10. Can I renew my contract?
This can be worked out with the institute directly. If you wish to be placed at a different institute, English Tree can also help you. Just contact us before your contract expires.

11. When is the best time to apply for a position?
English Tree has positions available at all times.

12. How long will it take before I am hired?
Usually the full process can be completed within 1.5 to 2 months from receipt of your application. This time is needed to process all of the appropriate paperwork, confirm your diploma, conduct a telephone interview between you and the institute you will be working for, do a background check, process your visa and make flight arrangements.

13. Is the salary adequate to live in Japan?
Yes, it most certainly is. You'll earn enough money to have a lot of fun in Japan, as well as be able to save a significant portion.

14. How will I be paid?
You will be paid in Japanese Yen either monthly or bi-weekly. If you set up a bank account in Japan, your salary will be deposited automatically into your account. You will be able to wire money home from your bank or via a postal money order (at your local post office) if you so desire. A small minority of institutes may pay you your salary in cash.

15. What taxes do I have to pay?
The tax rate for teachers in Japan (foreign) depends on your monthly wage. Needless to say, the higher your salary, the higher your tax rate. Generally, income tax for workers earning a salary in the 250,000 Yen per month range, pay 5% in income taxes. However, please refer to the National Tax Agency Website for more info http://www.nta.go.jp/category/english/ .

Also, there is a new pension scheme that employers are now required by law to deduct from your pay. The amount is equal to 13.934% of your monthly wage. Upon ending their status as resident of Japan, foreign nationals who have contributed to the Japanese pension scheme for 6 months or more are entitled to receive lump sum payments in lieu of the money they have contributed. To become eligible to receive this payment, you must make an application to your local Social Insurance Office (called, “skakai hoken jimusho”). For more information, visit the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s homepage. http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/org/policy/dl/p36-37d1.pdf

16. How much does medical insurance cost?
Usually around 13,000 yen per month (it actually costs 27,000 yen per month but it is usually shared 50/50 between the employer and employee). Click for more info about the National Health Insurance plan (http://www.htia.org/e/info/health_i.html#no2 ).

17. Can you tell me about the type of accommodation provided by schools?
Many Japanese language schools buy or lease apartments for company employees near their respective schools. Teachers are provided with reasonably priced accommodation in these apartments for the duration of their stay. Teachers are responsible for paying their rent (usually between 55,000 yen and 70,000 yen per month) (click to have a currency converter http://www.englishtreejapan.com/Central_Japan_Lifestyle/index.htm) but the language institute takes on the burden of Japanese apartment rental start-up costs (damage deposit, non-refundable deposit, real estate commission, etc…).

Apartments are usually located within walking distance of the schools, or if not, very close to public transportation. Apartments can be shared in some cases (2 Bedrooms, 1 living room, a relatively small kitchen space and a bathroom with shower/small bathtub; with another foreign teacher at the school) but the majority of company housing apartments are private (1 Bedroom, 1 living room, one small kitchen space and a bathroom with shower/small bathtub). Japanese accommodation is likely to be much smaller than what you are used to. It is unlikely you will have any kind of yard or garden. Apartments are generally furnished with a bed, small table, refrigerator, gas stove, kitchen utensils and washing machine. Many company apartments also feature an air conditioner/heater although this is not standard.

Some employers (not all) may offer a housing allowance for a teacher who wants to find his/her own apartment. We definitely do not recommend you to take a Housing Allowance for having your own apartment if you are a first timer in Japan and you don't have anyone that you know near the institute. Chances are that your employer can find you a better apartment for that amount of money. Besides, you don't want to be involved with renting and leasing an apartment when you come to Japan. However, if you already have someone to share an apartment nearby, then of course it is your choice.

18. How much do utilities usually cost?
You will be required to pay (or share the payment with your room-mate, if applicable) for your utilities. Utilities may also include an apartment maintenance fee, in addition to your heating, water and electricity. Utility costs usually range anywhere from 10,000 yen / month ~15,000 yen / month depending on usage. Some schools may take a small portion of your first month's salary as a deposit for potential unpaid utility bills. However, this deposit will be returned to you at the end of your contract.

19. If I do not want to work, can I break the contract?
You may annul the contract by giving a minimum of two months' advance notice in writing. In the case of Employer seeking annulment, reasonable and adequate grounds must be provided in order for the contract to be dissolved.

20. Will I be near other foreigner teachers (ie: Americans, Canadians, Australians, etc…)?
With more than 10,000 English Language Institutes throughout Japan it is safe to assume that there will be other Foreign English teachers nearby.

21. What's the best way to get in touch with someone in my home country?
Computer rooms / Internet cafes are plentiful in Japan. An hour of Internet ranges from 600 Yen to 1000 Yen per hour (click to have a live exchange rate). This makes e-mail a great way to keep in touch. If you want to talk on the phone international phone calls can be pricy if a discount plan is not used. However, there are a variety of discount calling services offered in Japan that make international calls from pay phones surprisingly cheap (eg. USA/Canada: 8 Yen/minute, UK: 9 Yen/minute, Australia: 10 Yen/minute). For more information, check out a discount calling service provider www.brastel.com, www.skystarphone.com or www.yasukonodenwa.org/eng/ However, nothing is cheaper than purchasing a headset with a microphone, and making Internet phone calls.

22. Can I send money back home?
Yes. You can open a bank account and send money electronically to a designated account. However, be aware that this process can take up to 5 working days and can cost from 4,000 Yen to 6,000 Yen per transfer Another option is to send money via a postal money order. This is less expensive than an international transfer through a bank but can take upwards of 2 weeks for your money to arrive in your home country. Yet another option is to use an international remittance service. Such services can transfer your money within one working day for a relatively low cost (around 2,000 Yen) Click here for an example of one of these services: http://www.golloyds.com/en/ or check out Paypal which, after setting up a free account, is free.

23. Can I exchange Japanese Yen to currency from my home country?
Yes. You can exchange Japanese Yen to U.S., Canadian, New Zealand, Australian dollars; British pounds and various other currencies at currency exchange centers or major banking institutions. In some cases, currency exchanges at banks can take up to 3 days so if you are planning to go this route, be sure to give yourself enough time.

24. How much money should I bring to Japan?
Bring enough money to survive until your first payday, which is usually 4-6 weeks after your start date. We recommend brining the equivalent of at least 150,000 yen. We also recommend that you convert some money into Japanese Yen traveler’s checks and convert some into hard Japanese Yen currency at the bank before coming to Japan. Otherwise, international airports in Japan have currency exchange centers so you can change your money over upon arrival in Japan

25. What is the climate like in Japan?
Japan has four distinct seasons. However, the spring and the fall are generally short-lived compared to the extreme heat and cold of summer and winter, respectively. Spring is a great time to engage in outdoor sports without worrying about the heat. Japanese spring ranges from March to May. Summer in Japan lasts from early June to early September. Most days are very hot, and very humid and sticky. Fall is very nice in Japan. Like spring, fall is quite short-lived, running roughly from September to November. Fall is arguably the best time of year to go hiking or engage in other outdoor sports. In fall you can enjoy a very comfortable temperature in the daytime although it can get quite cool at night. Japanese winters are very dry and clear. Winters in Japan are cold and long, probably more so than what you're used to (…unless you're from Canada). Skiing and snowboarding are very popular winter sports in Japan and there are several mountain resorts to choose from all throughout the northern half of the country.

26. Are there any English newspapers available?
Yes, there are two English newspapers available, although they offer more-or less-the same content. They are the Japan Times (http://www.japantimes.co.jp) and the Daily Yomiuri (http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/index.htm). Either of these daily newspapers will keep you up-to-date with what's happening in Japan and abroad and can be purchased at most major newsstands or delivered to your door for a monthly fee. . Further, the International Herald Tribune (www.iht.com) can also be found at many newsstands at a premium price.

27. What credit cards are accepted?
Major credit cards such as Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diners Club and JCB are widely used in hotels, large restaurants, department stores, as well as some shops. However, cash is the dominant form of payment in Japan and as such you should expect to conduct most of your transactions in cash.

28. Do I need any vaccinations before going to Japan?
No.

29. What sort of clothing is acceptable?
Japan is noted for being on the cutting edge of fashion. Whatever your tastes, you are unlikely to have trouble finding whatever style of clothing you are looking for. However, keep in mind the fact that Asian people are generally smaller than Westerners so you may have difficulty finding your size, especially for shoes. You won't see too much hip-hop stuff and hardly any body piercing or tattoos. As a teacher, most schools are happy if you dress smart-casual. Remember though that because teaching contracts in Japan are for one year you will need to bring clothes suitable for a very hot summer as well as a cold winter.

30. What do I need to know about Japanese etiquette?
Well, firstly Japanese make a concerted effort to give foreigners a good impression of their country so never intentionally make you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. However, you will avoid embarrassing yourself if you remember a few things: