Category Archives: Japan
Sights and Sounds: Tokyo
Tokyo by Kevin Dooley http://www.flickr.com/photos/pagedooley/
Teaching English as a Second Language gives you the opportunity to live and work in a multitude of different cultures and cities. The country and city you live in play as important a role in your teaching experience as the school you work for. The sights and sounds series aims to give an insight into life in these possible TEFL destinations usually from local residents and film makers.
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is known across the world for its vibrancy and futuristic look. A metropolis of over 13 million people Tokyo is a wonderful mix of of the ancient and modern. Tokyo has 112 public and private universities as well as numerous colleges and vocational schools creating a large number of TEFL positions. Added to this there are a large number of private English teaching institutions offering positions.
Japan is one of the most popular destinations for ESL Teachers. One of its main advantages is the abundance of entry level positions where new teachers can learn their craft. The benefits package also offered is very competitive against other popular teaching destinations.
This video show some of what you will see living in Japan including some of the vivid neon and busting city streets.
My Tokyo from Romain A on Vimeo.
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Five Great Places To Visit In Japan
Image via Wikipedia
If you’re an avid traveler, it’s a good idea to look for places to visit in Japan. This is perhaps one of the best countries to go to because it has something for everyone. This is the place where you can shop, dine, enjoy cultural sites and frolic in resorts all in one visit. Here are five of the most recommended places to check out.
Nagano
For ski and snow sports enthusiasts, the prime spot to go to is Hokkaido. Since this is a top destination though, it is also usually the most crowded and the most expensive winter spots. A great alternative to it is Nagano. The place has excellent slopes and the quality of the powder is just as good as that in Hokkaido. You get to enjoy as much skiing as you want without having to worry about crowded spaces and costly accommodations.
Incidentally, Nagano is also the destination of choice for people who visit Japan for working holidays. This is because resorts here provide free accommodations, meals and ski passes to foreigners on working holidays.
Kyoto
If you are a culture and history buff, there is no better place to head to than Kyoto. It has some of the best preserved historical feudal spots in the country because it escaped the widespread destruction that happened during the Second World War. It is home to 17 UNESCO world heritage sites such as the Kozan-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Ninna-ji and Tenryu-ji temples. You probably need to set aside a couple of days to complete a tour of these 17 sites.
Okinawa
Of all the places to visit in Japan, Okinawa is perhaps the best destination for summer. It has a subtropical climate which makes it a great place to go to even in January and December when northern regions are blanketed in snow. Aside from the excellent climate, Okinawa also has the best beaches for sunbathing and very clear waters for scuba diving. They say a holiday in Okinawa is almost like a vacation in Hawaii.
Tokyo
As the capital city, Tokyo is a logical place to start sightseeing. It is perhaps aptly described as the center where various modern and historical elements come together in a delightful mix. Modern diversions here include Disneyland and the Ueno Park Zoo but you can also immerse yourself in authentic culture and history in the Asakusa Kannon Temple and the Imperial Palace.
Osaka
If you don’t like the idea of diving into the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, you might want to go to Osaka instead. This is actually the third largest city in the country but the atmosphere here is less hurried than in the capital city. The place also has a strong historical and cultural flavor that you can sample in places like the Sumiyoshi Shrine and the Osaka Castle.
There are a lot of outstanding places to visit in Japan. These top five however should be more than enough to give you a well-rounded experience of what the country has to offer. There’s s no way you’d get bored at all. No matter your interest or vacation preference, there’s something for you.
Looking For More Places To Visit In Japan?
Visit http://www.boobooski.com For More Top Destinations.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chase_Crawford
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Teaching in Asia: Korea or Japan?
Image via Wikipedia
Where Should I Teach? Korea or Japan?
The two most popular destinations for ESL teachers building there careers are Japan and Korea. Both offer a good entry level of pay. The benefits package in both countries tend to be excellent and there is a large amount of positions available to all levels of teachers? But which destination is right for you?
Here is a useful video you may find helpful comparing life in the two countries
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZYwbu2YJds
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Exploring the Top Five ESL Destinations in Asia
Image provided by http://www.flickr.com/photos/laszlo-photo/
If you’re considering teaching ESL in Asia, then congratulations! You’re about to embark on an exciting new journey in your life – one that will reap major benefits in terms of your future career, finances and overall perspective on the world.
The hard part isn’t over yet though; in fact, deciding which Asian country you want to teach in can be one of the most challenging aspects of applying to the best ESL jobs. Don’t just choose a country based on the number of ESL jobs available -instead, you should narrow your search down to countries where you’ll get the best experience possible from your teaching position.
But if you’re worried that selecting the right Asian country for you boils down to simply pointing your finger at a map of Asia, not to worry – we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explore the top five ESL destinations in Asia based on previous teacher experiences, availability of employment and benefits offered.
So grab a cup of coffee, sit back and relax – you’re about to learn which ESL destination in Asia is perfect for you!
1. Korea.
Korea is by far the most popular ESL destination in Asia for many reasons – one of them being the incredibly rich experience that teachers discover here! Korea boasts some of the best ESL job opportunities, with teachers free to pick the size of school and number of students that they’ll have to teach to.
Additionally, the availability of jobs in Korea means that you’ll be able to pick where you’d like to go. For fans of the big city, Seoul is a metropolitan paradise: with a population of over 12 million, this bustling city offers a huge range of unique cultural experiences, including shopping, museums and a glowing nightlife. Although an ESL salary doesn’t stretch as far in this city, many teachers find the diversity of Korea’s largest city to be an exciting and rewarding experience.
Plenty of jobs are also available in the warmer climates of Daejeon, Gwangju and Busan. English is moderately spoken in Korea, and most public transport and food stores contain information in English, allowing teachers to acclimate without risking severe cultural shock.
2. China.
The most populous country in the world is also one of the biggest providers of great ESL jobs – in fact, many ESL teachers report feeling as though they had their pick of work thanks to the vast amount of schools in this massive country.
When considering an ESL placement in China, try looking beyond Beijing and Shanghai to cities that are just as fascinating but will give you a true taste of Chinese culture. Warmer climates and gorgeous beaches make Southern and Eastern China a delightful treat, although Northwestern China should be limited to the adventurous as it isn’t as developed as other areas of the country.
China does come with its own challenges when applying for ESL jobs, especially when it comes to work visas and permits. Always check to see if the school or university where you’re working has the proper credentials to hire foreign teachers, as many ESL job placement agencies warn that phony school scams have been reported here.
3. Taiwan.
Taiwan is truly a teacher’s market, as there’s a huge demand for ESL teachers all year round – and with an extremely low cost of living, ESL teachers often report leaving their posts with as much as $8,000 in savings!
Taiwan is a gorgeous island district with a fast-growing economy, which is why the demand for English teachers is so high. Taiwan also boasts major school chains that can help initiate and train ESL teachers for life in Taiwan, which provides a great support system for those who might experience some culture shock. The most plentiful ESL jobs here are for kindergarten teachers at chain English schools; if you have a MA, you’re qualified to teach at universities, where hours vary.
One important note is that Taiwanese classrooms are much more regimented than that of their Chinese counterparts, so expect to have your daily lessons subject to approval. Additionally, a large emphasis is placed on memorization and recall, and you’ll be required to cover certain subjects by the school.
4. Indonesia.
Although teaching positions aren’t as plentiful as in China or Korea, Indonesia is a great place to teach English as a second language, particularly as English is part of a national curriculum. This means your students will already have experienced some form of English teaching. Indonesia boasts some of the best weather in Asia, along with a delicious cuisine that’s extremely popular among ESL teachers. Additionally, ESL teachers can expect a low cost of living (get ready to sharpen your bartering skills!) in a culture that’s genuinely fascinated by English speakers – in fact, you’ll make plenty of friends with the locals! As a teacher, you’ll live in a middle-class neighborhood in a house with other English teachers. The most job vacancies will be on the islands of Java and Sumatra. According to previous ESL teachers, it’s difficult to get a job on Bali, as they prefer to hire people from within the country.
5. Japan.
Japanese culture is rich, exciting and full of energy – and now has never been a better time to teach English in Japan!
There are plenty of ESL chain schools in Japan, which means that it’s relatively easy to find work within the 3 months of your tourist visa. However, it’s recommended that you find your teaching post before landing in Japan, as the cost of living in this economic powerhouse is quite high; in fact, Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world. With that said, picking where you want to teach in Japan is crucial, as there are huge difference between the big and small cities (and it isn’t just size!). Jobs are more plentiful in Tokyo and Osaka, while smaller cities will help you to stretch your salary and give you a more authentic Japanese experience.
With the wealth of ESL jobs available in all of these Asian countries, you’re bound to have the journey (and career training) of a lifetime!
Story by Shane Phair. Visit http://www.eslherald.com for more information on teaching English abroad.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shane_Phair
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Is it Hard to Adapt to Living in Japan?
A Tokyo Street by http://www.flickr.com/photos/qilin/
The idea of moving to Japan for school or for work has become extremely popular in recent times. The country offers many great opportunities for people who are not native to the country. The thrill of learning a new culture is another reason why living in Japan is an exciting prospect for many people. The thrill of learning the Japanese language and being immersed in the culture is very exciting for many.
Living in a different country can be a challenge for anyone, so realizing that the Japanese are very particular about their customs and correct manners is very important. As a foreigner it is important that you become familiar with the basic rules of Japanese society.
While many of their people will cut a foreigner some slack on incorrect etiquette, if one performs something that is extremely disrespectful, then it might not be overlooked. Additionally, it is in your best interest as well to learn a little bit about the rules of a country that you are visiting or planning to live in.
An example of a Japanese culture difference involves entering a home. In Japan it is expected that outside shoes will be removed. The host then provides slippers for the guests to wear. Many people are aware of this custom of theirs; however, there are other shoe etiquette customs that are required in Japan that are not as widely known. For example, another Japanese society custom requires that any room with a tatami floor is to only be stepped on with socks or bare feet. Additionally, there are special slippers that are to be worn exclusively in the bathroom.
While it is important to try and learn as much about a new culture as you can, it would be impossible to think that you could learn everything about a totally new culture right away. This is true for anyone trying to integrate into Japanese society as well. If you have had extra time or exposure to a particular way of life, then it might make it easier for you.
For someone who is transplanting from a western country to Japan some customs will seem more foreign and some might seem more familiar. For example, in western culture it is considered bad manners to blow your nose at the dinner table, and this is indeed true in Japan as well. As time goes by it will become easier and easier to integrate into the new culture and you will no doubt find that living in Japan is easy.
While many westerners are making the decision to move to Japan for either school or work, they are also taking on the challenge of learning a new culture. There are many aspects to the Japanese culture that are extremely different from western culture and can take some getting used to, yet as time goes on it will become easier to integrate into the new culture. Once a person has gotten to this stage, then living in Japan will be much easier for them.
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