Job Discussion Forums

[ruby_silence]

Hey everyone,

I'm reading about taking little gifts for the teachers at your school when you first arrive. What did you bring, if anything? I'm thinking about individually wrapped chocolates or something similar. Just gathering some ideas. Thanks!

[Glenski]

Been asked many times. Yes, individually wrapped confectionery will go over well, especially if it is a kind of local delicacy from where you live. Chocolates, candy, cookies, cakes, all will do nicely. Packets of coffee, tea are also ok.

Just don't go overboard. Nobody expects anything.

[mstoffer]

I have a similar question for those experienced teachers out there. Similar to bringing bagels / donuts to the office in the States, would it be perceived the same way (friendly / considerate)in Japan to bring in something for the other teachers / admin folk every once in a while? Just a general question as I want to help create a good work environment when I start in a couple months but also don't want to be too "out-of-the-box", thanks!!

[Apsara]

The usual thing in Japan is to bring in something for the rest of the staff if you have been on a trip somewhere- it only has to be a weekend away at a hot spring or a trip to Tokyo Disneyland for example- everywhere people visit has shops that sell some kind of food (usually sweets or Japanese crackers) for people to take back for family and coworkers so this is really common/borderline compulsory.

Just bringing in food when you haven't been anywhere or there is no special occasion though isn't so common, at least at the schools/companies I've worked for.

[mstoffer]

[Tuan]

The best thing about Japanese food items is that they are usually individually wrapped. So when someone comes to the office with snacks, it's quite convenient to grab and go with no guilt/mess.

When I first started out, I bought a round of drinks on the first happy hour that I went with my coworkers. I am well off financially so I was able to do it. Either way, I became popular with the talkative teachers quite fast. Sometimes a little alcohol goes a long way

[Glenski]

It's not common to bring things in for no reason, but you won't be thought the less of.

[LadyK]

As others have said, bringing something from your hometown is the way to go. Some chocolates or sweets that can be shared around the office. I actually brought presents for students as well, but I was told not to give them out unless I had enough for every student in the school, not just my own, so I now have about 150 seashell keychains sitting around my apartment.
(p.s. I'm from Florida, so they seemed apt)

[PG_Tips]

In my places of work it's usually a case of buying a box of individually wrapped cookies, cakes, etc. and opening them up at a communal point in the staff room with a small note saying who they are from placed along side. A box almost always appears when someone is returning from holiday, or has received the gift from a student. I wouldn't put too much effort into the selection, no one will care that much. It's always good form to do, though. And when the staff room is empty, you can always stick a load in your pocket