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Hey everyone I'm 20 years old and have been living In Japan for the past 2 years as a student in Japanese and speak the language fluently now. I have passed the JLPT N2 test for anyone who knows what that is. Anyway I am graduated from my language school an my visa will run out here soon so I'll have to come back to america. My teacher suggested I try and go work in Hawaii since there are a lot of Japanese living there and many Japanese tour there yearly. Would it be possible to make it in Hawaii given I have my Japanese ability to market? I have no idea what living costs would be there in terms of rent and food... Does it sound plausible that I could get something like a hotel staff or tour guide job for bi- linguals? What would the cheapest rent for living be?
My teacher suggested I try and go work in Hawaii since there are a lot of Japanese living there and many Japanese tour there yearly. Would it be possible to make it in Hawaii given I have my Japanese ability to market?... ... Does it sound plausible that I could get something like a hotel staff or tour guide job for bi- linguals?
Hotel staff at a better hotel, possibly. I'd check directly with them.
Tour guide? Seems to me like a longer shot for someone new to the islands. Typically they need a Commercial Drivers License, and an outstanding knowledge of the area. And since something like 35% of the residents of Hawai'i are of Japanese descent, I doubt there is any shortage of applicants who would be considered more qualified. But again, check with the source... Roberts is a big tour operator, for starters.
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I have no idea what living costs would be there in terms of rent and food... What would the cheapest rent for living be?
There have been many many discussions about cost of living and food and housing costs. Living in Honolulu is much like living in New York City... it's very expensive, especially housing costs, but the wages are lower in Hawai'i. For the fastest access to a lot of details, use the Search function here to access previous posts.
There have been many many discussions about cost of living and food and housing costs. Living in Honolulu is much like living in New York City... it's very expensive, especially housing costs, but the wages are lower in Hawai'i. For the fastest access to a lot of details, use the Search function here to access previous posts.
Good luck. [/quote]
Hahah, I promise its no more expensive than Tokyo Thanks for the heads up!
Does it sound plausible that I could get something like a hotel staff or tour guide job for bi- linguals?
Speaking Japanese does open more doors that require those language skills - but it doesn't necessarily mean more compensation - they need Japanese speakers from anything to hotels, banks, state and local government, airport staff, tours, etc....A degreed professional friend of mine is caucasion and grew up in Japan works as a Japanese court interpreter and even a job like that pays under $30K.
Speaking Japanese does open more doors that require those language skills - but it doesn't necessarily mean more compensation - they need Japanese speakers from anything to hotels, banks, state and local government, airport staff, tours, etc....A degreed professional friend of mine is caucasion and grew up in Japan works as a Japanese court interpreter and even a job like that pays under $30K.
I'm not looking for more compensation, Just an alternative to returning from Japan to mainland America. For me just an experience is worth most.
Hotel staff at a better hotel, possibly. I'd check directly with them.
Tour guide? Seems to me like a longer shot for someone new to the islands. Typically they need a Commercial Drivers License, and an outstanding knowledge of the area. And since something like 35% of the residents of Hawai'i are of Japanese descent, I doubt there is any shortage of applicants who would be considered more qualified. But again, check with the source... Roberts is a big tour operator, for starters.
yes, but how many of those local 35% descendents DO speak Japanese. I rarely encounter someone born and raised here who speaks fluent Japanese, Many a few words here and there from their grandparents. Even those 'guides' who work for those japanese tour busses who stop at ala moana center can only speak a few words here and there..
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Originally Posted by Maipēsu
I'm not looking for more compensation, Just an alternative to returning from Japan to mainland America. For me just an experience is worth most.
Speaking Japanese PLUS other skills can open up doors here in Hawaii. No doubt about it. But it also depends on what other skills you can bring,. You're 20, so probably not a lot of job skills. i may be wrong,. Having said that, there are numerous open positions and help wanted signs all over town. Many probably do not pay well, but you have every right to come here and give it a try , You would not be the first one to do so, but you have those language skills too. Can I ask if you are asian? I say that (and Im sure some are going to pounch on me) is that since this is Hawaii, they are trying to 'sell' the Hawaii image. My guess it would be an even bigger feather in your cap if you look "local" and can speak Japanese. People who look Japanese and speak Japanese are a dime a dozen here, and many Japanese nationals can get jobs here because of the language qualifications.
I worked at the Sheraton Waikiki and there was this haole guy in catering. Spent a few years in Japan, worked his way up and since he spoke Japanese, was hired at the Royal Hawaiian then the /Sheraton to be a convention svc manager.,, Young guy too,
Go to a hotel or restaurant and work your way up. Sharing apts is one option. Various rents so take a peek at craiglist.
No not Asian. I'm as Caucasian you can get, blond hair blue eyes and all. But I do see where your coming from asking that, since my appearance has helped me out in a similar way in Japan in terms of being the 'model', or should I say stereotypical foreigner appearance wise.
Do have work experience working in an international pipeline company for a year of the time I was here, but aside from that all my other job experience is all over the place from factory jobs to English teaching. Not much in terms of hospitality.
Thanks for the info. I think I'll give it a shot. I will have around 2500$ left in my pocket on my way back from Japan, I guess that would hold me off until I could find work. Correct me if I'm wrong.
If you can speak fluent Japanese, you'll be able to find a job in Hawaii. No problem in finding a job. Now, whether that job can support you in a manner you'd like to become accustomed to, that's another matter. But, you're twenty, now is a great time to move to Hawaii and enjoy things. You may end up sharing an apartment with someone, but that's no big thing at twenty so I'd say it would be worthwhile for you to give it a try.
Thanks for the info. I think I'll give it a shot. I will have around 2500$ left in my pocket on my way back from Japan, I guess that would hold me off until I could find work. Correct me if I'm wrong.
even If I'm couch surfing (couchsurfing.com) around the place? If it takes under 2 months to get something I think I can make it work. I've done it in the most expensive city in the world in another language where visa's were always an issue. I don't see what would keep me from being able to do it in Hawaii, my own country.
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Thanks for the heads up!
