Mr. Andy Law, from America, is currently working as an English teacher in English Innovations, Shibuya. Here is an interview about his career in Japan.（JIKOPY）
- English (United States)
- 日本語
- 한국어
| Name | Andy Law (28) |
| Nationality | America |
| Company | English-Innovations. |
| Industry | Education |
| Career | English Teacher |
| Location | Tokyo |
| Japanese skills | Before Japan：JLPT-N5 Current level：JLPT-N5 |
| Study abroad experience (Japan) | None |
| Latest educational history (before Japan) | University Graduate |
| Work experience before Japan | Over 3 years |
Why do you want to work in Japan?
Tell us about your interests and motives of coming to Japan.
I love everything about Japan. Japanese culture and entertainment made me interested so I wanted to come. I also love travelling and my girlfriend studies here.
When did you decide that you want to work in Japan?
When I was around 21 years old.
When did you start work in Japan?
At 26 years old.
Why do you want to work in Japan?
- There are many things I need to learn on methods, ideas and high technology.
- A lot of opportunities and challenges in my job.
- Work and Life balance.
- To make use of my Japanese language skills and my native language at the same time.
- I want to make connections in Japan.
- I want to live in Japan.
Tell us about your job search for work in Japan.
What was your method of job searching?
- Japanese recruitment websites for current employees
- Japanese recruitment websites for foreigners
- Career fairs and job-related events in Japan
- Career fairs and job-related events outside of Japan
- Searched on the internet and applied on my own
What was your criterion when choosing a company? Please rank the following from 1- 3 from the choices below based on priority.
- Interest in the company.
- A company that provides adequate training / education after hiring.
- A company where I can learn and further my career for the future.
When attempting to get a job in Japan, what was your biggest challenge?
- It is difficult to apply from outside of Japan. Interviews denied if not currently located in Tokyo.
Tell us about your current job.
Tell us about your main role/responsibility.
Assistant Program Coordinator:
- Teach TOEFL and TOEIC.
- Organize Paperwork
- Help Program Coordinator
Tell us about what you consider important and concerns you other than your job.
My girlfriend studies in Tokyo, and my main concern is being with her. I would also like to save money for the future.
What is the appealing factor/attractive feature of your current employment?
Autonomy in my classroom. Central location in Shinjuku. Great coworkers. Many different responsibilities.
Tell us about working in Japan.
Tell us why working in Japan appeals to you.
The culture of Japan is my favorite aspect. I love the high stress high reward system in Tokyo.
Are there any other struggles you are facing aside from work in Japan? How did you manage to deal with it?
I have a hard time dealing with the bureaucracy. It seems anything that has to do with the government or banks take an unnecessary amount of effort and time.
Tell us about your job aspirations (Career developments) in the future.
I want to manage my own branch one day.
Tell us what you do in your everyday life in Japan.
Type of accommodation.
Rental
How did you find an accommodation when you first came to Japan?
Directly contacted real estate companies
How do you spend the holidays?
Travel, I just go to places I haven’t been around Japan and Asia. Places like Shanghai and Thailand.
Are there any struggles that you are experiencing other than living in Japan? How are you dealing with this issue?
Not very many struggles outside of Japan. I do have to send money back to my family and pay off my car.
Any words of advice you would like to give for those who are thinking about working abroad?
I would say that getting started is the hardest part but when you are established after a month or so, this place will be your home. Also, all your friends will be jealous.
