Assistant English Teacher Position Additional Information

AETs are required to arrive in Japan at the end March to allow plenty of time for orientation, training, meeting people, settling into apartments and learning their way around Takatsuki.  On arrival, AETs will homestay with a host family for a couple of nights, to assist with becoming accustomed to life in Japan.

TRAINING

The AET contract will begin with a two-week orientation and training program from the 1st April.  Throughout the year, there will be meetings held at least twice a month, as well as special seminars and workshops, supporting visits to the AETs schools and frequent informal discussions.

There will be a requirement to attend some training, seminars and Takatsuki events during holiday periods and when the schools are not open.

SCHOOL

AETs will be teaching as an Assistant English Teacher in Takatsuki elementary schools.  Each AET will be provided with a teaching schedule which will include an allocated five or six elementary schools.  The workload and role of the AET will vary from school to school and teacher to teacher. 

FUNCTIONS

AETs will be required, on average, to attend one function per month.  These will include (subject to change):

• all the main events organised by Takatsuki International Association:
  • Takatsuki Summer Festival - August
  • Flea Market (three times a year)
  • "The English in Hikimi"  - end of July, 3 nights and 4 days (two AETs required)
  • Pre-arrival & departure orientation program for junior high school students study tour to Australia - end of July, 10:00am to 2:00pm for 3 days  (one AET required) All training seminars provided by the Takatsuki Board of Education.
• plus an occasional dinner with the Ishida Family.
  
   

Please note that AETs are generally not paid to attend additional functions or camps.  These events/activities are incorporated within your role as an Ambassador for our region.  The AETs salary has additional funding factored in to cover these duties.

Whilst some events are not compulsory, it is recommended that you attend these events as well.  The Summer Festival is held on the first Saturday of August, therefore AETs must plan their holidays for after the Festival.

FUNDS REQUIRED

It is advisable to take approximately $3,000 to $5,000 AUD or about ¥300,000 with you for upfront expenses such as rent, utility bills and other items necessary to get settled in before your first salary instalment is paid.

INCOME

The salary paid on the program is sufficient for comfortable living in Japan, as well as leaving extra for travel and some savings. As the program does not pay for school holidays, it is important to appropriately budget for these times. 

INCOME TAX

Income tax of approx 5% is deducted from the AETs salary each month.  The Takatsuki Education Board transfers the salaries into the Japanese bank accounts each month. AETs need not worry about tax matters in Japan as the Takatsuki Education Board assumes the responsibility for lodging tax returns.  Should you enter into a second year in Japan, AETs are required to pay a "city tax" of approximately ¥150,000.

However, depending on your Residency status, you may need to pay tax in Australia on the difference between the Japanese tax rate and the applicable Australian tax rate. If this is the case, you will need to budget to ensure that you are able to pay any owing tax in Australia. Please talk to your accountant for more information. Please see the Australia Taxation Office website for more information. 

 http://www.ato.gov.au/pathway.aspx?sid=42&ms=individuals&pc=001/002/012

APARTMENT RENT AND EXPENSES

Allocated apartments are supplied to AETs to rent with no requirement for key money to be paid.  These apartments are usually partly furnished by previous AETs. The rent is paid to the Landlord monthly on a specified date.  AETs will need to have two months rent money available on arrival, as the first pay is not received until the 15th of the next month.

Rent is ¥60,000 per month.  Rent is required to be paid during the holiday periods, regardless of whether you remain in Japan or have returned to Australia.

Telephone, electricity and gas are all paid by the AETs each month.  The amount for the gas and electricity will vary according to the season however, an approximate cost is ¥15,000  per month.  A bill is posted to the residing address. 

MEDICAL AND HEALTH INSURANCE

It is the responsibility of each AET to arrange adequate Insurance with an Australian health insurance company for the length of your contract.  AETs must join the Japanese National Health Insurance as required by Japanese Law.

The quality of medical care in Japan is good and AETs receive great support, care and attention from their host family, Takatsuki International Association, Board of Education, Education Centre and their teachers.

AIRFARES

Payment of airfares is the responsibility of the AET.  One way flights with Jetstar are from approximately $500.  Travel insurance cover for 12 months is also recommended.

LANGUAGE

Japanese language skills are not essential, but would be an advantage.  Basic language and cultural lessons will be arranged for AETs prior to departure and further lessons will be available through Takatsuki City Hall.

If you are going to Takatsuki with little or no Japanese language ability – don't worry!  Yes, you will be challenged, but you will survive. If you attempt to use a Japanese greeting, it will usually be warmly received and people will be willing to do their best to assist you. Always remember smiles and gestures go a long way.  Carry a small dictionary in your bag - just in case.  There are many foreigners living and working in Takatsuki, so the locals are familiar with foreigners.  If you need to ask someone a question in English while you're out and about then chances are that, if you ask someone about university age, they will be able to understand you (at least at a basic level).

TRANSPORT

AETs main mode of transport is the bicycle as it is the cheapest and easiest.  Takatsuki is conveniently located between Osaka and Kyoto on the train line.  There are three types of trains:  the local train that stops at every station, the express and the rapid express.  On the rapid express, it takes about 20 minutes to get into the heart of Kyoto or central Osaka from Takatsuki.  The train station is approximately a 10-minute bike ride from the AET accommodation.

Reimbursement of fares paid for bus and train to and from school will be paid an application.

SUPPORT NETWORK

The support network available to the AETs is very good.  The following organisations and people are always available to assist:

• Toowoomba Regional Council
• Takatsuki City Council
• Takatsuki International Association
• Takatsuki Board of Education
• AET Host Families
• Past AETs