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1ceCream
Joined: 20 Feb 2009
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 4:35 am Post subject: Deciding where to apply |
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so, id like to go to Japan in September. Been reading lots of posts about what different companies are like to work for, and come to the conclusion that probably most are fine.
The thing that im interested in is what life is like in Japan depending on which type of company you take a job with.
There's two main things i want to do in Japan, apart from teach:
1. learn japanese to at least high intermediate level
2. have FUN... make friends, go out & do stuff, go snowboarding, see lots of japan, etcetc.
So:
1. How much difference does it make to work with children or with adults in terms of meeting people... how many of your friends did you make by teaching them?
2. How much difference does it make being in a big city, a smaller town, or somewhere remote, to how easy you will find it to make friends?
Are there areas of Japan which are generally more open and friendlier than others?
For instance, some cities i find pretty isolating, like London. I found it difficult to find friends there outside university. But, in Manila, i met loads of people without any effort, people just come and talk to you. Towns and rural areas differ from place to place in Britain, definately, some being quite closed, and others far more open and friendly.
Wherever i end up, il make an effort, learn the language, and join clubs and activities and things. but, i hope i can get some opinions from your experiences...
Hope you can help... thanks  |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 6:01 am Post subject: Re: Deciding where to apply |
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| 1ceCream wrote: |
There's two main things i want to do in Japan, apart from teach:
1. learn japanese to at least high intermediate level
2. have FUN... make friends, go out & do stuff, go snowboarding, see lots of japan, etcetc. |
To devote sufficient time and energy in studying to that level, you are going to have to recognize that #2 will have to be pared back a bit. Book learning will not be enough, either, as nobody speaks like a textbook, so the more you associate with Japanese and not your gaijin coworkers or friends, the better.
One more thing: you are coming here to work, so don't neglect that. Most newbie teachers have zero to little teaching experience, as well as no experience in a Japanese business culture. They are attracted by the allure of a seemingly exotic land, girls, language, etc. but they forget that first and foremost should be learning to adapt to the job. Keep this in perspective, especially since the market is flooded, and some employers will waste no time in putting you aside for the next foreigner.
| Quote: |
So:
1. How much difference does it make to work with children or with adults in terms of meeting people... how many of your friends did you make by teaching them? |
Few. Don't treat people that you teach as friends. They are paying customers. You might have a minor social life with most of them, but don't confuse that with friendship. You might get invitations to end-of-year parties, ski trips, dinners out in groups, but I have yet to hear of many people making close friends with the majority of their students.
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| 2. How much difference does it make being in a big city, a smaller town, or somewhere remote, to how easy you will find it to make friends? |
Japanese or fellow foreigners? The smaller the town, the fewer foreigners there are. The smaller the town, the more likely it is that the locals have never seen a foreigner and have only TV and movies to go on for their stereotype images. |
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Apsara
Joined: 20 Sep 2005
Posts: 2142
Location: Tokyo, Japan
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| Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 7:55 am Post subject: |
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As to whether a big city or small town is better for meeting people, it depends a lot on your level of Japanese, and a lot on yourself. I have known people who lived in tiny towns and felt very isolated, mostly because they didn't speak Japanese and so were unable to really connect with the people in the town, since there tends to be few English speakers in rural areas. People with decent Japanese tend to have a better time as they are able to get involved more in their local community.
On the other hand, some people feel isolated in Tokyo or Osaka, however it really doesn't have to be like that. Big cities offer untold opportunities to meet and socialise with both Japanese and non-Japanese, it may just take a bit of effort depending on your situation. I'd say it is more like Manila here- people know you just arrived, so will make an effort to befriend and help you.
I agree with Glenski as far as the language learning goes- if you are serious about reaching a high intermediate level then you will have to put some real time and effort into studying- it's not a language that you can pick up through osmosis or just being in the country- you need to attend classes, hit the books etc. |
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