Moving to Japan?

Question

Okay, my mother is going to the Japan to teach English. What is the average salary an English teacher makes and how well of would a single mother of 2 children be? With the high price of everything, rent on the apartment, and other monthly expenses, would we be well-off. barel scraping by, or somewhere in-between? Would we have exta money to blow on clothes and electronics and such? If so, about how much per month?

Answer 1

Your living quarters will probably be more cramped than you are used to, and your apt could possibly be more run down than you may expect. Many Japanese families still sleep on the floor in the same room, and if you guys have an apt it will probably be that way.
I think it is safe to say that you will not be well-off. You'll probably have a little extra money to spend, but wait awhile until you make a major purchase. I would highly recommend finding a web group of English teachers after you arrive. (You can search yahoogroups for a start.) Each area of Japan has their own group, and these teachers often sell their belongings (for cheap!) when they leave Japan. You can get furniture, electronics, and even a car from your fellow teachers. Japan also has more secondhand stores than they did several years ago. This is another good place to get stuff for your apt--dishes, furniture, even clothing. The merchandise at these places is much better than in an American thrift store.
Depending on where your mom works, she may even be able to get things for free (from coworkers). Throwing away large items (such as appliances) is very expensive, so many Japanese families just hold on to their old refrigerator, washer, etc. If they hear someone needs one, they will be happy to give it away.

Answer 2

If your mom is going to teach in the Japanese educational system, she won't make more than 250,000 -300,000 yen per month, if she is lucky. If she is going into the private sector, that could be a lot less.

It also depends on location. If you are in Tokyo or another big city, you will be spending a lot on housing and food. If you are further from the central part of Japan, prices do go down a bit, but so does the availability of some things we foreigners deem necessary for living.

I would say you would be in the getting by category, especially if she is supporting a family. If you work also, that is a different story.

You might have some extra money for clothes, but for good quality electronics, not so much.

There are too many unknown variables for me to answer your last question to any certainty.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Well, converting from USD to Yen can vary. If i remember... 1 dollar is over 100 yen. so it would vary


so with the money you already have, it should hold for about a month or 2

(oh and dont forget the H5N1 Virus or also Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Answer 4

it depends.. housing is hard to come by and very expensive, but if it is part of the arrangement she has to teach, it will be easier.

most people travel via the train and subway system, and fares can add up, unless you get one of th emonthly passes.

Plenty foplaces where you can eat cheaply, and well, but gorceries in general are expensive, since most of it has to be imported.

gadgets and toys and stuff is VERY expensive and if you aren't going to be living near one of the big cities..Yokohama, Tokyo, Nagoya, you have to factor in the train ride to get there.