Ski Instructors in Japan- What Work is Really Like
You might just want to join the ranks of the many foreign ski instructors in Japan. Naturally, you might not like the idea of working while being surrounded by the amenities of a top vacation resort. Then again, you might just reconsider this option if you realize just how fulfilling resort jobs in Japan are.
A ski instructor will obviously have to work during the winter months. In Japan, that is the period of time from December to February. Probably the best place in the country to get a position in is Hokkaido. This is one location that tourists flock in droves to because of its excellent powder. Because it is a hot tourist spot salary rates for ski instructor jobs here are much higher. You can be paid around a thousand or more yen per hour just to exclusively teach skiing in one of the major resorts in Hokkaido.
The kind of pay that you get in establishments outside of Hokkaido is not as high. In Nagano for example, the maximum pay is usually no higher than 750 yen per hour. This should not discourage you though. Despite the low rate, you can still enjoy a lot of employee advantages. In general, winter resorts offer free meals and living quarters to foreign instructors. So even if you get a low rate, you can expect to keep most of it for your personal shopping or savings.
Be mindful though that the free options for those performing ski instructor jobs in Japan are often communal in nature. This means you have to live, eat and sleep in shared facilities. You will most likely be with fellow foreign instructors and Japanese staff in dorms, cafeterias and even communal baths. This might make you a bit shy at first but sharing facilities with a group of people is a great way to gain a better understanding and appreciation for a thoroughly enriching culture.
What can be a bit stressful about ski instruction is the number of hours of work that you would have to put in. In Japan, a premium is placed on hard work and efficiency. You will be expected to be at your work station from around 8:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon for most days of the week. You may even have to render extra hours and days on busy periods. While at work, instructors are generally expected to cut the social chit chat and focus on getting things done.
Although you may have to contend with strict work regulations, ski instructor jobs in Japan are still great opportunities to apply for. This is especially because the sky is the limit when it comes to enjoying the snow yourself after work hours. After completing your duties for the day, you can take off with your friends to ski on the slopes.
Language requirements are not too high for ski instructors. You might however be better able to grab a Hokkaido vacancy if you know some Japanese. It would be to your advantage if you took either formal or informal classes to learn the language.
Most ski instructor jobs in Japan involve tough work hours. Nonetheless, there is so much to look forward to when it comes to work benefits and cultural education. This is the right gig for you if you want to learn, earn and have fun.
