{"id":2837,"date":"2016-08-25T17:42:20","date_gmt":"2016-08-25T21:42:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.oxfordseminars.com\/blog\/?p=2837"},"modified":"2017-04-27T15:20:36","modified_gmt":"2017-04-27T19:20:36","slug":"whats-it-like-living-in-japan-as-an-esl-teacher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oxfordseminars.com\/blog\/whats-it-like-living-in-japan-as-an-esl-teacher\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s It Like Living in Japan as an ESL Teacher?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cIf there is an ideal time to visit Kyoto, it\u2019s early April. With the cherry blossoms in full bloom, the city takes on an otherworldly persona. Despite the throngs of visitors, which provide continuous people-watching opportunities, there is a sense of calm, stillness, and peace as you pause to marvel at the exquisiteness of the cherry blossom, a shape simple yet intricate at the same time, gently shaded in pastel pink. You might experience the realization that you did not know the true meaning of beauty until this moment.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

– Dana Clarke, Oxford Seminars Instructor<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Japan is one of the strongest ESL markets in the world, from housing, to transportation, to food, etiquette, and culture. Here\u202fyou will find out what it is like living in Japan while teaching English abroad.<\/p>\n

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Living in Japan Teaching English<\/b><\/h2>\n

The ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ is a welcoming destination for many ESL teachers looking for employment and adventure in an exciting new culture. Japan has\u202fthe perfect blend\u202fof ancient customs and cutting edge technology. From Tokyo to Tokushima, Japan offers big, bustling cities and quiet, rural communities.<\/p>\n

The country is perfectly situated for trips to Bali, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, and other exotic locations as the strong yen makes traveling outside of Japan very inexpensive. Explore the ancient temples and geisha culture of Kyoto, relax in a hot spring, or take in the bright lights and stylish boutiques of Tokyo\u2019s Ginza shopping district<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Finding a\u00a0Home in Japan<\/b><\/h3>\n

Houses in Japan are generally smaller and very different from homes in the US.\u202fIn Japan, the letters LDK are used to identify whether the house has a living room (L), dining area (D), and kitchen (K). For example, a 2DK apartment\u202fhas two bedrooms, a dining room, and a kitchen.<\/p>\n

While many modern apartments have Western style bathrooms, older apartments have “squatters” (toilets on the ground). Newer apartments tend to have a bath unit, which includes everything in one room. The bath units are covered with tile or plastic inserts, so don\u2019t expect shower curtains or dividers.<\/p>\n

Shared, dorm-style units and single bachelor suites are also common while teaching English in Japan. These often contain a futon mat which is stored in a closet during the day. Apartments are not usually\u202finsulated, so space heaters, electric floor mats, and Kotatsu (small tables with built-in electric blankets)\u202fare used to keep warm.<\/p>\n

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Flying to Japan when Teaching English Abroad<\/b><\/h3>\n

Some contracts may include paid airfare depending on the employer and length of contract. It\u2019s common for employers to reimburse teachers for the cost of their airfare after they have fulfilled the contractual agreement, often in the form of a contract completion bonus. Therefore, ESL teachers should plan to pay for airfare, at least initially, before being reimbursed by their employer.<\/p>\n

Health Care Benefits While Teaching English in Japan<\/b><\/h3>\n

Since 2007, the majority of ESL teachers are enrolled in the Japanese Employee Health Insurance system, <\/span><\/span>Shakai<\/span><\/span> Hoken. Although this usually provides subsidized health benefits, it could still be worthwhile for an ESL teacher to have additional coverage from their home country. It\u2019s essential to establish what coverage you have, before departing for Japan. For further information regarding Japan’s health benefit system, visit\u202f<\/span><\/span>Japan\u2019s<\/span><\/span> Health Insurance Bureau<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Technology in Japan<\/b><\/h3>\n

Japan is a technologically advanced country.\u202fESL teachers should have no problem accessing the Internet or computers in Japan, as most work places will have Internet access;\u202fhowever, setting up home Internet can be a fairly drawn out and lengthy process. In the meantime, it is possible to access the internet with mobile phones, wireless hotspots, and internet caf\u00e9s.<\/p>\n

Transportation in Japan<\/b><\/h2>\n

Taxi<\/b><\/h3>\n

Like many developed countries, traveling by taxi is very expensive in Japan,\u202fwith the price starting at a flat fee and increasing with the distance traveled.<\/span><\/span> Tips <\/span><\/span>for traveling by taxi include<\/span><\/span>:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n