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All About Teaching English in Japan Part One: The Decision
It all starts with an idea that leads to “the decision”.
For me I only had the vague idea of living abroad. My girlfriend had left to do her own thing travelling around the world for a year. My job as a social worker was boring and stressful. I was restless. Out of the blue a friend in Japan offered me a teaching job in the mountainous countryside of Nagano, Japan. Someone had quit suddenly. If I could come in a week the job was mine. Packed my big rucksack and I was there. I barely remember thinking about it as a decision.
Every foreigner who comes to live in Japan has there own personal lore about how they made the decision and came to Japan. Some love anime. Some love martial arts. Others want to make more money. Still others want adventure. Some actually want to teach. But it is not for everyone.
The Two Deal Breakers.
Even before the “why” of the decision lets look at the basic practicalities. First, are you eligible to get a visa? Do you have an undergraduate degree for a working visa? Can you get a working holiday visa? Could you apply for the JET program? If your answer is no then 99% it is not going to happen. Finish a degree and then come to Japan. Second, do you have enough money for plane fare, to support yourself during your job search, and…
