Michelle in Japan
I took the weekend course in April. I have been in Japan for 1 month now. I am based in a small town 30 minutes by bus from the northern most city on Honshu which is Sendai.
I had just finished university and wanted a way to see the world without it costing any money as I was student with no savings. I really wasn't interesting in getting a horribly boring graduate job. Also with the current economic climate I knew that it would be really difficult and I could be out of work or have some low-grade job like many of my friends had who graduated the year before me were stuck in. I chose Japan, as Asia was the continent I knew least about and so wanted to challenge myself and gain knowledge. Plus Japan seemed like such an interesting country with so much to experience.
I am teaching in 10 different schools, which good as I have variety and work with children from age 3 (oh so cute!!!) to 15, so it's a lot of fun. It's really good for cultural exchange as I get to tell them about the United Kingdom as they usually don't know much about it as in Japanese there is just one word for the UK, Britain and England!
There are many reasons why I love the decision I made. I have a rent free house, which is great to have people over to and also saves me so much money that I can live comfortably and go travelling at the weekends and on holidays. The community I have been placed in are very friendly and welcomed me with a party where I got to meet the Mayor of the town. They also took me to a Japanese tea ceremony and to visit temples and scenic mountains. I really like being the only westerner in my town, it's also great for immersion into the culture and language and also it makes me a sort of 'celebrity' as everyone seems to know who I am. There's other English teachers in nearby towns and an English speaking community in Sendai, so I don't feel isolated.
I am always being invited out to do so many different things. There are probably lots more things I could mention as it's been an incredible month. I even feel fitter and healthier than I did. I guess another good point is that I get paid a decent wage so I am able to start paying off student debts as well as have a great time here.
Michelle
TEFL England benefits
ODLQC and SQA ApprovedReal TEFL experts
Skilled classroom tutors
ONE personal online tutor
6mths to complete courses
FREE full job service Find out more ...
Course funding
If you are unemployed or a student then you could be eligible for funding of 20% off all courses. Get more info ...“I liked the simplicity of the teacher's explanation, very informative and accepting of all the answers. Very participatory.” Juan Blanco, Unemployed, London