Coming to Japan - Part 1: The Different Companies and Options

[@kawaiijutsu]

Yeah, I do like cats. That's why I'm taking care of the cat my student gave me because she needed a home.

[@FlandreDevil]

Ok, well thanks for all the help, ill look more into that university and try to contact them in the next little bit. Keep making videos, i really enjoy watching them and it helps me learn more about what it will be like when i finally get to go to Japan.

[@kawaiijutsu]

I've been here a year and a half now. I had my supervisor at work take me to town hall to get setup, but I live alone, and handle most of my own business alone. When we first arrived we had an orientation with everyone though. After going to our prefectures though, we were mostly on our own, to varying degrees

[@kawaiijutsu]

I always really wanted to go to Japan, and the JET program seemed like a very solid way to go. I'd toyed with the idea of being a teacher (I was a graphic/web designer before), and so it was a great chance to give that job a shot

[@bmmcmast]

Thanks for making this video, I appreciate all of the helpful information and insight to the process. I hope you enjoyed that beer!

[@kawaiijutsu]

For JET, the best thing you can do is to figure out what you want to get out of your Japan experience, and how to work that into your life post-JET. Most people just focus on "OMG I WANNA GO TO JAPAN SO MUCH", but thats not what they want. They want to know that them paying you that much money will have lasting benefits for both countries down the road, in lots of capacities. There's nothing you have to study in college to make yourself more appealing; I studied web design.

[@kawaiijutsu]

yes, its possible. most public schools will use JET or something, but many private schools manage it themselves. Contact the high school directly, or maybe that prefectures Board of Education and ask about openings.

[@kawaiijutsu]

I'm not an expert on those, but I'd highly recommend checking some of hte volunteer efforts for the Tohoku region. You'll get to see a lot of north-east Japan, meet some people and experience some authentic Japanese things, not just Tokyo. Plus, you'll be helping people who really, really need it.

[@kawaiijutsu]

Now that you've reminded me, I'll go back through the video and add links in comment form to the different companies. The ones I mentioned I think were Berlitz, Aeon, NOVA, InterAC, Heart, JET Programme, Amity, etc.

[@kawaiijutsu]

Yes, you'll need a 4 year bachelors or a 3 year teaching degree to get an instructors visa for Japan. It can be in any field you want. You don't have to be a native speaker, but you do have to have a very strong, native-level command of the language.

[@kawaiijutsu]

Lol, this is true. I do have backflips mastered, but those are part of the entrance exam, not something I'll learn. I'll definitely mention that I'm here in Japan as part of the minute speech I have to give (in French, no less), since it's interesting and shows I like new things and exploring. At the school, I'd want to learn a lot more of aerial arts (like trapeze and silks), and object manipulation seems really cool too.

[@kawaiijutsu]

I actually have the next video recorded and halfway edited. I just haven't bene home long enough lately to actually finish it. >< When/if I get to move to Montreal (that school is mad hard to get into), I'll still post videos, but they'd be hella different from these lol

[@kawaiijutsu]

If that works for you, then fantastic. But not everyone wants to teach at a university level (I certainly don't), and the support given from something like JET is great. Lots of people come here on JET and other such programs and have a fantastic time in Japan.

[@kawaiijutsu]

Not with JET itself, but you could try to talk to someone here with the JET program (try to find our Facebook pages, etc) and see if you can stay with them, etc. Some schools are really cool letting visitors come in, others are not (my base school despises foreigners, while the school I visit Fridays thinks it's awesome to have foreign visitors all the time).

[@kawaiijutsu]

Lol, well thank you. As for a drivers license, I intend to get one when I move to Kanagawa next year, so maybe then I will post it. As for buying items, I could do a grocery shopping episode...I'm just not sure how entertaining that would be/if it would violate the building's rules about filming/privacy.

[@kawaiijutsu]

Yes, you'll need to pay for your first month in Japan with most companies, definitely with JET. The JET recommended allowance is 2,000-2,500 USD. I came with 1,600 USD put into yen. Also, your questions aren't obnoxious, so don't worry :P

[@poodleoodle7689]

Love your videos, thanks!

[@kawaiijutsu]

I've done gymnastics and the like since I was little, and used to compete with it back in high school. I just always did web design as well :P I had never really thought about doing anything related to acrobatics as a career though, but a friend kinda helped talk me into at least trying to do more of it. I'll still likely do web and graphic design at least for myself though lol.

[@kawaiijutsu]

I am transferring to a private Eikaiwa this summer and will work there for a year. After that, I hope to either get into the National Circus School in Montreal and study aerial acrobatics, or get my masters at UT Austin and go to the aerial arts gym near the campus there.

[@kawaiijutsu]

No, I don't feel that way. I have my job, my friends, my fiance, I go to a gym to work out, I explore Japan, I make youtube videos and enjoy talking to people I meet via youtube from all over the world.

[@kawaiijutsu]

Lol, JETs video to everything is "talk to your home country", cause every situation is different (oh god, the number of times you'll hear ESID...). I wish you luck with it!

[@Droits21]

Wow, this video is inspiring me!

[@MykkiOnTheCusp]

Hey, don't give up! I'm 25 and going to university so I can get a degree and then teach over there. Keep at it, it's never impossible!

[@kawaiijutsu]

Hmm...depending on how severe it is. Do you have issues with 13 hour plane rides? Issues going up and down 3 flights of stairs? Standing for 50 minutes at a time?

[@kawaiijutsu]

Honestly, I don't really like the Japanese rosetta stone. It depends on your style of learning, if you need more structure and someone yelling at you, or if you can push yourself. You might check out a local community college, see if they offer classes. You can also try JapanesePod101, the Genki book series, if you've got an iphone theres plenty of apps like Living Japanese or the Living Language series

[@Icarusrider]

Good Job on the video!

[@kawaiijutsu]

I had a can of sapporo back in the states and HATED it. the kind I'm drinking here is Asahi Super Dry (yep, get your laughs out about it now, cause we all do). It's actually pretty good! I'm not normally a beer person, but that's the brand here I drink on occasions where I randomly want one/everyone else is drinking beer and you should too lol

[@kawaiijutsu]

That's solely from a monetary perspective. Yes, people do take the method you suggested. But they have to pay a LOT upfront most of the time, and the support isn't as good. Yes, JET could send you to a small city or town. But there's no guarantee of you finding a job in a city either. It's a risk no matter what you do. At least with JET, you know you have a job coming in the country.

[@kawaiijutsu]

hmm, i dont know much about private schools, though ive volunteered at an international day for one of them. the school looks MUCH nicer, and in a lot of cases, they are religious, or founded by foreign missionaries. several of them have a "ladder system", where you dont take a test to enter the high school (the school runs elementary -> high). the teachers do seem much better, and the level of the students is higher. then theres private schools for students at a lower academic level

[@williammartin2088]

I honestly think ill end up watching all of your videos tonight and besides the fact of them being intriguing they're uber educational lol I" look forward to my trip and I'm a little bit more comfy now ^-^

[@kawaiijutsu]

Most places in Japan for graphic design will want you to speak more Japanese (as a graphic designer myself, I can say this :P) I have heard of people offering a job for graphic work to non-Japanese speakers though. In your case, I'd say getting a TEFL cert would make you stand out amongst others from your country for JET (assuming as a non-native speaker, your country does not have English as a national language?). For ALT advice, what exactly do you mean? Could you be more specific?

[@kawaiijutsu]

No...I know a friend back in the states who's looking into it, and I met another person in Tokyo who had used it initially but is now here on a different visa. I don't know anyone personally on it at this moment though.

[@kawaiijutsu]

Of course, each situation is different. But JET will NOT cover your first months accommodation. You must come with it yourself. The recommended amount was $2000-2500. You can talk with your contracting organization before hand to learn what you'll have to pay in terms of rent and the like. I had no key money/deposits, so coming with ~$1,500 was enough for me.

[@kawaiijutsu]

we do have SEAs (sport exchange advisors), but you have to be nominated by your country's olympic committee. you can totally just join in random gym classes with students, i do it all the time

[@kawaiijutsu]

It depends entirely on where you'll be living, and how much your company/employer helps you out with housing. If you don't get company/subsidized housing, you are looking at dropping 5-6000 dollars to move into a place alone in a major city. You have to survive a month without a paycheck. youd prolly be safe with most teaching jobs, but id wait to visit sites till your first paycheck

[@Yond22]

Thank you So much for this video !

[@kawaiijutsu]

It is possible for a non native speaker to teach here, and bilingual only makes you stronger (they ask that on the app form too). You just have to prove that you speak an adequate level of english (graduated from an English-speaking uni, took some kind of exam, etc)

[@kawaiijutsu]

thanks! im glad you got some great schools, especially in osaka! i'm a little envious lol

[@kawaiijutsu]

Dogs are very normal in Japan, but you may find it difficult to bring your dog from home to here. Also, many apartments do not allow pets, so you'll have to look a little longer for a place, and be willing to pay more.

[@kawaiijutsu]

A friend of mine is looking into the Le Corden Bleu school in Tokyo. I'm not sure the details on getting students over here, since she is looking into it while already living here.

[@kawaiijutsu]

Most people work 8:30-4:15 as their standard hours. But there are plenty of days where some work less (some junior high teachers only work till 3:30) and some days we work more, like when we have English club.

[@kawaiijutsu]

I moved because I could have cheaper rent and live closer to some friends of mine instead of way out by myself. Others move for similar reasons. Or they want a newer place, etc. I waited till the year on my first contract was up, then moved. I just had to talk it through with my school, etc, but they aren't really able to say "No, you can't move."

[@kawaiijutsu]

Sorry I don't know too much about this particular field. But yeah, they'll help you out loads more than me.

[@BrandonAEnglish]

Just found your videos recently and am enjoying the info as well as your energy and enthusiasm. You selected a great channel name, it suits you! :D I'm graduating next month and have been applying for a teaching position in Japan for the past few months. Just now about to send in my info to Aeon and have applied to TeachAway and Interac. The latter, however, turned me down but will not tell me why. They told me to apply again in a year....curious. Too late for JET, but I'll look at your links.

[@sparkledust7788]

I love the essence of your video! The cat makes it so much better, unfortunately I can't have a cat living in Japan. I want to teach in Japan, but I'm still trying to figure out what program, school, I should do.

[@kawaiijutsu]

Yeah, you'll need both of those. And rent in Tokyo is pricey...look to see if you're school would have student housing somewhere nearby. I came to Japan with 1,500 USD, but that was the low end, and I have subsidized rent and didn't have to pay key money, landlord fee, and all that nonsense. Honestly, to get an apartment not handeled by the school, just on your own, might cost you as much as 6,000 USD up front. It's a pretty crazy system here.

[@kawaiijutsu]

hmm, that would make for a very short video, but i can try to do it sometime. in general where i live, the cost of living is about the same.

[@MattyMoe84]

You can apply for a permit after you arrive in Japan. The government gave it a nice long name, "Permit to Engage In Activity Other Than That Permitted By The Status Of Residence Previously Granted". You can work 28 hours per week but not in the entertainment industry....so pachinko parlors, nightclubs, etc.

[@kawaiijutsu]

It's part of the total immersion theory, like how you learn your native language as a child. Obviously, no one speaks baby, so you learn naturally. You are there to provide the natural learning. In a lot of cases though, you'll have a Japanese teacher of English there with you.

[@kawaiijutsu]

You'd want to apply through your college's study abroad coordinator, or apply to the individual college itself. You don't need a program for that.

[@CharlesNowak01]

Another question that randomly popped into my mind and of course in one of your responds to an earlier chat/ answer to my questions before. What/ Why some ALTs move out from their first apartment after getting selected into their schools? I have came across other Jet bloggers like yourself and I have heard it from you (at less I thought I did) that they had to change there living situation. Could give me an idea on why and how you could change the rental agreement after your first apartment.

[@kawaiijutsu]

Also, there's no guarantee you get more money as a private hire. JET has a fixed, flat salary you are guaranteed to have. I've heard of some private hire cases where they fleeced the ALT, cause what could they really do about it? That's certainly not the standard, but you have little protection against things like that.

[@kawaiijutsu]

I have a TEFL cert now, but I didn't get it till after I came here. I have a general 60 hour TEFL cert, plus specializations in grammar, teaching to young learners, and business english. I teach high school now, so I figure that is experience enough lol. As for teaching patterns, it varies based on school. At one school, I'm not allowed to touch a single thing. At another, they want me to bring in Skype, my fiance, comics from The Oatmeal, anything. It's hard to say what you'll get.

[@RuiX95]

Thank you, will do!

[@kawaiijutsu]

yep, the school is actually across the street from cirque HQ. if i can get good enough to be with cirque, id totally do that.

[@kawaiijutsu]

I see! I believe there are some international universities that offer music degrees. What do you want to know about them?

[@coollois123]

You are my role model! I hope I can ask you some questions and help in the future.

[@kawaiijutsu]

lol, shes not in heat, just pissed that i locked her out of the room :P i hope the study abroad goes great! where are you heading to?

[@CharlesNowak01]

Hi I just stumble upon your videos just few minutes ago and I love this particle one because it gives a solid information about getting a teaching job in Japan. However there are few questions that I want to ask you and I would love to hear from you. Questions: Do I need a bachelors degree or an associates degree to be apart of any of the teaching jobs? Can it be in any career field other than teaching? How much English would I need to show the Japanese government to teach English?

[@MattyMoe84]

You can apply for a student work visa after you arrive in Japan and I believe you are allowed to work around 20 hours a week. Can't be in a pachinko parlor or anything like that though

[@kawaiijutsu]

No, JET has never and will never take high school graduates, as Japanese law requires those on instructors visas to have a Bachelors. There are many jobs with varying contract lengths, ranging from 1-3 months to infinite. It depends on what you can find.

[@CharlesNowak01]

Thank you. I looked into the jet program and found out about the three year teaching degree. I did looked into the Jet program before and mistakenly that I looked over the requirements little to fast about the degree part. I would say that I have a strong command in English. I need to get threw my struggles at my community college course in order to transfer/ survive a university level courses. Once or if I get to that point of doing the Jet program, I am going to need your feedback.

[@kawaiijutsu]

?? are you applying from america, or from where? also, what program? lol. On my app, I just had to report "any serious medical condition", which most interpreted as "a condition we may be worried about getting proper care for/impacting our jobs". Only after we got accepted did we need a doctors check

[@kawaiijutsu]

Yeah, it's pretty typical that they won't give you a reason why. They just get too many, and if they gave a reason, I'm sure some would try to twist it into a worse reason than it was and try to get them in trouble or some such. Best of luck with the other apps though!!

[@kawaiijutsu]

That's certainly one route, but there's a lot that goes into that that might not work for some. Lots of people don't have the money to put into a TEFL/CELTA degree, or might not be certain it's what they really wanna pursue. You might not be able to get a job so easy at a school like that, because they may have arrangements with JET, InterAC, etc. A lot of Boards of Education are really poor right now and can't afford private hires.

[@kawaiijutsu]

yes, they absolutely could. many people do that actually

[@CharlesNowak01]

Hi again. There is one last question :(. What are the hours do you have to work? I have been on the Jets website to see what the hours of work days are need to keep the job with that company. Unfortunately I could not find nothing in the faqs and forums on the website. Since you have been a big help recently, I thought you could shed some light on my question about the work hours.

[@WolfFangite]

I checked out jet, and I stared at the page for 10 seconds and then my brain flipped out. I cant speak/read Japanese, well I can actually read it but I cant comprehend. I just made me realize that I have along way to go. Best get crackn' then! ^w^

[@kawaiijutsu]

thank you :D

[@kawaiijutsu]

You can't really work and be a student at the same time here, your visa will only support one or the other, and they're very strict about that. Living costs here depends on where you live. Where I am, it's not bad at all, comparable to when I lived in Dallas. I would say get to at least a lower intermediate level of Japanese (basic conversation, all hiragana and katakana, 100-200 kanji) before moving here to make your life easier.

[@kawaiijutsu]

On JET, you cannot bring your pets with you at all. They are not allowed. My cat is still with my parents back in america >< This cat was given to me by a student as a kitten, cause she needed a home :)

[@kawaiijutsu]

lets hope, right?

[@slimyweasles4973]

Noisy kitty

[@kawaiijutsu]

Yeah, if it's that severe and you feel that it needs explaining. Honestly, if it will not hinder any of those things, I wouldn't worry about reporting it.

[@kawaiijutsu]

thanks!

[@DavidDolynny]

you did a good job

[@kawaiijutsu]

Yes, it is a requirement for the instructors visa to hold a bachelors (or something like a 3 year teaching degree). The instructors visa is required for just about any teaching job here. There may or may not be some exceptions, but that would sound really shady to me, and I wouldn't trust those companies.

[@kawaiijutsu]

...you will find that....very, very, VERY difficult. Like, I cannot stress it. Even the big names here, the ones we know even in america, often complain that their life sucks and theyre always working. youd have to find other resources for more specifics though

[@stevieq_13]

Do you still feel positively about Amity? I have an interview with them soon where I'll be presenting some demo lessons. Online reviews concerning Amity are....not positive. Any insight or advice?

[@kawaiijutsu]

Ahhh...fair enough, that makes more sense. Maybe try to talk to your doctor to see if she'll be more reasonable? How they'd prolly read that as "The student is just desperate to go so they're downplaying, but it looks really dangerous for them".

[@RuiX95]

Thanks for the answer, the Japanese language thing is in progress :P No experience though... Would the chances for me getting a job with a good and fluent japanese but with no experience on that market be high? Also, just found out JET doesn't support my country :/

[@CharlesNowak01]

I wish that youtube would give use more characters for typing. Do have any more advice of being an ALT in Japan? (Before I start the process of getting my bachelors degree and deciding if I want to go there an teach or if I did not extend my degree I could find a job in Japan with my Associates Degree in Graphic Design).

[@Ttaro25]

and btw your video is awesome!

[@YattaMisaMisa]

My aim in life is to teach English in Japan. I'm 14, so it is a long way away, but what would you recommend me to do to have the best chances at university and my application for the JET program? I am already learning the language by myself. Considering I live in England, what should I take at collage? (I find your videos very inspiring! xx)

[@CharlesNowak01]

Thank you very much. One last thing. How much money should I take with me if I was accepted to go to Japan for the first week? I have heard from other video bloggers from the past year that you would need to supply some money to live in Japan before you start your career as an ALT. If you could shine some light on my question if you do not mind sharing roughly how much cash you exchanged for Japans yen. You have been big help with my obnoxious questions that you might have answered before.

[@moonavramtcheva4838]

It's a requirement at my school to go abroad and participate in an international work placement. It basically consists more out of helping out and get to know the culture instead of having a real job (I don’t need to be paid). I’m considering going to Japan (for no more than two weeks) and to try and help out at schools. I wonder if it would be possible to get a connection trough JET and stay with one of the teachers and possibly help out. Do you think that would be possible with JET?

[@kawaiijutsu]

Hm, you can try to come over with some other job here, if you're good in Japanese. Or just come here on a tourist visa

[@foxxylover12]

I was gonna say gaijinpot but then you said right when I was typing. XD I'm going to double major in Japan Studies and of course International English teacher. Hoping to get accepted in the college I want. What are some tips about learning Japanese? I was thinking of getting Rossetta Stone but I'm not sure.(trying really hard to learn the language for 4 years now) If you could help me with that. (: ~Foxxy

[@NS-ks1tw]

im 13 but i absolutly luv japan and little preschoolers and i want to go to japan when im older and would luv to teach

[@kawaiijutsu]

Computer engineering, you'd need some pretty good Japanese for that. Also, you'd need to be a pretty good programmer with some experience under your belt. Teaching Portuguese...I'm sure there's a market, but I'm not sure the details on it.

[@Ttaro25]

hey where do you live in Japan? I just moved out here I'm gonna be working for Interac, I have visited here before but this is the first time living here for real :D fuun! I've been here for 2 monthsish btw

[@kawaiijutsu]

It depends on the apartment, but some do

[@JulianSirkin]

Well again thank you very much.

[@kawaiijutsu]

Haha, my youtube name is my name on literally every other form of social media I'm a part of. I'm nothing if not consistent. I'll be in Japan, at a minimum, till January 2014. Could be longer, I'm not sure yet. Hope I can see you then :)

[@kawaiijutsu]

?? I'm not sure I understand. You mean was I afraid to fly across the ocean? What would I have to be afraid of?

[@CharlesNowak01]

Thank you very much. I thought of something funny I should video blog before I join the jet program, in fact I have because of what I am going threw for college.

[@AlyUzumaki]

did you buy your cat in Japan, or was there a process for bringing your pet over?( I want a cat once I'm in college and moved out I want to get a cat and get into the jet program after college and am worried about leaving my furry friend behind.)

[@FlandreDevil]

I have not looked into them that much, i have looked into Tokyo Genjutsu Daigaku univirsity of the arts, and i see they have individual teachers like we have here. since my piano teacher is leaving for new york in the nex year or two i think it might be worth while looking into a piano teacher from that univirsity. if i move to japan i will also have to find a part time job and a apartment to live in. how much money do you reccomend coming to Japan with?

[@RyseMaxwell]

But then you said you studied web design, does that mean you also studied teaching in college? Because you said it's needed in japan. Black and white. I'm a bit confused, but interested.

[@kawaiijutsu]

I didn't, though I was a TA. All you need to teach here is a BA, or a 3 year teaching degree.

[@CharlesNowak01]

I sure will. Thank in advance to get my name out there, that is when I get to that point in time :)