Tokyocooney's Japan forum

Well, first of all, sorry about my english.
Second thing, I don't want to be just one more user that registrates to ask one question and then never shows up again on the forum, I'll try to stay active around here.

My question revolves on starting my life in Japan.
What are decent options for a foreigner of working in Japan at the start, considering that my english, as good as it can get, can never be called Native (and most, if not all, schools and companies ask for "native" level), and that I don't really wanna live of this job forever, would be something to guarantee the rent, food and visa until I can find a job related to my degree (computer engineering/science).

If my text is confuse:
What are good jobs to get before looking for jobs related to my degree, considering that it can't be "teaching english".

Thanks for any answer or opinion!


EDIT: Oh, just to add, my native language is portuguese (brazilian here, please no racism or humiliation about it, it really sucks to have the "brazilian reputation" around the world)

Hi, Blue. Yes, let's try to get some traffic on this board other than plugs for schools in the Ukraine.

It might be possible for you to teach Portuguese. One of the big chains (I believe GEOS but may be remembering wrong) actually teaches many languages besides English. With the bad economy there may not be as much opportunity as a few years ago, but it's worth checking.

Wow, I wasn't expecting such a fast response, I was ready to wait weeks for it!
Yeah, these forum bots can be a pain...
Well, I heard that JET gets between 15 and 20 brazilians every year to be "CIR" (Coordinator for International Relations), I think it's like translating something to do with translating for the government.
Can someone clarify to me how do they choose the candidates (considering that most of them fit all the requeriments and there is no sufficient slots)?
And can I resign the contract in JET to get another job, or doing it would just put me out of the country?

I hope I get some answers

Unfortunately, I never went the JET route and can't tell you much about it.

By the way, your written English is at least as good as what I've seen from some Japanese English teachers. (^_^)

I really sucks that there are not many Brazilians! The JET program really depends on your home country/native tongue. Check around because there are a lot of programs like the JET program! My church at least has a ministry/English teaching program for Japan, so *if you are a Christian* check your denomination if they have a program like that. CIR I think help all of the ALTs in Japan. Read on their website for A LOT more information! To be a CIR you must be fluent in Japanese, but you don't have to be fluent to be an ALT.

To be honest, you need to be asking other brazilians. Im not sure how many, if any are on my board. The reality there are a number of special visa situations for peruvians and brazialians but I dont know much about them.

The rules are different country to country. But basically the more important issue is about what kind of Visa you can get, not what kind of job you can get. Its a chicken and the egg problem. But you need to contact the Japanese embassy in Brazil and find out what VISA options you have, not so much what work options.

Thats my thinking anyway

Good luck.