What are some things I Need to do to prepare for a full time job as ESL Teacher in NARA JAPAN

Question

I would like to know the details about how life in Nara is business and living wise.

How is the cost of food in supermarkets.

How is the rent for a one person apartment.

How high are the transportation costs?

Is it easy to buy a bicycle in Nara?

what is the train system like?

How far is Osaka by train?

any recommendations for a future ESL teacher would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks おおきに

Answer 1

Boy, Carl wants to burst your bubble doesn't he.

I have been to Nara a few times, never lived or worked there though. There are many temples and historic sites in Nara. Apart from those it's a rather quiet little place, but very close to bigger cities like Kyoto and Osaka. I wouldn't mind living there myself.

Buying a bicycle should be easy. Tourists can rent bikes at the station. Nara is not very big, so you should be able to get around easily by bike. Don't groceries cost the same all over Japan? I think they do. If you are hired as an ESL teacher your company or BOE will probably arrange housing for you. Of course they'll know what you're getting paid, so they won't select an apt that you can't afford. They can't hire someone who has nowhere to live now can they?

Answer 2

Check Nara website.

http://www.pref.nara.jp/nara_e/

>Is it easy to buy a bicycle in Nara?

Very easy.

>How far is Osaka by train?

80 minutes.

Answer 3

You need a four year degree for starters. And I'm not sure you can pick and choose the area you work in.

Food is high.

Transportation costs are high.

Bicycles are easy to come by. But riding one in Japan is another thing!

Rents are high. And not always easy to find.Many Japanese landlords won't rent to a non-Japanese. You'd probably need an agent to help you. Many landlords want 2 or 3 months rent in advance. Then there's the issue of "key money". This is more or less a bribe to the landlord to allow you to rent the place. Another month or two of rent money. And this is money you'll never see again.

  Their train system is one of the best in the world. On time by seconds ! But VERY crowded ! So crowded there's people who's job is to push people into the train it's so packed!

Being an ESL teacher is'nt like it used to be. Many quit after the first year.