Job Discussion Forums

Precise · Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 140

Should I teach English in Japan?

Bio: 23 year old Caucasian male. Bachelor's degree in International Management (Business Curriculum) from an accredited university in the USA. Fluent English speaker and writer.

Pros: Open minded, traveled all over Europe, has many Asian (best) friends, finds Japanese language easy to pick up, proficient in using chopsticks, loves Japanese culture, loves kids, loves studying history, enjoys Eastern philosophies (Buddhism, Taoism).

Cons: No real ESL teaching experience, Lots of student loans, car payment, likes to go out on the town and party/drink etc., has a devoted girlfriend in the US that wants to marry him in the next 2-3 years who will miss him (a lot), dislikes xenophobia.

Should I pursue a teaching carreer in Japan?

JU! · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 9:24 pm Post subject:

Maybe but the girlfriend bit may pose a problem. If you want to just go for it and start applying, it's up to you in the end.

Precise · Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 140

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

I really don't feel comfortable answering someone's request for "should I?" People should make up their own minds. If you had asked whether you could get a job with no qualifications, the answer would have been yes. If you had asked if you could save money here to pay off that debt, I would have said maybe (depends on your monthly payments). I would also have said be smart and stop going out on the town and partying.

As far as your girlfriend goes, there's always something like Skype with a web cam, so that you can each make free calls and see each other (and your surroundings). Much better way of staying in touch, I think. Long distance relationships even within your own country are often straining. Distance to Japan is greater, so contacting each other will involve more careful timing because of the time difference, and you can't as easily just show up on each other's doorstep for an occasional visit. Your gf may also have images of gorgeous, fawning Japanese women falling at your feet, which could also lead to more strain.

Enjoying Asian philosophy and being proficient in chopsticks won't land you a job, nor are either of those things necessary for survival here.

Just how far does your dislike of xenophobia go? You may be stared at a lot by the locals, discriminated against in various situations, and come to the realization that certain government policies just aren't all that equitable for foreigners, so having a fairly thick skin would diminish a lot of negative reaction to these.

What's your time frame for starting work here? Plan on at least 2-4 months (mostly due to visa processing time).

Can you come here to look for work, or are you limited to whatever recruiters come to your country?

And, just how much do you have to pay off each month?

Precise · Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 140

shuize · Joined: 04 Sep 2004 Posts: 1270

Is it just me, or do others also notice more and more "someone please make my decisions for me" posts?

Precise · Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 140

shuize · Joined: 04 Sep 2004 Posts: 1270

MrCAPiTUL · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 232 Location: Taipei, Taiwan

Shuize, I dont think there is anything wrong with second guessing a move 1/2 way around the world and looking for input. Ultimately, OP will make up his own mind, for certain. Cut some slack - no harm no foul.

OP - About the GF. . . not to be a *beep* or anything, but more than likely you can kiss that good bye if you go to Japan. Just being honest. The average person has a hard enough time making a local relationship blossom into something fruitful, and an even harder time making that fruit last a lifetime. Times that by 1000!

I don't know you or your circumstance, so I can't say for certain whether or not you two will make it. What I AM saying, though, is that the odds are against you. People have needs. You go to Japan, then (again, for the average people) you are most likely facing a situation where your girl starts to feel abandoned - oh, he chose Japan over me - and begins to look elsewhere. And equally as much, you will be feeling isolated and be looking for comfort. Along comes some lady who finds you attractive and wants to have relations. Again. . you are lonely. . you are half way around the world. . you are backed up. . chances are you may take the opportunity (again, if you are of average stock like most people).

Having all that said, sometimes a person has to fulfill his/her personal destiny before they can progress forward. If you truly have the passion and feel this is something that you must do or else face regret the rest of your life, then maybe you should do it. It will most likely be a terrific experience. I see more people than not who have a good experience in Japan.