Foot in the door? Foot in the ass?

[drone_56a]

I'm betting this has been addressed somewhere else here but...well, I don't feel up to looking for it.

Anyways, I'm studying architecture and I'm thinking of heading back to Japan for possibly quite a while to start my career since I think the outlook for architects is way better there considering the construction industry and the mentality around using architects. *ramble*

Anyways, I was thinking about doing JET to get my foot in the door. I gather that JET is the way to go over Nova, Aeon, shit like that. Anyways, if I end up stationed in the middle of nowhere it won't really help me make connections to find another job. So if I go with JET, that pretty respectable, right? But if I end up teaching at, say, Nova is the English teacher rep gonna kick me in the ass?

Basically, is there a 'penalty' for being an English teacher?

[Anonymous]

do you speak Japanese?
how will you work as an architect etc?

work for one of the big schools if you want to get into Japan.
Work for jet if you are a little more serious about teaching.

[kamome]

My experience is that you should NOT start your career in Japan. Without any US experience you will be struggling to do anything meaningful (believe me, I know what I'm talking about).

JET is great for building up your Japanese ability, putting international experience on the resume, etc., but it won't improve your credentials as an architect.

[drone_56a]

Yeah, I speak Japanese. I'm not super-good or anything, but I can chit-chat a little and get by with basic day to day stuff and read alright.

I asked an architect who works in Tokyo the same question and he told me to not start a career there either....

I think I'm kinda kidding myself about staying there to work in architecture. But right now I am so in need of Japan. I got back 2 months ago and I am just bored to shit...

But yeah, I'm definately gonna keep that advice in mind. I'm still open to any other suggestions/experiences people might have that apply....

[kamome]

Well, if you have Japan withdrawal and you happen to live in a big city like New York, Seattle Los Angeles, D.C., there are Japanese communities with restaurants/movies/publications. You can get involved in the community and meet Japanese people that way.