FAQ
When are you coming back?
I’m not sure.
What is this job?
I’ve been selected to be an Assistant Language Teacher by the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, sponsored by the Japanese government. They coordinate placements; they will not be my employer. I will be employed directly by the school I work for. The job does not require Japanese experience, and I work full-time with a bilingual teacher. I will, though, learn as much Japanese as possible. I will be working in three junior high schools.
How long is this for?
Contracts are for 1 year, but it is common to renew contracts for additional years. Contracts can be renewed up to 5 years, but it is not possible to switch placements.
Where will you be located?
Why are you doing this?
I’ve always wanted to learn Japanese, go to Japan, and live in another country for an extended period of time. Japanese culture fascinates me. People also say I could be a good teacher, so I wanted to get some real-life teaching experience. This job seems like an opportune way to accomplish many goals at once.
Is Japan safe?
Statistically, it is one of the safest, if not THE safest, of the industrialized nations. Crime is extremely low.
The events surrounding 3-11 are, for the most part, resolved and everyone is back to their usual business. The area I’m in is very far away from the 3-11 disaster. That being said, the region I am in (Mie) occasionally has critical earthquakes. I am prepared as best I can be, and there is no need for alarm.
Why did you start this site?
So that my friends and family can have all of the information about my life-changing job in one place. It’s also a way for me to feel connected, at least virtually, with the people I care about.
How do your parents feel about this?
Ironically, this is possibly the most frequently asked question. They are supportive, but they will miss me, as I will miss them and the rest of my family.
Is the water safe in Japan?
Yes. I drink it straight from the tap- there is no need to consume only bottled water.
Technology in Japan is like, super cheap right?
Ha- no. It’s not. Prices are usually on par with American prices, with the notable exception of video games. Game consoles in Japan are usually $20-40 more expensive, but sometimes you can find deals on used consoles. Games might cost a tad more than their home counterparts, and used games are in general more expensive. Additionally, in Japan it is illegal to rent video games (but you can rent CDs. Go figure).
What do you like about Japan that you don’t have at home?
People are more environmentally aware in Japan, and also tend to be friendlier. Business is conducted in a very open, direct, and trusting manor. Customer service is superb. There is no tipping. I have more vacation time and more comprehensive health care.
There are no “open container” laws, so I can go to the convenience store, buy a beer, and drink it while walking home. That might sound tacky to you, but I really like sipping beer (not being drunk) and I really like walking in the evening- I really wish I could do that in my neighborhood at home.
Also, if I don’t want to pay for something on Amazon using a credit card, I can do COD. I can also pay cash to a convenience store if I don’t want to pay the delivery man.
I also sleep on a Japanese futon, which is basically a pad on the floor, which is in turn covered by a thick, thick comforter. Then I sleep on top of that and cover myself with another, softer comforter. I like it a lot. If that sounds too granola to you, I just want you to imagine the last time you moved. Remember lugging your mattress and boxspring out of your house, into a moving truck, and then into your new place? I can move my bedding in my arms with one trip. Think about it.
What is Japan missing that you have from home?
Aside from the obvious (friends, family, people who speak English, etc.) Japan does not have Sam Adams or peanut butter. Or rather they do, but it is extremely rare/expensive. Also, saying that Japan is more energy efficient isn’t really accurate- they simply use less energy, which means some appliances are smaller or completely absent. I do not have a dryer. Many buildings (including schools) do not have AC, and central heating is either absent or weak. I have a propane stove slightly larger than a camp stove, with two burners and a small drawer (it’s a fish broiler. I use it for making bruschetta). My microwave is also a toaster and a convection oven, but I’m pretty sure it doesn’t compare to (and isn’t as large as) my oven at home. Because Japan is generally a tight-knit community, gossip and rumors spread quickly and you need to be more aware of your reputation than at home. Finally, I don’t have a car. I don’t really miss having a car- but sometimes it’s nice to get to far away stores if I’m going to buy something bulky. Doesn’t happen often, but it does occasionally.
Pretty much everyone in Japan speaks English, right?
Ha, that’s a good one.
