Another great blog Haikugirl. I was an ALT basically doing the same job as JET but outside of the JET programme (private contract between me and Toyota City - an opportunity which came my way due to links between Toyota and Oxford University). Those experiences completely changed the direction of my life. It was totally inspirational and although there are always frustrations with that sort of temporary job (not enough responsibility, the feeling of not really being a 'real' teacher, sometimes not feeling like an integral part of the school etc. etc.) these were really insignificant. ALTs and JETs really have a fabulous chance to be part of the community and to make a real difference. But like so much in life, cliche though it is, you get out what you put in.
I always thought a lot of private school 'eikaiwa' teachers missed out on the community side of living in Japan. Being part of a state school really puts you at the heart of a community and opens so many doors into what we all know can be a quite difficult to access society. Lots of the people I met also said they weren't allowed to speak Japanese at work which obviously makes studying and improving a lot harder which in turn impacts on ones ability to get involved and make new friends.
I didn't feel I really missed out by not being a JET though. Well, apart from the business class flights JETs used to come over on!! All it meant was I didn't go to JET conference. However, in Toyota we had a community of 10 ALTs; if I had been on my own somewhere I think being part of JET would have made a big difference.
Here at InsideJapan Tours we have a mix of staff from JET, other ALT and 'eikaiwa' schools. One thing I can say for sure is that everybody has an equal passion for Japan and all things Japanese and that the experience of living in Japan really does create a strong connection between people. It is hard when first returning not to start every sentence with the words "In Japan blah blah blah..." which I imagine can get a little trying for those friends not so well acquainted with the wonders of Nihon.
Really I can't recommend the experience of living in Japan enough. It is not for everyone but it is challenging, exciting and often life changing. However you choose to do it, there are a wide range of opportunities and the whole experience is incredibly rewarding. And of course, InsideJapan would struggle without a steady stream of impassioned people returning from living in Japan and desperate to share all those amazing experienced with everyone and anyone!
Another great blog Haikugirl. I was an ALT basically doing the same job as JET but outside of the JET programme (private contract between me and Toyota City - an opportunity which came my way due to links between Toyota and Oxford University). Those experiences completely changed the direction of my life. It was totally inspirational and although there are always frustrations with that sort of temporary job (not enough responsibility, the feeling of not really being a 'real' teacher, sometimes not feeling like an integral part of the school etc. etc.) these were really insignificant. ALTs and JETs really have a fabulous chance to be part of the community and to make a real difference. But like so much in life, cliche though it is, you get out what you put in.
I always thought a lot of private school 'eikaiwa' teachers missed out on the community side of living in Japan. Being part of a state school really puts you at the heart of a community and opens so many doors into what we all know can be a quite difficult to access society. Lots of the people I met also said they weren't allowed to speak Japanese at work which obviously makes studying and improving a lot harder which in turn impacts on ones ability to get involved and make new friends.
I didn't feel I really missed out by not being a JET though. Well, apart from the business class flights JETs used to come over on!! All it meant was I didn't go to JET conference. However, in Toyota we had a community of 10 ALTs; if I had been on my own somewhere I think being part of JET would have made a big difference.
Here at InsideJapan Tours we have a mix of staff from JET, other ALT and 'eikaiwa' schools. One thing I can say for sure is that everybody has an equal passion for Japan and all things Japanese and that the experience of living in Japan really does create a strong connection between people. It is hard when first returning not to start every sentence with the words "In Japan blah blah blah..." which I imagine can get a little trying for those friends not so well acquainted with the wonders of Nihon.
Really I can't recommend the experience of living in Japan enough. It is not for everyone but it is challenging, exciting and often life changing. However you choose to do it, there are a wide range of opportunities and the whole experience is incredibly rewarding. And of course, InsideJapan would struggle without a steady stream of impassioned people returning from living in Japan and desperate to share all those amazing experienced with everyone and anyone!