Job Discussion Forums

[angelshade]

Despite my strong preference for Tokyo, I just found out that I will be placed in Chichibu, Saitama. I will be going to Japan within the next month or two to work for GEOS. After completing 1 year, I can request a transfer to any of their other schools.

From my research, the city has a population of 61,357 people, beautiful scenery, almost monthly festivals, and it is 1.5 hrs northwest of Tokyo. Is Chichibu considered a small town or rural Japan? Has anyone worked in Chichibu? If so, what was the environment like?

Being a city girl at heart, I have never lived in a small town. I've grown up in the suburbs for most of my life, but I definitely prefer the excitement of living in a big city. I'm wondering how happy I will be in Chichibu. My Japanese level is still fairly basic. I'd like to improve my Japanese skills, experience Japanese culture, and save some money; however, I don't want to do so at the expense of my mental and social well-being. I'm a fairly flexible and open-minded person, but a year in a small town seems rather long and isolating. I've read the posts regarding small towns and what to bring (lots of books, for example). But after reading the advice there (and especially about one teacher going mad in his rural town), I am less than enthusiastic about going to Japan. Right now, I'm almost expecting the worst. Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Out of curiosity: Has anyone ever tried to negotiate their school placement after signing a contract? If so, how did it go? I'm getting the impression that all first-year teachers in Japan are sent to small towns or rural areas.

[ajarn]

[Celeste]

It is not true that all first year teachers in Japan are sent to rural areas. However, the rural jobs are more difficult for companies to fill because most people request cities such as Tokyo or Osaka (these being the two Japanese cities that most foreigners know the names of in Japan). I would not tell you to refuse this job until you know more about the location and the other foreign teachers in the town. Start with Geos. Ask them to put you in touch with some of the teachers who are working there now so you can get a feel for the place. While I have never heard of anyone successfully negotiating for a different location this early in the game, doesn't mean it's impossible. Geos is not the only company out there. You can always try and apply for jobs with smaller schools that are in your preferred locations.

[azarashi sushi]

Hi Angelshade... I've never been to Chichibu city itself although I have been to the National Park and it's certainly a pretty area to hang out in on the weekend. Saitama unfortunately has somewhat of a bad image ... often being referred to as DASAI - TAMA... but it's far from isolated. It's only one and a half hours by Seibu line to Ikebukuro. Many Tokyoites would consider Chichibu as "sugoi inaka" (extremely rural), however many people live in Saitama and commute to Tokyo for work everyday.

You shouldn't be too worried about going to Chichibu... There are definite advantages to living in a small town... Rent is cheaper, you'll have a MUCH bigger apartment than you would in Tokyo, people are friendlier than in Tokyo, there is less to spend your money on (therefore good for saving), it's much less crowded, there is a lot of greenery and open spaces, and for sure there will be bars and cafes...

The only drawback is if you are into nightclubbing or barhopping in a big way, then you're a long way from Roppongi... You'll have to go out all night and wait for the first train back... Sitting on a train for two hours after you've been out all night is not a lot of fun...

Chichibu will be fine... go with an open mind and you'll have a great time. And worst case scenario... If you really do freak out living in Chichibu, you can always change. It will be a lot easier once you are in Japan.

A.S.

[angelshade]

Thanks to both Celeste and Azarashi Sushi!

Your replies have been most helpful and encouraging. I think I'm gradually getting over the shock of going to Chichibu. For a moment there, my imagination was getting the best of me since I had nothing to reference. I found out that the population of Chichibu is about the same as Palo Alto, California. Having lived in Palo Alto for 2 years, I have a better idea of what to expect (population-wise).

I certainly don't feel the need to go barhopping or nightclubbing, so I'm glad I don't have to worry about being so far from Roppongi.

I guess the thought of being so vulnerable by living in another country whose language and culture are dramatically different from my own finally hit me. However, that's exactly why I wanted to go to Japan in the first place - to gain the experience of living and working abroad. Thanks again for pointing out my options and emphasizing the positive points of small town living.