Ski Instructors Can Earn and Have Fun
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.
It’s important to note before you apply that the benefits of ski instructor jobs in Japan are often provided in a communal set up. This is not just so resorts can save on the cost of keeping employees. Japanese culture really puts importance on communal participation. Hence, you may have to eat, sleep and bathe with other people. This might initially cause you some minor anxiety but you should really treat this as a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Japanese culture.
The only thing demanding about teaching skiing are the work hours. In Japan, tremendous stress is placed on diligence and efficiency. You need to work for about 8 hours a day starting from 8:30 in the morning to 5:30 in the afternoon for 6 days a week. You may sometimes be asked to work beyond the regular shift. During work hours, employees are expected to put all their energies into teaching and not in hanging around.
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.
There are no strict language requirements. You will however most likely be able to land a higher paying job to teach skiing in Hokkaido if you know a bit of Japanese. It is therefore a good idea to at least take an informal language course before applying for a high paying slot.
Many ski instructors in Japan have to face lengthy work hours. It is clear though that the work situation is very much agreeable. Be a ski instructor in Japan if you want the chance to learn, earn and enjoy all in one go.
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