Job Discussion Forums

[Old Surrender]

Has anyone been to one? I had my abstract accepted by them, but the registration fees are a bit steep. I don't want to blow my annual conference allotment on a mediocre conference.

[rai]

This is the first time I've looked on this message board in a very long time, so I'm just seeing your post now. I'll answer the question just in case anyone else is thinking about presenting at an IAFOR conference. I have presented at five different IAFOR conferences and I highly recommend them! I've only presented at one education/language learning conference, because I also lecture in another field, but the one I attended was excellent.

My one experience with a national JALT conference (many, many years ago) was rather disappointing*, given the lack of academic rigour demonstrated by most of the researchers. The IAFOR conference on language learning and technology in the classroom that I attended in Honolulu was great, however. It was much more international (the IAFOR conferences I have attended in Kobe were very international as well, with professors and grad students from everywhere), and the general level of the presenters was much, much higher.

They have partnered with unis around the world, which extends their reach, and I think that is one reason why so many interesting people from all over attend their Japan conferences. I've met fascinating professors and grad students from Germany, India, Taiwan, Switzerland, England, Spain, Turkey, Indonesia, Australia, America, Greece, you name it. Just meeting and going out with academics from all those different countries made it worth it for me.

So, did you end up going?

*I haven't done anything with JALT in over a decade, so this may have all changed.

[Old Surrender]

It's going to be in Kobe in October, and yes, I plan on presenting there.

Thanks for the reply!

[rai]

I'll be at the Media conference in Kobe this October, are you doing the education conference?

Please post afterwards to tell us about your experience!

[rai]

Oh, and I forgot to ask: Does your conference have a pre-conference tour? I highly recommend doing it if they have one, because that is the absolute best time to make connections and meet people.

The atmosphere's nice and relaxed, and you will find many people are impressed that you teach in Japan, and will be very interested in talking to you and asking questions. I always make contacts during the tour, and then take a group of people out to a restaurant on the nights everyone's free.

[steki47]

[steki47]

So, how did it go?

My presentation went well. I was session chair and got a chance to chat with people doing similar research.

Plus a decent lunch buffet!

[Elicit]

Hi Japan forum,

Read this thread with interest. Overall, positive experiences with these IAFOR conferences.

I’ve received a fee waiving scholarship to present at a poster session in Kobe at the end of April. Although I have presented at a couple of conferences, this’d be a poster first for me. Have a couple of questions if I may.

1) The schedule says poster sessions take place on two conference days. Do I do my thing for one of these sessions only?

2) In the process of changing employer in China. This means that with only a few weeks service they’ll probably frown upon my requesting time off or any expenses paid. Is it generally worth flying in for the Sat and Sun at one’s own expense for these IAFOR conferences? Would you?

[Maitoshi]

[Elicit]

Thanks for the advice Maitoshi.

I contacted the conference organizers and it was possible to request my preferred session.

The location of my new job is not as travel convenient as my previous; and therefore I have unfortunately decided to give it a miss. I have other publications due out this year so there is not really a pressing need. I’ll wait until an employer sponsored event is possible.

Still a bit disappointed as the conferences have a good rap and not having to pay the fee was an added bonus. I’ll be sure to check one of their future events out the first chance I get.

[Old Surrender]

Overall, I had an OK time. I'd consider it again.

[currentaffairs]