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HappyPizza
Joined: 07 Mar 2007
Posts: 40
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 Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 8:56 pm Post subject: Moment of truth |
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Well, and opportunity has finally come my way in Japan.
The school seems pretty laid back, and has some teachers who have been there for a while. The boss had no problems with me contacting a couple of others that already work there. The salary is above average, 265,000 yen a month an apartment is provide for 48,500 yen month, 25-28 classes a week...........in the Nagano area ( "Shimosuwa is one of four towns and cities located around Lake Suwa in the middle of Honshu").
It is just that..........well, I've got the "fear factor" going on. You know, all the "what if's" are pouring through my head. Catching up on bills, not making enough money, etc.
"What if I....?
"What if I can't.....?
I can see what people will initially chose Korea over Japan......flights, free rent, bonuses, etc. All that is out the door with this opportunity. I am just worried of making a mistake, and thinking "Dam.....ESL is all the same, even in Japan" (in many cases, ESL IS all the same all over the world).
Ah well, I guess the only way to find out is to just go.
happypizza |
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matador
Joined: 07 Mar 2003
Posts: 281
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| Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 9:06 pm Post subject: |
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| Whats your previous experience of teaching English in terms of countries and types of student? |
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HappyPizza
Joined: 07 Mar 2007
Posts: 40
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| Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 9:11 pm Post subject: |
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Nearly four years in Korea, teaching kindergarten and elementary students (some experience with middle school and adults, though). In addition, I do have a 100 hour TEFL certificate, and I'm currently working on my TEYL course.
happypizza |
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matador
Joined: 07 Mar 2003
Posts: 281
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| Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 9:31 pm Post subject: |
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| So you`re into the Asia vibe! It may be an idea at some point to broaden the experience on your resume by teaching in Europe or another area outside Asia. |
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HappyPizza
Joined: 07 Mar 2007
Posts: 40
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| Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 9:37 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| So you`re into the Asia vibe! It may be an idea at some point to broaden the experience on your resume by teaching in Europe or another area outside Asia. |
Though I agree, it is harder to break into the European market. And, the I do have bills to pay..........
Happypizza |
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matador
Joined: 07 Mar 2003
Posts: 281
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| Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 9:41 pm Post subject: |
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| Germany is a good destination. I did a couple of telephone interviews for a job when I was working in Hong Kong. And I got the job in Bremen nr. Hamburg. About 2200 euros a month. And no income tax for a year. This was teaching business English at Airbus. |
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HappyPizza
Joined: 07 Mar 2007
Posts: 40
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| Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 9:46 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| So you`re into the Asia vibe! It may be an idea at some point to broaden the experience on your resume by teaching in Europe or another area outside Asia. |
Though I agree, it is harder to break into the European market. And, the I do have bills to pay..........
Happypizza |
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markle
Joined: 17 Jan 2003
Posts: 1316
Location: Out of Japan
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| Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 10:48 pm Post subject: |
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At the risk of sounding like a self help guru, sounds like you need to sit down and come up with a plan. Set yourself some goals about where you want to be in 2, 5 and 10 years and then go about making it happen.
And as for the "What ifs.." well the only thing more important than "What if I get hit by a bus tomorrow.." is "What if I don't get hit by a bus tomorrow...." |
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Apsara
Joined: 20 Sep 2005
Posts: 2142
Location: Tokyo, Japan
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| Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 10:49 pm Post subject: |
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Suwa is a nice area- picturesque small city in the middle of the mountains. As well as the Japan Alps the chain of 8 mountains nearby called Yatsugatake is popular for hiking, and in winter lots of ski resorts nearby as well, although the snow isn't Japan's best.
Really pleasant in summer compared to Tokyo- usually about 10 degrees cooler, although obviously a lot colder in winter as well. Quite handy to Tokyo if you want to head down for the weekend- about 2 hours straight down the Chuo Line to Shinjuku.
I worked at a ski resort in one of the 4 towns near lake Suwa that you mentioned when I first came to Japan 11 years ago. I live in Tokyo now but sometimes go back to that area.
I can't tell you whether you'll like teaching there or not but I can tell you that it's a nice area at least! |
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HappyPizza
Joined: 07 Mar 2007
Posts: 40
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| Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 10:59 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
At the risk of sounding like a self help guru, sounds like you need to sit down and come up with a plan. Set yourself some goals about where you want to be in 2, 5 and 10 years and then go about making it happen.
And as for the "What ifs.." well the only thing more important than "What if I get hit by a bus tomorrow.." is "What if I don't get hit by a bus tomorrow...." |
I can't say I disagree with you, and I appreciate your objective advice. I am a worrier, I admit. I love teaching kids, and I do enjoy teaching ESL. I also realize that many people believe that it is a dead end career, and that is what I am worried about. The thing is, I enjoy being overseas, traveling and teaching. I'm single, no kids.........but in debt. 
A two year goal, eh? OK, fair enough.
Happypizza |
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HappyPizza
Joined: 07 Mar 2007
Posts: 40
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| Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 11:02 pm Post subject: |
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Suwa is a nice area- picturesque small city in the middle of the mountains. As well as the Japan Alps the chain of 8 mountains nearby called Yatsugatake is popular for hiking, and in winter lots of ski resorts nearby as well, although the snow isn't Japan's best.
Really pleasant in summer compared to Tokyo- usually about 10 degrees cooler, although obviously a lot colder in winter as well. Quite handy to Tokyo if you want to head down for the weekend- about 2 hours straight down the Chuo Line to Shinjuku.
I worked at a ski resort in one of the 4 towns near lake Suwa that you mentioned when I first came to Japan 11 years ago. I live in Tokyo now but sometimes go back to that area.
I can't tell you whether you'll like teaching there or not but I can tell you that it's a nice area at least! |
Hey, thanks for the info! It does sound like a nice area to be in!
happypizza |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 11:45 pm Post subject: |
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On the surface, the deal sounds fair enough. As fair as things get here. You were actually allowed to talk to the other teachers, eh? Just how laid back were they, and what were their situations (spouse visa? been here a zillion years or 2 months? serious at teaching or hedonist? etc.)?
I'd say buck up your courage, and get over your fear. Once you're here, you will have a visa that can't be taken away from you (inlike Korea) unless you do something illegal, so you could always quit and move to a different position. So, go in with eyes open and try to enjoy yourself.
The others who have been giving you advice about having some sort of plan are smart. Heed that advice. And, consider that plans can change. |
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HappyPizza
Joined: 07 Mar 2007
Posts: 40
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| Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 12:49 am Post subject: |
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On the surface, the deal sounds fair enough. As fair as things get here. You were actually allowed to talk to the other teachers, eh? Just how laid back were they, and what were their situations (spouse visa? been here a zillion years or 2 months? serious at teaching or hedonist? etc.)?
I'd say buck up your courage, and get over your fear. Once you're here, you will have a visa that can't be taken away from you (inlike Korea) unless you do something illegal, so you could always quit and move to a different position. So, go in with eyes open and try to enjoy yourself.
The others who have been giving you advice about having some sort of plan are smart. Heed that advice. And, consider that plans can change. |
You are right!
happypizza |
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HappyPizza
Joined: 07 Mar 2007
Posts: 40
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| Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 8:20 am Post subject: |
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Well, after some communication with the boss and some of the teaching staff at the school...........................I'm coming to Japan!
Can't wait...................
happypizza |
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markle
Joined: 17 Jan 2003
Posts: 1316
Location: Out of Japan
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| Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 11:21 am Post subject: |
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| good luck, maybe you won't need it |
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