Working at CAJ
Here is some information, arranged alphabetically by topic, about working at CAJ.

Accreditation: We have been fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges since 1976. Your teaching experience at an accredited school will be recognized by future employers.

Affiliations: We are affiliated with the Association of Christian Schools International, Christian Schools International and the East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools.

Alien registration: All expatriate staff are required to maintain official registration as a foreigner in Japan, which can be applied for at the city office.

Arrival in Tokyo: New staff are to arrive by mid-August. CAJ will meet new staff directly hired by the school at the airport. Staff coming to Japan under a mission should make arrangements with their mission.

Church: There are several English-speaking churches within commuting distance of the school. There are several Japanese churches within walking distance of the school.

Climate: Tokyo has mild winters, rarely getting snow, and hot, humid summers.

Clothing: Much of the same style clothing available in western cultures can be purchased in Japan. Sizes are different, and larger sizes may be difficult to find.

Communication: CAJ sets up new staff with a school network account and e-mail.

Computers: CAJ uses Macintosh computers and Microsoft Office.

Contracts: CAJ issues 1-year contracts for each of the first three years of service, after which the school normally issues 2-year contracts for full-time staff.

Expenses (CAJ provides ¥250,000/month for full-time service.)

  • Sample monthly expenses for a single:
    • Housing: ¥90,000
    • Utilities: ¥25,000 (electric, gas, water, phone)
    • Food: ¥50,000
  • Sample monthly expenses for a family of 4:
    • Housing: ¥150,000
    • Utilities: ¥34,000 (electric, gas, water, phone)
    • Food: ¥150,000
Food: A range of Asian and Western foods is available in stores. Many favorite foreign foods are available through Costco and Foreign Buyers' Club, an import service.

Housing: Mission-supported staff secure housing through their mission. Mission-sponsored staff are encouraged to talk with their mission about housing. CAJ will assist non-mission supported staff with securing housing.

Information: Further information is available by contacting personnel@caj.or.jp.

Location: Christian Academy in Japan is located in Higashi Kurume, a growing northwestern suburb of Tokyo on the Seibu-Ikebukuro train line, 25 minutes from Ikebukuro Station in downtown Tokyo. The population of the city is approximately 110,000 persons, many of whom travel into Tokyo to work every day. About 1,000 foreigners live in the area. The school is located just a five-minute walk from the Higashi Kurume train station, in a residential neighborhood, with a small farm bordering the north side of the campus.

Media: Some radio programs, TV programs, newspapers, and videos are available in English.

Medical care: General medications are available in pharmacies. Pharmacies are unable to fill US prescriptions. Staff use local doctors, dentists, optometrists, and hospitals. The CAJ nurse can provide suggestions and advice.

Passport and visa: Expatriate staff (and accompanying dependents) must have a passport to obtain the required visa to live or work in Japan.

Professional development: CAJ encourages professional growth, provides staff inservice programs, and subscribes to professional publications. Workshops are available in the Tokyo area.

Salary/benefits: For expatriates, CAJ provides ¥250,000 per month, or ¥3 million per year. Expatriate staff are encouraged to join a mission and raise additional funds as necessary. Japan offers national health insurance.

Sick days, personal/professional leave: Staff are granted up to 10 paid sick days per year, three paid personal days per year, and five paid mission/professional development days per year. Staff are expected to request absences at least two weeks in advance so that a substitute can be arranged. Requests not made prior to two weeks before the planned absence may not be granted.

Spiritual growth and accountability: As a school, CAJ provides opportunities for spiritual growth (staff devotions, weekly chapel). CAJ staff are expected to be spiritually accountable to a church and/or mission.

Taxes: All staff must pay Japanese taxes. Forms with directions in English are available. Expatriate staff may also have to pay taxes in their home countries. US citizens, for example, have an $80,000 foreign earned income exclusion.

Things to bring: Many products are available in Japan, but new staff members bring comfortable shoes, cotton clothes for hot weather, favorite toys of children, and Christmas decorations, among other items. More information is given in our list of what to bring.

Transportation: Tokyo has excellent train and bus systems. CAJ is located a 5-minute walk from a train station. Bicycles are useful for getting around, going shopping, and going to church.

Tuition assistance: Families of CAJ staff receive tuition benefits, prorated on the percentage of a full-time contract that the parent serves at CAJ. For full-time staff, the tuition benefit is equivalent to 100% of all fees payable.

Submit a preliminary application.

Arts education
CAJ offers education in music, visual art, digital art, and drama.
 

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