In article <b0cace59.0310200939.4030e957@posting.google.com>,
tenacious_s <kaze29@aol.com> wrote:

> I would like the opportunity to live in Japan teaching English, but
> not sure what is required of an individual to teach there.

Endurance.

> It seems like an English degree isnt required, which is what makes it
> especially appealing to me, but -what- exactly  are they looking for
> when they are hiring a teacher?

A bachelor's degree in most anything.  A frontal lobe. "Enthusiasm",
which usually means "willing to work like a dog".  I hear that the
great jobs in most major cities are taken, but there are a lot of
slag-heaps where opportunities abound!

> Does it increase my chances somewhat that I am fluent in Japanese?

Sure, as long as your fluent in English too.

> What kind of visa is required to go there? I want to live there for a
> couple years, maybe less. Is there a minimum stay for visas? Would it
> be possible for me to just move there and find private teaching jobs
> on my own?

Damn.  Now you're beginning to ask questions that only somebody who
knows what they're talking about ought to answer...

> Is it possible to live a decent life on an income of (approx)
> US$40,000?

Yes.  Most anywhere on planet earth.  Of course it depends on what you
mean by "decent".

> Is it recommended or required to open a seperate bank account there,
> or would my American Bank suffice? Also would I be able to use my
> computer, and misc. electronic equip. over there?

Like in the US, some places, yes, other places, no.

-- 
///--- Vote for the richest Republican.  He understand the common man.