Moving to Japan in March for a Job

So I'm moving to Japan for a job in March (it's for English teaching, yeah yeah I've heard all the negative things and what not, but I've believed it was my calling since I studied abroad and taught some of my friends English). I was wondering though, when I move into an APT, it will most likely be unfurnished. What do you think the needed items for a Japanese Apt would be?

 

Do you have problems sleeping on a Futon? If yes, I'd recommend a western style bed (if you have the space that is).

 

I don't mind either way, but do you think a regular bed would be cheap?

 

I don't know, you could get something used and sell it on when you are done in Japan. Cheaper than shipping your stuff around anyway.

 

I just sleep on a lovely mattress from IKEA. Delivery was good, mattress is lovely and no need for the bed.

 

Tbh if you're there for short term (and 1-2 years could be considered that) you might wanna look into furnished apts/apts that don't charge you the ridiculous key money fees and such. Stuff like Leopalace basically. No reason to furnish an entire apt, then sell everything after 1-2 years when you can pay a bit more rent and not have to worry about that sorta stuff (nor spend the money furnishing).

 

If I hear another person saying that they are coming to Japan to teach english as they feel it is their calling then I might punch someone (hopefully an American english "teacher"). Most (but not all) English teachers are a waste of space, as being able to talk should not qualify you as a teacher. There are good teachers, but most of them can string a decent sentence in Japanese so they can explain better about the English they are trying to use.

Back on topic... most English teachers do give up after a year or so, so you might want to look at renting a furnished apartment from somewher like Leopalace 21, they have places all over Japan and they do have a English office in Tokyo. All you will need to buy then is various cooking things and cleaning things (most can be bought for a pittance in 100 yen shops). Futons are not that bad and do take up a lot less room then a bed.

Leopalace places may seem more expensive to rent but most places are well furnished, come with most things you need, you can get high speed internet access for about $15 a month and you do not have to pay stupid fees on top which will negate the cheaper looking rent.

Although some schools may force you to rent certain places which will be more expensive and worse then doing it yourself.

 

Come on. Most people are not "natural born teachers" but that doesn't mean they won't work hard to become good at what they do. Yes, many English teachers are just in for the quick money but I met some who actually found something they like doing, took the opportunity to learn and were good teachers actually. Also, depending on the teaching method, you don't need the help of another language (Japanese) to teach (English).

 

To teach English you shouldn't really need Japanese if you are good at teaching that is. Anyway, off topic. Back on Topic I'd say look in to Leo Palace places as Jamtex said. They do cost more but are filled with everything you need including TV, fridge/freezer, microwave, stove, washing machine and even internet connection in most cases.

Yakumo

 

I appreciate all the info guys! @Jamtex: It's not like I am going in blind. I studied abroad at Tsukuba University for a year where I tutored English twice a week. Back in the US I tutor at the local community college in English (Native Japanese Students) and in the Japanese classes. So I think I have some experience

 

Ah fair enough, sounds like you do have a lot of experience and can speak Japanese, so good luck to you. Where in Japan are you going? Although if you say Tokyo or Osaka I will want to punch someone ;-)

I am only going on experience with teachers that can speak Japanese, basically being able to teach people better, all the ones I know in Japan who have been here for more then 5 years do use it within their classes as it does make it a lot easier for the Japanese speaker. I mean you would not go to a Japanese classes where the teacher spoke to you in nothing but Japanese...

The key thing when moving to japan is to know where the nearest 100 yen shop is as you will get a lot of what you want there. I would bring a good towel with you as the Japanese don't really have good towels unless you are prepared to spend money on them, otherwise clothes, notebook and other personal items are all you need.

 

I will most likely be in the Fukuoka area....Which isn't bad. I did a 2 week homestay there and it was awesome.

When I was taking classes at Tsukuba none of the teachers knew English, so I had to use the limited Japanese I had at the time to get my point across. Takes patience, but it pays off.


Ah yes, good ol 99 yen store. Shop the 9 the 9, 999! I bought stuff there while living in Tsukuba cause the supermarket was too expensive lol.

 

Out of curiosity, what company are you going with? Do you have any idea about how long you wanna stay or are you just gonna wait and see? And aspirations to use teaching as a stepping stone to get another job in Japan?

 

I signed up with Interac. I want to get a permanent job in Japan if I can heh .Even at the interview they said that you can use this company as a stepping stone to go on to greater things, well...we will see

 

Interac? You are going to work for a company that employs anybody. In Kita Kyushu a lot of the teachers who work for Interac are not very good. That's not to say everyone is a hopeless case but there sure are a lot. You'll also find that these outsource companies employ people who have awful English. I know a few really cool guys who are English teachers but they are no where near native level. In fact sometimes they use really odd grammar. Still, if you are only teaching English to kids that's not much of a problem. What is a problem is the heap of shit they call an English textbook, Eigo Note. man, that is one massive heap of shit IMO. My 5th grade nephew uses it and I can honestly say it's no wonder he can't string together a basic sentence in English.

Yakumo

 

Not shocking. Most of the companies that do ALT hires anyone (Jet included). I've seen some of the textbooks (even at college level) they use and they are indeed awful..hopefully I can make a difference :nod:
One good thing about Interac is they have a site for teaching materials and free Japanese language courses...which might help!

 

The free Japanese course may be worth a shot :nod:

 

Yeah, even though my Japanese is good enough to get around..I always want to improve it...that and my Kanji (which has a lonnnnng way to go lol)

 

Personally I couldn't care less about kanji. As long as I can speak I'm fine. can't read something? I just ask :thumbsup: That's not to say I can't read at all just that I have no interest in improving.

 

外人ですからすみません....used that one a lot lol