Job Discussion Forums

[JamRock]

I am a 30 year old male (I can't believe I'm 30 already, geez), black Jamaican citizen currently enrolled in a 100 hour TEFL certification program in NYC to be completed in June. I completed my bachelor's in Communications here as well. I have done some amount of research on the existing circumstances for black teachers in both Japan and Hong Kong. I'm interested in these countries because my research suggests that they are the most feasible if one wants to save money (student loans to pay). I know S. Korea may be at the top of the list for that but every opinion I've read suggests an alarming amount of racism. I know racism may exist everywhere you go but I at least want to minimize it. If I'm going to be living in a foreign country for 2 years, I'd like to enjoy it.

The many internet blogs/forums and articles I've read on Hong Kong generally seem to subscribe to the view that since the British left in '97, a good amount (not all) of the locals have become increasingly racist (or at least stopped concealing it) towards expats (blacks especially). If my research is skewed, someone please correct me. Although I've read accounts of blacks having a good time there, the bad seems to outweigh the good. I also know that every situation is what you make it but if I can avoid it before hand then why not?

Japan on the other hand, seems to generate a more inviting atmosphere, if you can get over the obvious staring. The accounts I've read suggest that Japan has a more accepting (yet scrutinizing) environment that is curious of foreigners rather than objectionable. I'm also aware that Japan has an increasing love for Jamaica's reggae music and culture. Racism exists of course but not more than you'd expect from anywhere else. Again, anyone can inject their own opinion here.

In terms of the money, I intend to live a frugal lifestyle while I'm there (not party every weekend and buy what I can't afford) but at the same time, I'm not a hermit. Therefore I'd like to enjoy myself every now and again while living near to or within a city. I know the rural areas are best to save but, I know myself and I'd just be miserable. Japan and Hong Kong seem to be on par with pay rates but it seems you get more for your money in Hong Kong - apartments, food, some kind of a life, etc., while Tokyo and Osaka are really expensive. Opinions welcome.

It's too late for the JET program in Japan but I've applied for the NET program (pays more) in HK. Generally, how willing are Japanese employers to provide visas and accomodation compared with HK employers?

Has anyone heard of or know of an experience with GABA or JALSS in Japan or have a suggestion for somewhere good to apply? GABA seems pretty good on paper.

Thanks for the help.

JamRock

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[Glenski]

[David W]

I wonder if any problems you might have will not stem from you being black but from being Jamaican, not a place where Japanese expect English speakers to come from. Might pay to play up the fact that your degree is from an American university.
Good luck and let us know how you go.

[gwynnie86]

Have a look at www.gaijinsmash.net - it's the blog of a black American man who went over on the JET programme. He taught in schools for 3 years, before deciding to find alternative work, and is now married to a Japanese woman. He generally describes the attitude towards his race as fascination rather than anything overly negative, from what I could tell.

[seklarwia]

Actually in a world general knowlegde quiz we did with the kids, all the kids knew that in Jamaica they speak English, where as when asked about Indian only a couple said Hindi, most said Indian but none said English and for S.Africa the answer was always African.

If what the kids seem to think as teenagers is any indication of what general population population believe, I'd think that being Jamaican would have more advantages than say coming from an African or other Asian country.

When I tell people that my dad is from Kingston, but at home I only speak my other first language which is French, I always get surprised "but I thought they speak English in Jamaica".

[OuterBanks13]

Good luck to you. China is opening up for the African American teacher I hear.

[robertokun]

"I'm also aware that Japan has an increasing love for Jamaica's reggae music and culture."

This is very, very true. I go to a lot of reggae events here, and the music is everywhere. If you are a cool guy with decent looks, you will likely be a rock star here (more likely if you are in a city, and not out in the countryside.)


"In terms of the money, I intend to live a frugal lifestyle while I'm there (not party every weekend and buy what I can't afford) but at the same time, I'm not a hermit."

As for this, forget about it. Over the past few years salaries and benefits have gone down at the same time that prices have generally gone up. I don't know anything about prices and money in Hong Kong, but unless you're with JET in the middle of nowhere, I don't think anyone's paying off any student loans over here by teaching English anymore.. I'm sure somebody can say, "But . . . blah, blah, blah," and bring up a rare example, but in my opinion, I don't see it happening.

Good luck either way.

[Tiger Beer]

I am in a smaller town in Japan, I heard there were a Jamaican couple in the town. I don't know their experience so far, as I haven't personally met them yet. But my Japanese co-workers seem to think its pretty cool though.

Generally speaking, particularly in Tokyo, I've noticed ALL THINGS African-American or ANY kind of subculture whatsoever - rastafarian, surfer culture, punk culture, you name it, and there is a segment of the Japanese population into it.

I've particularly noticed that as American culture is very African-American centric...i.e. everyone from most of the best athletes to Oprah Winfrey and many of the celebrities (Denzil Washington, on and on) to pretty much all of the current popular music America - hiphop in particular, etc., but even the older American music - jazz, blues, etc. Heck, even the President, Barack Obama, is a popular guy in Japan. There have been more books and even language tapes centered around his speeches than I've seen in the U.S., by a long shot. Which basically means that most Japanese have a high interest in (black) culture in all its forms, although I'd call it more an interest in American culture.

Back to Jamaica in particular though. Just recently I was talking to a Japanese girl who has flown to Jamaica TWELVE times for vacation! I doubt if you'd ever meet any HK girl who has flown to Jamaica 12 times for vacation.

Regarding Hong Kong, I don't think it would match on the same level in that regard. That being said, I am sure HK would be just fine in its own way.

[JamRock]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

With all the information and views from a wide variety of angles, I think I'll be making the move to Japan. The general trend of opinions on the Japan and the Hong Kong forums seem to suggest that Hong Kong, while a livable situation, is salted with a more than noticeable flavour of racism (interviews, workplace, or social scene), where a black teacher might feel a bit limited in their options. Japan however seems to be more inviting of foreigners and opportunities seem to be more open there.

If you're thinking that I care too much of what people think of me, I assure you, that is not the case. However, if I can avoid being miserable for 2 years then I'll do just that.

Does anyone have any other opinions of the social scene or the job scene in Japan for a black person?