Okinawa Forums

I realize that coming to Okinawa I have few choices given the limited industries but I have some questions to ask those who are already there.

My first option is of course the Eikaiwas and ALT type jobs. What are ALT type jobs like on Okinawa and could I get such a job by approaching BOE's directly and offering my services? I have done that job 2 years on mainland but it was with a dispatch company.

I will be studying at a language school for 3 months when I arrive so I wont be able to take a full time job right away. What type of part time jobs can I find on Okinawa?

I'm hoping to eventually get a job in the travel/tourism industry related to boating or sailing. Anyway, something in or around boats. I have an interest in that area, but no experience. The travel and tourism industry would be ideal for me to use my language abilities.

I'm not real picky about jobs as long as I find one that I can support myself with. I'm aiming for 9-5, though.

Any suggestions, ideas? help?

I think that it is possible to go directly to the BOE's to offer your services, but I believe that their hiring process are probably already well underway for the coming school year. I haven't ever seen or heard of any dispatch companies down here though.

I think that most non-teaching part-time jobs would be in violation of your visa, but if you're not worried about that, there are some jobs at bars and the like.

I know of some foreigners who operate marine sport related businesses that cater to the military down here, but I have never heard of anyone working in the tourism or marine sport industries that didn't own their own company. That being said, if you can make the right connections while your here, who knows what's possible!  :)

Most of the people that I know work in the English conversation industry and a few people work in IT. There are some IT positions available here if you have that kind of knowledge. There are also jobs related to the base, but I've heard that most of those go to the spouses of military personnel. Also, if you look at the military job websites, most of the low skill jobs listed are for local hire only, so those of us that are not permanent residents cannot hold those jobs. For a large list of government jobs in Okinawa, I'd check out usajobs.gov and search for Okinawa. Hmm... Now that I write that I wonder if you are an American. You speak French and English though so...

Anyway, I hope that helps.

Thanks for the lead on the BOE. I looked it up online and I found that the process begins in January and ended this week. As you said, applicants have to submit applications directly to the BOE and there is no middle man. On top of all that, it is impossible to apply from outside of Okinawa.

If I want a chance at that, I have to find something else that will keep me on Okinawa and then apply for it at the right time.

As for my visa, it is an "instructor's " visa but I suppose I could get non-teaching jobs if I found an employer who is willing to bend the rules a little. I have no problem doing a job that isnt part of my visa description. If an employer feels the same, then I got a job.

I wouldnt mind an Eikaiwa job or other Engrish industry position for a while, but eventually I would like to do something that involves my interests using my knowledge.

I am not American and don't know any Americans personally so anything related to the bases and the military is pretty much out of my reach...

Yeah, well you're probably not missing very much not being an American, those jobs are pretty tough for non-military associated people to get no matter who you are.