Different types of expats

synthia · #1 (**permalink**) 22nd April 2007, 10:08 AM

There are two types of expats in Japan. One is the corporate expat, with a nice benefits package that provides large Western-style accomodation in an ex-pat heavy section of the city, where there are stores carrying goods from home. These packages pay salaries that allow the purchase of these luxury goods.

The other type is the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher. EFL teachers are employed by Japanese companies, and they usually get their jobs by coming to Japan and interviewing on their own. They pay their own airfare, accommodation costs while looking for work, costs for a visa run to Korea if necessary, and frequently their own security deposits and 'key money' for their apartments.

attagirl · #2 (**permalink**) 25th April 2007, 05:09 PM

Thank you so much for this information. I would have never know that there are two classifications of expats, unless you would have told me.

Ulann · #3 (**permalink**) 27th April 2007, 03:22 AM

Me too. I only know that there are two types of passports.

Peterc · #4 (**permalink**) 27th April 2007, 08:45 AM

Japan must be an interesting place to work. I have never been there but one day would like to take a long holiday there. English teachers must be in huge demand there as Japan is also trying to integrate with the rest of the world.

Dr. Dozoretz · #5 (**permalink**) 2nd May 2007, 04:07 AM

Thanks for the thread-- I'm new to the site, and am rapidly approaching negotiating a compensation package for the corporate exec version of the expat that you listed above. Any advice is gladly appreciated from any of you out there who are currently expat execs or have been involved (or have any contacts) with negotiating such a package.

Again thanks in advance, Paul

synthia · #6 (**permalink**) 26th May 2007, 06:32 AM

Rent the movie Mr. Baseball and enjoy watching Tom Selleck making all the mistakes you will make. Pay special attention to the 'luxury' apartment. Prepare for major housing adjustments. Apartments have one bath, are small, and don't have closets. Japanese housewives cook on a two-burner gas cooktop. Air-conditioning is not the norm. If you want western-level housing, ask to see pictures of what you will be getting.

Find out what your commute will be like.

I knew at least one person who was promised a house in Tokyo (he should have been worried right there) and was put in the Kimi Ryokan for five months. His wife was supposed to transfer later, and the company saw no reason for him to have a house or apartment of his own if his wife wasn't with him.

Grania · #7 (**permalink**) 29th May 2007, 01:29 AM

Thanks for your information about the passport.

synthia · #8 (**permalink**) 8th June 2007, 04:06 PM

I don't know what either of you are talking about with the passports? Could you explain?

april · #9 (**permalink**) 24th July 2007, 02:54 AM

This thread has me confused.

synthia · #10 (**permalink**) 26th July 2007, 04:19 PM

There are some people posting on here that really don't know what they are doing or why they are doing it.

I'm afraid I know nothing about expat packages except that they all get apartments in Roppongi and can afford to buy all imported American food and stuff, thereby minimimizing their exposure to living in Japan.