Job Discussion Forums

[Sez]

Hi,

Can anyone recommend any good books on teaching in Japan?
Tips on starting out, what certain places are like to teach in etc....
I wanted a book that isn't written about going on holiday to Japan like so many others are!

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[Glenski]

Making It In Japan. Work, Life, Leisure and Beyond
by Mark Gauthier, 1993, Sanseido Co., Ltd. (256 pages), US$25.00
Gauthier is a Canadian who moved to Japan with his wife in 1990, apparently with no job, no hotel reservations, and hardly any Japanese speaking ability. The book is pretty comprehensive, and even though I don't agree with everything he wrote, I think this is one of the best books out for newcomers.


Teaching English Japan. Finding Work, Teaching, and Living in Japan
by Jerry O'Sullivan, 1996, Passport Books, (227 pages), US$15.00
Half of this book is devoted to finding jobs and living in Japan. The other half is devoted to teaching English. It's informative, but I don't always agree with the tips he gives on how to teach. O'Sullivan is British and taught English to Japanese in Tokyo and London for 10 years.

[PAULH]

I would also recommend "Teaching English in Japan: A Professional Journey" by Dale Bay (Sanyusha) Each chapter covers a short topic such as qualifications, ALTs, TEOL and professional development and teaching tips, attitudes to foreign teachers etc

If you find yourself applying or working for a Japanese university or Junior college I recommend "A Handbook For teaching at Japanese Colleges and Universities" by Paul Wadden (Oxfor University press) which goes into things such as teaching large classes, career development, preparing classes, dealing with unmotivated students etc.

For a good book on living in japan (not about teaching but about the society, politics, economy) an excellent book is "Dogs and Demons" by Alex Kerr. This is a rather dark and pessimistic look at modern Japan that the tour books will never tell you about. Kerr is a 30-year resident of Japan who know lives in Thailand. The book was actually first written in Japanese, won a major book prize and was translated into English.