To those in the know about visas and english teaching in Japan.

...actually, anyone know how Japan compares with South Korea? I am basically going to earn some money and pay some debts. I have always believed Japan was best for $$ - is this the case?
Japan is also easier as I know the country and culture well and settling in won't be the mission of last time!

if you try a poster called krazykatie, she is currently teaching english in Korea

Yes, the English teaching job market is quite saturated in Japan at the moment thanks to the financial difficulties of Nova, which have seen thousands of teachers put out on the streets. Some have packed up and went home, but most, with time still left on their work visas, are seeking other employment. You'll find it very hard to find a company willing to do all of the work visa sponsorship paperwork when they can find many other applicants already within Japan. In fact, the other big name language school chains have dramatically reduced their overseas hiring.

You can get a WHV, but, you're right, WHV appications have to be made in your home country. With experience in Japan, you'll be able to navigate the job market, but it will be very difficult to find full-time employment. You'll most likely have to string together some part-time jobs. At the same time, the salary of English language teachers has slowly been sliding downward over these last few years, with the old bar of 250,000 yen being reduced to 240,000 yen, 210,000 yen or even, shockingly, 180,000 yen. And, as you already know, the start-up costs and the cost of living can be expensive in Japan. You'll have a difficult time finding enough work to pay the bills AND save up money at the same time.

Unfortunately, this is the new reality of teaching English in Japan. In spite of your prior experience and comfort level in Japan, I recommend you look for work in other places.

Hey, I'm here! Money wise the general consensus these days is that South Korea is better than Japan. You should be looking at starting on at least 2.2 mil, maybe more if you hold out or go with a public school job (not sure of the exact pay scales but your 2 years experience would help). You ill get your flight ticket paid for, accomodation (in a city centre location this is likely to be just a one room studio) and 1 monthssalary completion bonus. I easily save about £500 a month but still go out often, never cook at home andtravel around Korea a bit, you could save more if you were focussed.

Visa wise things have just changed making it harder in terms of the paperwork involved. Your visa is sponsored by your employer so if you change jobs youneed a new visa. To get a visa you need an original copyof your degree, sealed transcrpts from your uni that are no more than six months old, a police record check from your own country that has been apostled and a health check (inc HIV and cannabis test). They say youmay have to have an interview with the KoreanEmbassy inyour own country however i think they are starting to realise this is stupid but i would check that with immigrationfirst.

Any questions feel free to PM me

Thanks krazykatie! I've sent you a pm.