Student Internships in Japan, Hostessing Jobs, and More
American Companies in Japan
Hostessing
Models and Movie Extras
Shin Shizen Juku (New Nature School)
Writing, Editing, and Proofreading
Internships
Japan has plenty of its own highly skilled professionals and the government doesn't look kindly on foreigners seeking jobs that its citizens could do equally well.
Japan is a major trading nation and its citizens are captivated by things Western, so a wide variety of entry-level work is available to competent Westerners. North Americans in Japan consider positions as writers, editors, proofreaders, models, movie extras, and "hostesses" a change of pace from teaching and class preparation. Earnings also can be quite lucrative. They are described in more detail below.
Several American companies have divisions in Japan and generally hire professional level employees. A good place to start your research is the American Chamber of Commerce of Japan.
Hostessing typically involves making small talk with Japanese businessmen at exclusive, male-only clubs. Women we know say that hostessing is almost always boring.
Like any job that caters to an intoxicated clientele, you must be cautious and check out an establishment prior to working there. Definitely avoid yakuza- (Japanese Mafia) owned bars and clubs. In Tokyo you should probably stay away from no-holds-barred areas like Shinjuku and stick to higher-class districts such as Ginza or Yurakucho when looking for a job. Try to talk to a couple of the hostesses working there before signing a contract. If possible, try to have a Japanese friend find out about the establishment's reputation.
As more Japanese women enter the work force, it's also becoming increasingly popular for American males to work as hosts. This is especially true in the larger cities.
Japanese advertisers like to use Western models - preferably blonde, blue-eyed females. If you fit this description, you may want to make the rounds at a few agencies. Modeling jobs are difficult to get, but the payoff can be enormous.
Westerners are also often sought as movie extras. If you can act and can speak Japanese, you may even become a soap opera or movie star.
Shin Shizen Juku (New Nature School)
Believe it or not, you can actually live on an organic farm/commune and teach English at the same time. Shin Shizen Juku is located in the countryside of Hokkaido and offers English instruction to the surrounding villages in exchange for payment. English teachers are considered volunteers. They work for room and board and participate in communal activities. If any money is left at the end of the month, it is shared evenly with all commune members. If you want to visit the commune without teaching, you may do so for about ¥2,000 per day. Teaching at Shin Shizen Juku is not a way to make a lot of cash; however, it is a great way to experience communal living, make friendships with like-minded Japanese, and live in a hiker's paradise (the commune is located near three national parks).
For more information send a letter describing yourself and what you hope to experience in Japan to:
Mr. Hiroshi Mine
Shin Shizen Juku
Tsurui-Mura
Akan-gun
Hokkaido 085-12, Japan
Writing, Editing, and Proofreading
Many Japanese corporations and businesses need the help of literate English speakers for writing, editing, and proofreading. They usually fill these positions by hiring teachers from the more reputable English schools.
Some positions favor a technical background. For instance, a degree in literature may not be considered particularly helpful for editing VCR manuals.
AIESEC-US
AIESEC (French acronym for The International Association of Students in Economics and Commerce) is a worldwide association that offers short- and long-term internships abroad for students at universities and colleges with AIESEC chapters. Internships are mainly for students studying economics, business, marketing, and computer science. For more information, contact:
AIESEC-US
135 West 50th Street, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10020
(212) 757-3774
Association for International Practical Training
For applicants who have already graduated from college, or have significant experience in a field, AIPT helps to facilitate internships for applicants between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five. In some cases, knowledge of Japanese may be required.
For more information, contact:
Association for International Practical Training
10 Corporate Center, Suite 250
10400 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21044-3510
(410) 997-2200
Fax: (410) 992-3924
Email: iaeste@aipt.org
Web site: http://www.aipt.org
IAESTE Trainee Program
IAESTE (The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) offers three- to twelve-month placements and summer opportunities for juniors, seniors, and graduate students from accredited colleges. Opportunities are mainly for students studying engineering, architecture, mathematics, computers, and other sciences. The application deadline for summer is December 10. For more information, contact:
IAESTE Trainee Program
10 Corporate Center, Suite 250
10400 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21044-3510
(410) 997-2200
Fax: (410) 997-5186
Email: iaeste@aipt.org
Web site: http://www.aipt.org
Princeton in Asia
PIA provides recent college graduates with internship opportunities in many Asian countries. Approximately 75 positions are available annually, and internships are for one or two years. Most positions involve teaching English and applicants are expected to have experience teaching English as a second language. A limited number of positions in other fields are also available. Applicants are required to pay for their own way to Princeton for an interview as well as travel costs to Asia if they are offered a position.
For more information on the program, contact:
Princeton in Asia
Palmer Hall 224
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 258-3657
