Job Discussion Forums

[postboy29]

I�m interested in teaching English in Japan and have been trying to get an accurate idea of people�s experiences. I�ve spent many hours reading websites, forum posts, and blog�s but it seems the only consistent thing I see is that everyone disagrees about everything. I have several questions I�d like to ask, some of which have been asked by other people in this forum but the responses they got were not as specific as I would like or the responses pertained to someone who was in a different situation than me. (A married woman with children from Australia has different concerns than a single guy from America. Although we might have some of the same questions the answers were more geared to the person asking the question.)
In order to help you know how to direct your answers allow me to give you some information about myself. I�m a 26 year old white male who currently lives in Los Angeles CA (USA). I speak no Japanese and have never visited Japan. I am single, and don�t know anyone in Japan. I am currently working a job in a completely unrelated field on a project that ends in February. (Although depending on the outcome of several work related and family related events I may not want to leave for Japan for as long as a year. That said I do plan on leaving for Japan in the next year, I�m just trying to plan in advance.)

#1. Since I may not leave for as long as a year can anyone suggest the best way to learn some Japanese before I leave? (Audio CD�s, videos, specific learning packages, etc. Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Unfortunately taking classes isn�t an option since I am on call 24/7 and my schedule may change at a moments notice.)

Other than knowing the names for a few pieces of sushi I don�t know any Japanese at all. I understand this poses a challenge, which I�ll gladly accept, but if it�s the equivalent of signing myself up for cultural solitary confinement I might re-examine my plans to allow longer to study the Japanese language before I leave. #3. How difficult is day to day life in Japan if you don�t speak any Japanese?

I�ve read a lot about NOVA, JET, AEON, GEOS, and other programs. Other than the occasional bitter person saying one is hell or the occasional post in broken English saying how great another program is, they all seem fairly similar. #2. What in your opinions are the big differences between the programs? Which would you suggest for me?

I personally feel more comfortable living in or extremely near a large city. I also know from reading the various sites that no school really gives you any choice in this matter but almost all state you are with in an easily commutable distance of a large city. #4. Is there any way I can make sure I�m near a large city? Is there a particular program that is better or worse at placing you near a city?

I have read blogs by people who have said they are in a mountain village cut off to the outside world and surrounded by racist Japanese who hate white people. I�ve also read blogs where people say they�re living in a building with twenty people from America, Canada, Australia, and the UK in a 24/7 party where being white alone brings celebrity status. I understand the experience is what you make of it and you bring yourself wherever you go but I�m looking to see what people�s experiences have been. (Keep in mind I have never been to Japan so answers that deal with a first timer to Japan are appreciated.)

#5. How much of an English speaking or foreigner support network is there? (Is it hard to find other native English speakers?)

#6. How do Japanese people treat you (as a foreigner)?

#7. Is it difficult to be single in Japan? How do Japanese women see foreign (White American) men?

Everyone says they loved their experience in Japan whether they�re still doing it or not. I want to know how you viewed the experience while it was happening. #8 What did you think and feel about living and teaching in Japan after the first month? 6 months? Year?

#9. What was the most surprising part of your initial experience after moving to Japan?

#10. What do you wish you knew before leaving to teach in Japan?

OK that's it for now. The more responses the better since everyone seems to have completely different views and experiences.

[Glenski]

postboy,
Yours is a TALL order, and I can understand how you might have become rather confused with all of the information floating around. However, I don't see it as muddled as you make it. You have to sift out what fits YOUR situation.

That said, here goes. Don't be too surprised at some answers.

#1. Since I may not leave for as long as a year can anyone suggest the best way to learn some Japanese before I leave?
Assuming that the spoken language is preferred over the written, you need to learn some grammar. Tapes will help a little with pronunciation and some grammar. Two books which may help are Systematic Japanese. A Simple, Effective Method for Self-study. by Gene Nishi, Shufunotomo Co., Ltd., (255 pages), 2000, 2500 yen, and Japanese for Everyone. A Functional Approach to Daily Communication by Susumu Nagara, 1990, Gakken Co., Ltd., (383 pages), 2900 yen. I'm sure other people will recommend other books, too.

For written language, you face 3 alphabets: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. The first two are relatively easy to pick up, and for kanji (a daunting hurdle if there ever was one), I'd recommend Basic Kanji Book, Volume 1 and 2 by Chieko Kano, Yuri Shimizu, Hiroko Takenaka, & Eriko Ishii; 1989, Bonjinsha Co., Ltd., (228 & 262 pages), 2400 yen and 2500 yen.

#3. How difficult is day to day life in Japan if you don�t speak any Japanese?
In bigger cities, pretty easy. Many things are written in English. Supermarkets and bus stops might pose the biggest problems. Depends on where you live. Learning the basic stuff will go a LONG way, though, so don't get too worried.

#2. What in your opinions are the big differences between the programs? Which would you suggest for me?
Probably the best bet depends on how well you figure you can fare in a small town vs. larger one. If you feel ok and are willing to accept the challenges of language barriers, go with JET. Otherwise, I'd say try the bigger eikaiwas that you listed.

Differences are not always easy to pin down. Email me for an Excel file that compares the Big Four eikaiwa and JET (it's just info I stripped from their FAQs).

People usually consider ECC and AEON the top of the Big Four. AEON subsidizes housing over about 40,000 yen. GEOS has a fair amount of paperwork to handle. NOVA is usually rated at the bottom of the Big Four, but it is still a fair place for most to work if you have the right attitude. See this for more. http://vocaro.com/trevor/japan/nova/level_up.html

#4. Is there any way I can make sure I�m near a large city? Is there a particular program that is better or worse at placing you near a city?
For JET, probably not. For the Big Four, maybe. They all have huge numbers of sites, and they would prefer to fill the slots where people don't want to go, usually rural ones. But, in the end you go where they send you. Some people have written that their employer was quite willing to send them close to their desired places; I don't know the circumstances. Just remember that for the thousands of people applying to these jobs, more people have images of wondrous neon-lit Tokyo and Kyoto than anywhere else and would prefer those places.

#5. How much of an English speaking or foreigner support network is there? (Is it hard to find other native English speakers?)
You have already answered your own question. It depends on where you go. Japan has about a million foreigners (mostly Chinese and Koreans and Brazilians). But it's not hard to spot another white face (like yours) in a crowd. Unless you are on JET, your home office will be the first place to start.

#6. How do Japanese people treat you (as a foreigner)?
Me, personally? Just fine. I married a Japanese woman, and her friends and family treat me very well. My Japanese co-workers do, too. Management is management, wherever you go, however. Generally speaking, I'm quite satisfied. You will always find something to complain about, though, so don't think life as a foreigner here is perfect, no matter what your circumstances. You have to develop a thick skin for some irritations.

#7. Is it difficult to be single in Japan? How do Japanese women see foreign (White American) men?

This is something you should have already read in your research. Not all Japanese women are the same, much like saying that not all British, American, Australian, etc. women are the same. Some J women adore foreigners, some want to have nothing to do with them. Some only want to have them as trinkets on their charm bracelets to show off to friends. Some just want free English practice. Being single here is what you make of it. Want lots of high-pitched cuddly women hanging on your arm and willing to date/sleep with any other foreigner (red flag!!)? Then go to gaijin bars. Want someone serious? Do what you would normally do with women from your own country. Chivalry goes over bigger here, though.

#8 What did you think and feel about living and teaching in Japan after the first month? 6 months? Year?
VERY difficult question to answer because of my situation and the enormous generality involved. I had been to Japan twice before my current stay, so I had some experience under my belt before striking out as a teacher. Write me personally if you want more intimate details, because this answer will take a long time to describe.

#9. What was the most surprising part of your initial experience after moving to Japan?
My first experience was not in teaching (see above). Very hard to answer, and I'm not really sure if any answer at all would mean much to you at this point. Certainly without more background on me and my experiences.

#10. What do you wish you knew before leaving to teach in Japan?
More about the business operations/culture. More Japanese (although it's not needed that much for work). Not much else.

[PAULH]

[PAULH]

Have a read of this link on culture shock

every one who comes to Japan goes through at least one or several of these stages during their time here.

http://www.thejapanfaq.com/FAQ-Primer.html

[melirae]

To guarantee big city placement, work at the NOVA MM Center- the only location is in Osaka, which I have found to be a great place to live- granted I've only been here a little over 2 months.

Not sure where you're from, but thing that was difficult for me was the lack of eye contact and pleasantries that the Japanese make to each other, let alone foreigners. I knew coming over here to expect that people would sort of ignore my existence, but it was really weird at first to actually experience. I still smile and say hi, some people respond and some people ignore me and I think that is OK now. I do get pointed at and stared at, but it really doesn't bother me so much anymore...except when it's dirty old men with their hands in their pockets, but as a guy you probably won't encounter that...

I listened to the Pimslur CDs before coming over. It seems overwhelming at first, but once you are here and hear the language everyday, it sinks in a little more. I am such a slacker and have sort of gotten sucked into the 'gajin bubble' and I haven't worked on learning a whole lot more Japanese because I don't need it really. The Japanese are really accommodating in stores and restaurants and will try to figure out what you mean or find another staff who knows a little English. If that fails, you can usually write what you want and they understand that for the most part.

Some Japanese people seem to look at me with scorn and disdain while others seem to admire me like a nice painting or something. One thing I do have to say is, for the most part, they have gone out of their way to always be helpful and make me feel welcome. I have had a couple of bad instances, but I will go home with a TOTALLY different attitude toward foreigners in my country.

So far, this has been a really great experience. At this point though, I think I am only going to stay for the length of my contract and then head back to the US.

[PAULH]

Ever wanted to know what your students think about foreigners in Japan?

http://www.kyoto-seika.ac.jp/ct/CT/yf.html

[guest of Japan]

That was amuzing Paul.

[lou lou]

That link was really funny PAULH.
Postboy,

I think you are in a similar position to me, although I am from England and won't be relocating to Japan for approx 18 months! You are right to start researching early but as you seem to have gathered, you can only learn the facts. Everyone else's experience will not be the same as yours or mine, consequently we have to make up our minds to just take the risk or not.

I have also searched the sites for the big five companies aswell as the JET scheme, they are all similar and I believe that what you make of them depends on your attitude, just pick the best one for you and put up with it for a year in the safe knowledge that your salary is going to be in the bank at the end of the month. This is only a first job and will give you a chance to experience Japanese life; also you need experience to get a better position if you teach in Japan or anywhere else after that year.

There are good and bad people everywhere and I can certainly think of times after a long day when I could have been more helpful to a foreigner I have encountered at work in my home city. Thus, I think the best thing to do is go for it and keep an open mind.

Good luck.

[rcn]

Postboy

You're thinking waaay too much! Your decision to come will only get harder the more you weigh the pros and cons of Japan.

I've lived here for almost 7 years now and the only thing I knew about Japan before coming here were comments from friends(that taught here previously) on what a great experience they had:

"Japan is interesting, you'll really like it"

"I had an amazing time"

"Great life experience"

That's all I had to go on! Nothing else as I didn't have a pc at the time.

So, I went for it and am happy I did.
From personal experience, 98% of the foreigners(all occupations) I've met here said they were glad they came.

Good luck!

[Brooks]

it is hard to be single and it can get lonely here.
If I hadn`t met my Japanese wife I think I would have stayed for two years tops. I probably would have gone to another country and taken a job that paid less but gave me more free time and a better quality of life.
There is more to life than just working and making money, but in Tokyo many workaholics would disagree.

Before I came I did a lot of reading about Japan, and a lot of books were just off the mark. But one was spot on. I forgot the author but the book is called the Outnation. I left the book at my brother`s New York apartment.

The writer was only in Japan for six months but he figured out Japan. He starts the book by mentioning blind people touching an elephant: they all have a different perspective depending on what they touch. Everyone`s experience in Japan is different.
A main argument was that it is the Japanese that feel they are gaijins in the world. I have talked to many Japanese who don`t think they are in Asia. Due to geography, they feel separated from Asia. I think they may feel like the British do about Europe.

Other good books are Japan: a Reinterpretation, by Patrick Smith, and Dogs and Demons by Alex Kerr.
Also, Cambridge put out a book by a Japanese sociologist that really decribes the country well. The book is listed in the back of the current catalogue.

[postboy29]

Thank you everyone for your responses. Especially Glenski for answering my questions both on this thread and over e-mail. This has been a tremendous help.

[Nismo]

That link was hilarious, PAULH. I bookmarked that for a future conversational piece to discuss with Japanese friends.

My response to the 10 questions:
#1. Since I may not leave for as long as a year can anyone suggest the best way to learn some Japanese before I leave?

For quick conversation with little reading and writing - Pimsleur series. If you want to be more rounded - The textbook Genki.

#2. What in your opinions are the big differences between the programs? Which would you suggest for me?

Nova, Aeon, Geos, Ecc, and Berlitz are all more likely to be impersonal. It's a very structured working environment - don't expect to think too far outside of the box. The smaller the town, though, the more likely you get along with your peers.

JET is a tough application process. You will more likely be placed in a smaller town through JET. The money is slightly better and you work for real schools, not an eikaiwa.

You can also apply directly to schools with open positions, an option that many might consider a better experience, but the most difficult job to land.

#4. Is there any way I can make sure I�m near a large city? Is there a particular program that is better or worse at placing you near a city?

Your best bet is with one of the big 5 eikaiwa (Nova, Ecc, Geos, Aeon, or Berlitz).

#5. How much of an English speaking or foreigner support network is there? (Is it hard to find other native English speakers?)

That is entirely dependent on your location. In Tokyo you can hardly avoid other foreigners. In Himeji you can go for a month without seeing another foreigner. It would be in your best interest to learn at least Hiragana and Katakana, for navigation purposes.

#6. How do Japanese people treat you (as a foreigner)?

Double-edged sword: You are held on a pedestal as a foreigner. You are considered an outsider. You may feel special being foreign, but it is hard to really make good friends. You will make many acquaintances, but some people will exploit you. Japan is a polite society, but Japanese can keep themselves very distant from you in relationships. Randomly talking to strangers is strange in Japan, so your best bet is to join a club of some sort.

#7. Is it difficult to be single in Japan? How do Japanese women see foreign (White American) men?

This is a hard question to answer without sounding full of yourself. You will fare well as a white or black foreign male. Let's say you will go up 1 or 2 numbers on a scale of 10. You may also find more infidelity amongst Japanese partners, which is negative.

#8 What did you think and feel about living and teaching in Japan after the first month? 6 months? Year?

I lived, taught, and went to school there for a year. I liked it so much I am doing my very best to get back there and start a career teaching English. I am unique, though. Have you ever been interested in Japan enough to spend a holiday there? It all depends on how much you enjoy the Japanese culture.

#9. What was the most surprising part of your initial experience after moving to Japan?

No dryer sheets. Hell, hardly any dryers at all. Hanging jeans to air dry makes them stiff and uncomfortable. You can easily get over this with minimal effort, though.

#10. What do you wish you knew before leaving to teach in Japan?

I think I was adequately prepared for the adventure. I suggest you read Culture Shock Tokyo, and Lonely Planet guide to Japan. Read it and become familiar with the concepts. Don't try to think about Japan in terms of your country. Never question the Japanese method of action, instead question your own habits when confronting a new way of doing something. Be as positive as you can be - negativity will ruin your experience.

[David W]

[Big John Stud]

[#3. How difficult is day to day life in Japan if you don�t speak any Japanese?

I can't imagine anyone surviving in Japan without being able to speak Japanese. You will have trouble ordering in a restaurant or even going to a movie if you can find one in English.

#2. What in your opinions are the big differences between the programs? Which would you suggest for me?

NOVA is the best, and JET is the worst. NOVA is known to really take good care of their teachers!

#4. Is there any way I can make sure I�m near a large city? Is there a particular program that is better or worse at placing you near a city?

There is no sure way of knowing where you will be placed, but NOVA is your best chance. JET had promised to place me in Osaka but after training they put me in a small isolated village.


#5. How much of an English speaking or foreigner support network is there? (Is it hard to find other native English speakers?)

Most foreigners stay away from each other! I guess to have better chance of experiencing Japanese culture. However, some of the more cry baby foreigners do group together.

#6. How do Japanese people treat you (as a foreigner)?
You will know when you are accepted when they call you gaijin! Gaijin means insider and the person considers you to be Japanese.

#7. Is it difficult to be single in Japan? How do Japanese women see foreign (White American) men?
Japanese women look at single white men as trash. They believe you came to Japan because you can't pick up White girls in your country and you think Japanese girls are easy!

#8 What did you think and feel about living and teaching in Japan after the first month? Couldn't wait to leave. 6 months? Couldn't wait to leave. Year? Couldn't wait to leave but still owe too much on my student loan!

#9. What was the most surprising part of your initial experience after moving to Japan?

That you can get worms from sushi which is what happened to me.

#10. What do you wish you knew before leaving to teach in Japan?

I wish I would of known how difficult life is as an English teacher in Japan.

Good luck on what ever you decide to do!

[Glenski]

Big John Stud,
Just how much of your post is pure sarcasm is hard to tell.

Gaijin means OUTsider, and just by being called that does not make one accepted in Japanese society. Sheesh.

Japanese women do NOT look at single white men as trash. Many can't keep their hands off them. Some are scared stiff of them. Many fall somewhere in between. Perhaps YOU believe that SWM come to Japan because they can't pick up girls in their home country... (some do, sure, but not all). Again, sheesh.