Questions about teaching english in Japan

[jbyrne]

Hi Peter

Yeah you should go.

Japan and Japanese people have a lot of good points. There is more good here than bad. The vast majority are polite and can be very kind and friendly once you get to know them. The people are warmer away from the Kanto (Tokyo) area. But honestly Kanto people are good to.

The worst thing for me is getting on the trains. I think a lot of Japanese would agree with me as well. Everyone gets targeted at some point. Obviously foreigners just like beautiful Japanese women are easy to target. They probably get targeted more often. But thats life overseas to some extent.

If you can stay away from the vast population centres like Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka, you will spend less time communting on trains. Less time on the train means meeting less lunatics and angry idiots who had a bad day and want to share the good news with the world.

Also if you can pass as a Japanese male or what they term a "Half" you will probably not face this so much. In fact, people with mixed ancestry are considered very attractive.

Regards

Jason

jamaby.com
Reading The News Has Never Been Easier

[peterguevarra]

Hi Jason,

Just curious about the application process. I'm planning to apply with ECC. Would you know what there application process is like i.e. first interview, second interview, mock lesson??? Is it easy to be accepted because I've read differing versions on the difficulty of being offered a position.

Cheers

Peter

[jbyrne]

I have never worked for ECC.

But I can tell you this.

Look very very smart. Navy or Grey suit, polished shoes and nice tie. Get your hair cut for the interview. Look like you have made an effort. Don`t mess up the look with a rucksack or something. Details count. They will notice and like it.

They don`t expect you to be the best teacher in the world. They expect you to speak clearly and in a real native rhythm, but a little slower than usual.

They expect you to be willing to learn and willing to improve your teaching. Be humble. They expect you to be a good time keeper. Never Ever look tired or bored. Be friendly and approachable. You will be the teacher regardless of your ability, people have got to feel comfortable with you.

They will expect you to explain why you want to go to Japan. Explain some point of Japanese culture that interests you. Don`t lie they will catch you. Again be humble you are going to learn more about this interest.


The lesson is not about teaching. It is about how composed you are, speaking clearly, are you likeable and do you have good ideas, again timekeeping can you keep to a plan. You might have 5 minutes between classes, you can not over run. Really make an effort, you`ll be nervous (completely natural), but it will be over in a blink of an eye.

Have a look at my website. It provides reading for students. This will help you prepare Reading lessons in the future.
If you join my mailing list on the right side of homepage, you will get stories with pre-teach words and discussion points. It will make your life easier.

Good luck

Jason Byrne


jamaby.com

[peterguevarra]

Thanks Jason, you have been extremely helpful.

I will definitely have a look at your site.

Peter