Job Discussion Forums

[dondelion]

Here's a question to those boarders teaching in Japanese universities who also have significant knowledge of the Korean uni scene -- can I ask -- is it similar ? Better? Worse? Totally different? Easy to break into, or impossible?

I am not asking about the private college scene in Japan -- no disrespect to those private schools, I have been there, done that, many years ago; I paid my dues and put in the hard graft, got my MA and teaching certs and diplomas etc -- I am curious about university teachers here on the board who worked at Korean unis then moved to university jobs in Japan.

Is it any better in Japan? Or is moving to Japan just jumping from one hassle to a slightly different set of hassles? By 'is Japan better', I mean is Japan less rude, less hostile to outsiders, less cynical, less pushy and 'in your face' crude as daily life is here in Korea -- I have been teaching in Korea at university level for about ten years, and am now finding that the pushy brashness is really getting to me. I shrugged it off and treated it lightly for years, but now it just makes me feel drained. The constant confrontation here is getting to me -- years ago, I believed that with time, I'd get to know more Koreans, see more depth in the society, and feel more at ease ; but no, the longer I am here, I realise that from the Korean perspective, it's all about power and head to head clashes, facing 'the weaker one' down, win and lose, crush and vanquish in relations here in Korea, and not at all about easing into life and society the more you know the country.

I know full well that Japan also has nationalism, anti foreigner sentiment, ultra materialistic views, problems with cost of living, 'age-ism' etc – but I just hope for something a little more refined -- and less damn hostile.

I am getting exhausted by the unfriendly coldness of Korea. Yes, it's not always openly aggressive here-- but Koreans sure do know how to create cold exclusionary vibes, and how to make people feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Thanks in advance for any of your views and opinions about it.

[water rat]

First of all a peculiarity of Dave's is we're not allowed to talk about Special K on the International Job Board. You will get booted off.

Second: I remember a poster who said he switched back and forth for a decade every two years between Japan and that country which must not be named. He said after his time in Japan he always felt more refined, more of a gentleman, while in the other place he felt like a dog.

The Japanese are very friendly to foreigners (except when they are not, and less so than they used to be) especially if you're an American. You're not an American? Well, you can tell them that. See if they believe you.

[dondelion]

Water, thanks for your reply, and thanks for the tip off about not being allowed to talk about 'you know where' -- I presume that's because Dave/MODS don't want the board saturated with even more 'anti-K' diatribes since their own dedicated board is thick with them.

Understandable -- well, I hope the current thread will not be locked as long as it sticks to the topic.

Hopefully ! I am doing my best to get info from insiders who have taught in both countries.

[kzjohn]

Well, let me see... One upon a time, for about 19 months, centered on 1972, I was in the army stationed in a country not far from Japan. After that, about '74-'76, I was then in the peace corps there (way in the sticks!). After some formal uni for me, BA & MA I spent a while in another giant east asian country, and then one of its 'renegade' provinces. Then back tho that place to teach--same place that'd I'd been to in the army and peace corps.

Anyway, some contrasts. In Japan, your visa is not be dependent on your employer. You can start somewhere, and actually quit for another job without losing your visa. After you get established, you can self-sponsor, by showing enough income from several part-time jobs--again, you're not dependent for your visa on a single employer.

Tho it has become less common, at least some teachers in Japan have become permanent employees of their schools (me)--permanent meaning having the same status and pay as their j-colleagues. With that goes the same retirement payout (退職金) as any other employee gets.

Our kids went thru the j-school system, graduated high school, and went on to j-universities. The older one graduated a couple years ago and is now working for a large j-company, is now planning marriage (and her life) here. Both our kids have dual nationality, tho the older one may relinquish US at some point. Younger one has two years of uni left and is also doing fine. Both went/are going to 国立大学.

I'm now a permanent resident. I intend to retire here in Japan (two years off), and there will be no problem with that, even if we were to divorce, or maybe my wife dies first.

I'm insured the same way any other person here is (actually, better than most right now), and that coverage will continue for me when retired as it would for any other retired person.

I have a friend who, just before he retired, gained Japanese citizenship and renounced his US. (I'm not sure I want to do that.)



So, look that over, that's what a foreigner can do in Japan. Now reread it and imagine any other east asian country. Are those things possible?

[dondelion]

KZJohn and BigZen, I just PMd you.

Thanks for any insights.

[mitsui]

Sounds like you would prefer Japan.
The society can be cold too, especially in Tokyo, but it is that way for everybody here.

Most places just leave you alone.
As long as you don't mind limited contracts it is fine.

[dondelion]

Mitsui, thanks for your post -- I just PMd' you.

[RM1983]

Ive lived in both and Japan is a much smoother experience. Beware though that you might be taking an enormous paycut to move here. Also, I did 2 years in Korea with minimum Korean no problemo, after a month in Japan it was obvious i was going to have to study Japanese for it to be a really rewarding experience.

So, those social issues are better here but do consider what youre moving into. As I understand it, Im not sure how likely you are to find a job, even with your experience.