I don’t know anything about the Mito branch.

[@trishasharma6471]

Is it mandatory to pay for health insurance?

[@shandavlog]

Yes, it is.

[@iLikePiEi505]

Do they provide you with a car or do you have to buy it yourself?

[@shandavlog]

You have the option to buy a car. I would highly recommend buying your own if you plan to stay here for a while. The car that I have is on lease and they pay 50% of the lease but it is still very expensive and at the end of the day it is not yours so if you can I would recommend buying one.

[@taybar1726]

How long did it take for you to get an offer from Japan?

[@shandavlog]

I think it took about 2months. Don’t quite remember but it all depends on when you apply.

[@cloudaccount3855]

the 500000 yen they ask for is that including the amount you pay for the flight there? loved the breakdown! thanks!!

[@shandavlog]

No it doesn't. But if you choose to buy the ticket out of that you should have more than enough to settle in.

[@cloudaccount3855]

@@shandavlog perfect! also any chance you could go over or send me a copy of you cover letter? I'm currently trying to apply but I'm unsure as to what to put on mine.

[@shandavlog]

Can you pm me on insta or fb?

[@cloudaccount3855]

@@shandavlog sure what is it :)

[@acs116]

Just hang in there girl... Phew 😢 New subscriber here...

[@shandavlog]

Lol. I am thanks 😊

[@ogechukwunwahiri2157]

@@shandavlog New Subscriber. Hi dear. Are there side hustles for ALTs ?

[@shandavlog]

You can get part time jobs as an English teacher in an afterschool or English school.

[@ogechukwunwahiri2157]

@@shandavlog is the afterschool job , tax free

[@shandavlog]

@@ogechukwunwahiri2157 No

[@kyubeyincubator5533]

I didn't hear you mention National Pension. Do you pay that monthly as well?

[@shandavlog]

No I don't.

[@kyubeyincubator5533]

Your video was very helpful, I will be working with Interac Kanto North this coming Fall (fingers crossed) and it was good to hear your perspective.

[@shandavlog]

Glad I could help. All the best and thanks for watching.

[@Mr1995Omari]

What is city tax for ?

[@shandavlog]

For garbage collection and beautification and other things related to city development I think l.

[@PicaboloTvGh]

I watched other videos where ppl were paying as low as $80 per month bcos their sch subsided it for them plus many benefits which made their lives comfortable. I know wen u finish paying ur loan and ur students loan from home too, u will be having enough with time as left over. Also, it is my prayer ur channel gets monetized so that u can earn additional coins from there... I wish u well

[@shandavlog]

Thanks a lot for your kind words and thanks a lot for watching. 😊

[@tasharacameron5020]

I don't quite understand the car thing. Why would they take a car allowance when they said that you'd be given money to pay for a car?

[@shandavlog]

The car allowance that they give does not cover the entire cost of the car. It covers approx 45% of mine. I have to pay the rest.

[@tasharacameron5020]

@@shandavlog well hun, I do hope you are looking for a second job, it might help! Frankly, that's not how they tell you when you're applying. They don't tell u half of these things. They make it seem like you'll be making MONEY 🤑💰! don't think I really like that. Thank you for your honesty 😊!

[@shandavlog]

No enu🤣🤣. Well I am actually not. I wish the money was more or the expenses were less but they are not. I can find my way monthly but I cannot save a lot and I am ok with that. I do not believe in burning out myself just to save more. I remembered doing that on work and travel and it was hardly worth it. As long as I am comfortable and well rested I am good. It is not being lazy 😅it is just that I value rest and my mental health above all things.

[@tasharacameron5020]

@@shandavlog I completely understand! Do what suits you and enjoy life. I haven't experienced work and travel so I can't really say u know. Was just a recommendation cuz I know it's an option. Is it easy for one to find a second job though?

[@shandavlog]

I know it's just a recommendation. I think finding a second job all depends on where you live.

[@pandalilac1244]

New subscriber here.... Where in Japan are you?

[@shandavlog]

Thanks for subscribing. I am in Chiba.

[@bitmogul5586]

What parish are you from?

[@shandavlog]

Westmoreland

[@olyviajazzmyne7633]

With the loan , how long after u arrive did u get the loan? And i heard they used the loan to pay for the apartment then put the rest in ur account, was that ur experience? Lastly how much of ur own money did u bring in cash?

[@shandavlog]

I think I got the loan about a month after I arrived and the majority was used for my apartment. I had about $2500 USD with me.

[@olyviajazzmyne7633]

@@shandavlog okay so just to clarify u didn't spend any of the 2500 USD when u just arrived to pay for the initial setup cost of the apartment?

[@shandavlog]

If your hot water works by gas you usually have to pay ¥10,000 deposit on the day you move in out of pocket to the gas man and ofc you will have to buy stuff for the place like pots and plates. I didn't have to pay out of pocket for the initial cost of the apartment but if your initial set up cost is more than the ¥250,000 you will have to add the rest.

[@olyviajazzmyne7633]

@@shandavlog ohhh okay !! Thanx

[@shandavlog]

You might also have to buy your futon set out of pocket on the day you move.

[@DavidWilliams-to8qf]

Hey, how much money did you bring with you to Japan?

[@shandavlog]

$2500 USD

[@DavidWilliams-to8qf]

Thank you for your comment. I really appreciate it. I have two additional questions. 1. Did you get your bank statement quoted in Jamaican Dollars then you changed out to USD? 2. Also, is it a possibility for me to bring Canadian dollars and when I reach the airport in Japan I could change the CAD to Yen?

[@shandavlog]

I am not sure what you are using a bank statement for, I didn't need 1. Canadian currency is fine. You can exchange it at the airport.

[@DavidWilliams-to8qf]

To show or provide proof that I have sufficient funds to ILDS.

[@DavidWilliams-to8qf]

Also, what did you show to ILDS that you have $2500 USD? When can I ask for the loan?

[@Kadbros]

Are you renting the car?

[@shandavlog]

Yes I am. The rental is done through interac.

[@Kadbros]

@@shandavlog Thank you for the reply, I also want to work as an ALT, for the experience and to pay off my student loans, can the money be wired directly from Japan to Jamaica, or do I have to go over the methodology with my bank?

[@shandavlog]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYPMeZ5vn62JsJY

[@olyviajazzmyne7633]

I'm surprised u pay so much for the car . I thought they would have footed the whole cost .....

[@shandavlog]

We have to technically half the cost of the car.

[@matthewstennett715]

Dwl lmao!!!!!! No sa!!!! Sound like you head just above the water. Come a yuh yard!!!!!!!!!!😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@shandavlog]

Mi good man. Lol

[@melonierebelle2792]

You borrowed 250k from them and paid back almost 42k a month ... that’s literally 504k 😳😳😳

[@shandavlog]

No it is not. I paid back about 255,000. The interest rate is pretty low. I think it was 2%.

[@shandavlog]

I paid it back within 6 months I think.

[@masukajannifer5656]

New subscriber here, glad i came across your vid. My question is does Jet also offer those loans? And how long do u have to pay for that loan in your case? Away from this,Whats your Instagram handle?

[@shandavlog]

Thanks for subscribing. In my case I am paying for 7 months but I selected 7 months, there are other options. Also, with regards to JET I have no idea. You can use the link below to connect with me on Instagram. instagram.com/ShantoyMaxwell

[@masukajannifer5656]

@@shandavlog Thank you for taking time to reply. ❤

[@olyviajazzmyne7633]

U look so familiar ...lol.

[@tayzcentral6042]

Nice whole heap a calculations... lol

[@shandavlog]

Mi seh. U have to good with maths to baxide.

[@olyviajazzmyne7633]

Them fi do better wid the pay! Jesus!

[@shandavlog]

One can only wish.

[@tasharacameron5020]

When did you apply and when did you go to Japan. It seems like some people leave before March. Good video btw!

[@shandavlog]

Applied in May left March the next year. There are 2 intake March-April and August. March is when the new contracts begins so usually more in March. However, they may want persons to fill a position or 2 throughout the year. Thanks for watching.

[@tasharacameron5020]

@@shandavlog how would you know if they need positions to fill in August? I know someone who went in October that's why I asked you know

[@shandavlog]

If you sign up with ILDS they are the ones who would tell you or your contact in Japan.

[@tasharacameron5020]

@@shandavlog thank you!