Job Discussion Forums

The Dutchess · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Kobe, Japan

I've been reading these boards off and on for the past year or so and a lot more frequently lately since I'm going to be teaching in Kobe this November. I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all the regular posters here, and actually to anyone who has ever answered questions in a positive and helpful way Smile

The posters here have been a huge help to me. In fact, I don't post since every question I could ever think of asking has already been answered (in some cases many times over). You guys rock, I just wanted to give you all some love!

fluffyhamster · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 8:52 pm Post subject:

I don't know if I'm quite the sort of poster who deserves your thanks, but I just thought I'd say, welcome to (posting on) the forums! Smile

iverin · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 111 Location: Ontario

Hey, I'm heading to Fukushima (I know it's no where near Kobe) for November (28th) as well so I thought I'd post a hello. May I ask who you're going over with/to work for? I'm going with Aeon East

Mapleblondie · Joined: 29 May 2008 Posts: 93 Location: Canada

Hi guys,

Thanks, Dutchess, for adding a little ray of sunshine to the board today with this thread! I am heading back to Japan too...this month actually! I will be in the Osaka area with ECC Smile

Best of luck to you both~

The Dutchess · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Kobe, Japan

@ fluffy

You've definitely had a hand in filling the treasure trove of information I've found here Smile

Your welcome is appreciated and for that, again thank you.

@ iverin

I am also going to be working for Aeon and will arrive in early Nov. I'm super excited and much to the chagrin of all my friends, I can't wait for the summer to be over :p Congrats on your move to Fukushima!

@mapleblondie

Congratulations to you as well, and good luck with ECC. I'm really psyched about being next door to Osaka and intend to make a religious pilgrimage to the Nintendo Headquarters in Kyoto Very Happy

iverin · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 111 Location: Ontario

ahh, so you're probably one of the lucky ones with the training starting Nov 8th? I know a few people leaving then. I was really hoping to find someone going for the training starting the 29th in Tokyo.

Either way, I know what you mean about the summer passing. I'm so excited but still have just under 4 months to go!

Tiger Beer · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 778 Location: Hong Kong

Kobe is a great choice.

The Dutchess · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Kobe, Japan

Just thought I'd drag up this old post of mine to reiterate my thanks and provide a quick update.

I'm now in Kobe and totally loving it. I got here on Nov. 7, and so far my transition to life in Japan has gone FAR better than I could ever have imagined. Yes yes, rose-coloured glasses indeed, but I'm going to eat it up while I can. This board still provides me with some good information and free entertainment. Especially entertaining of course, are some of the cranky regulars.

If anyone reading this is considering working for an eikaiwa but is feeling disenfranchised with the idea based on some negative posts here and there, please remember that every situation is different. I just happened to luck out BIG TIME with a very cool manager, excellent branch, great students and cool co-workers. Eikaiwa work can be a bit of a crap-shoot in terms of where you end up if you've been hired from abroad. This does not mean that ALL eikaiwa managers are ogres, nor does it necessarily mean that you will have to vacuum the carpets and hand out fliers on the street. I have never had to do either of these things.

Be prepared to answer the following questions ad nauseam:

How long have you been in Japan?
Why did you come to Japan?
Is this your first time in Japan?
How old are you?
What is your hobby?
Can you speak Japanese?

Best advice I can think of: come here with as few expectations as possible about the life you will have, the people you will meet, the place you will live, and the food you will be eating. You've decided to take a huge step out of your comfort zone by living and working in another country already. Don't sabotage your adventure before it begins. Oh, and for the love of god, don't forget your towel [ /geeky reference ].

Zzonkmiles · Joined: 05 Apr 2003 Posts: 309

Glad you're having a good experience so far.

Here are a few other questions you'll be bombarded with:

Can you use chopsticks?
Can you eat sushi?
Do you like Japanese girls? (Or guys, in your case.)
Can you eat wasabi?

etc.

Kobe's a great city. I'd recommend it to anyone. Be sure to check out Sannomiya and Motomachi. And Himeji and its castle are not too far away either.

Keep us posted!

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan