| The Life of an English Teacher in Japan |
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| Why English Teaching: People may wonder why English teaching is so popular in Japan and what it has to offer as a job. Well, I have been an English teacher in Japan now for 2 1/2 years. Teaching languages has always interested me. Before I came to Japan I taught Japanese at highschool. So Why English ?? Well, its fun !! Current Langauge teaching focuses on developing in students communication skills. The classes are student centred and the teacher acts as more a facilitator than teacher. You get to meet many interesting people. The salary is good. And, for me - the lifestyle is the type that I can enjoy - teaching hours are a minimum, which allows me to pursue my hobbies such as Karate or Iaido. |
| How are Japanese Students: I would say that teaching young Japanese adults is a step up from teaching high school any day. The Japanese education system is such - that students take learning very seriously. Most Japanese are shy, but once they feel relaxed they open up - and you can have a lot of fun teaching them. Japanese students are also very curious about foregin countries as many of them will travel overseas 2 times or more per year (despite the recession). |
| What lifestyle does it afford me ? Well, I spend 25 hours a week teaching. Other than that - my time is my own. The salary is good - so in my free time I'm either training in karate or Iaido (sword training) or travelling. I'm never at a loss for money if I want to visit that delicious Sushi shop, and a live market is there if I want a bit of extra cash teaching students privately. I sleep in most days, get up at 9:00 am usually work from about 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm every night. The mornings and day are my own !!! |
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| Would I recommend it ? Yes !!! Its a great lifestyle and life experience. However those motivated solely by money probably won't enjoy the experience due to language or cultural differences. You have to be interested in the culture and have a motivation other than cash - Hobbies to pursue with Japanese people. The teachers that mix with other English speakers most of their time won't get much out of the experience in Japan. |
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