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lücid
electric girl

Registered: Aug 2003
Location: NY
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May-29-2008 21:52
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prolikewhoa
veteran attention whore

Registered: Jul 2003
Location: Berlin
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Re: Teaching English Abroad
| quote: | Originally posted by RJT
So I'm hoping Jay will have some input on this, but also that there are maybe more TA's than I think who have done this before. I've got an interview with a company (AEON) to teach in Japan for a year starting this fall, and I'm pretty excited about the possibility - but I guess I'm just looking to get to know the kinds of things that I might be forgetting about that could become major issues.
As for the details, I really don't know specifically where I'd be outside of knowing it would be in Japan. I've wanted to visit Japan for ages, and genuinely think I wouldn't have a problem transplanting myself for a year to somewhere unfamiliar. It's just definitely time to take advantage of my degree and this seems like a prime opportunity - I'd be making as much (if not a bit more) than I would as a first year teacher in the states, better benefits, subsidized rent, and I think it's just the kind of experience I want to have on my resume when I pursue teaching/graduate school further.
So have any of you (beyond Jay) done this? Known someone who did? What did you/they think?
I've really heard nothing but wonderful things from the handful of people I know personally who've done programs in Japan and South Korea (most have stayed beyond - some well beyond - their first year), but I feel like with hearing all these positive stories I've got to be missing out on something.
Any help/info/insights would be much appreciated - just trying to go into the interview prepared. 
Also (somewhat related), I've really been trying hard to learn more about the subtleties of Japanese culture (so as to at least avoid some inevitable social faux pas), as well as learn a bit of Japanese (though this is of course proving quite difficult) - anyone have anything "big" they think I should know provided I were both offered and accepted the job? |
awesome, rob! i am applying for a fulbright grant to teach english in france the year after i graduate. i haven't done it yet (obviously) but i have a lot of friends who have and they love it. plus, it's always been my dream to live in japan, so i am kinda jealous of you right now!
___________________
| quote: | philippe - In MEXICO says: ur the most clever pothead i know
philippe - In MEXICO says: u deserve a fucking medal |
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May-29-2008 23:11
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Cloudburst
I am the maximum

Registered: Oct 2003
Location: Jötebċrj
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May-30-2008 01:18
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klingklang77
blank

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: NY & Sydney&Frankfurt&Munich
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| quote: | Originally posted by RJT
It's mostly just conversational English - which is big business in Japan (and other parts of Asia) apparently.
Still trying to get a grasp on how they actually really go about it, to be honest. |
That's what I thought. Yes, it is big business in Asia. My Korean students have told me that their president or prime minister or whatever over there has recently started a program that they do more speaking and listening at school. From what I understand when they learn English they just learn grammar (which isn't taught completely properly anyway), reading and I think writing. Not much emphasis on speaking or listening! I can't tell you how many times we get students that are grammar machines, but can't speak a word. It seems strange, but it is their learning style.
So they have these conversational classes which are very popular. Getting then to speak can be difficult, but remember to make it all about them- speaking about their culture, their life etc. Japanese also love pron (pronunciation). They love their little dictionaries, which I find so annoying b/c from what I understand their language is very poetic, so you will hear them say English words that you wouldn't normally use in speaking- example- chagrin instead of embarrass. They are also afraid of making mistakes and being put on the spot. Again it is just the difference in school systems. They love the American accent, so that is good for you. I teach British English, but I can't get the accent b/c I am American.
Anyway, hope that helps. Let me know if you have any questions on materials and maybe I can help you. Some stuff on this website is helpful (the materials you have to sort through):
http://www.daveseslcafe.com/
___________________
Kraftwerk. Die Mensch Maschine.
John Donne "Valediction: Forbidding Mourning". Thy firmness makes my circle just, and makes me end where I begun.
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May-30-2008 05:09
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