Job Discussion Forums

[Le Creature]

I'm really pleased with the responses. I'm going to the local international centre tomorrow to see what I can apply for. Some of the suggestions were great.

I am a fairly shy person, I must admit...but I'm not painfully shy. I don't mind individuals staring - it happens everywhere you go - I just feel really overwhelmed whenever I walk through a large group and they are all looking. It's very initmidating and I feel self-conscious.

So far I've met some lovely Japanese people while staying in Nagoya, and I'd like to have similar experiences in Omika. I'm 18 and female so I'm not sure how the bar idea would work (or where the bars are located). I'd love to tour my little town with someone who speaks Japanese just so I know what everything is.

I've had some good days and some pleasing moments, but I just don't like how groups of people can make you feel so uncomfortable. I plan to learn Japanese in order to make friends, but to also tell people off if need be...can anyone relate to that?

Martial arts/dancing are my two main sporting interests anyway so I'd love to see what's available. The world of music also brightens up my mood any given time. Have most people here attempted learning Japanese?

[J.]

I think learning some basic Japanese will make you feel more comfortable. It takes a while to get to conversation level, but even learning to ask if they have something at the store:

eg " _Tamago(eggs)_ wa o arimasu ka?" ( Do you have _eggs_?) will help you to feel that you are taking a bit of control.

"_Tamago wa_ doko desu ka?" (Where are the _eggs_?)

And before anything else always say, "Sumi masen"( Excuse me). It softens everything.

Subsitute anything for "eggs" (I apologize if this is too simple for you.)

They usually have free or very low-cost lessons at the International Exchange Centre of your town, affiliated with the city office. As well, some places have volunteer guides who occasionally take visitors around and translate for them. You might ask at the same International Exchange Centre about getting one occasionally. Probably you might have to pay the travel expenses ( on the train or bus) but maybe not since many are keen to help.

Try to get out for a walk in a park or bicycle ride in the morning. At least you will see some friendly faces and the exercise will make you feel good enough to forgive a bit more of the staring.

Here's hoping you soon find some congenial friends. Hang in there.

[canuck]