I just got back from my first day teaching English at Tokyo Woman's Christian University. It was so much fun!
I taught two 90 minute lessons, which is now my usual Friday slot. In the first one I had four students turn up, and we spoke about the change of healthcare in America, and debated the good and bad points. It was a really fun lesson, and the students made the time fly by.
Then I had lunch in the cafeteria, and not only was I the only foreigner there, I was the only male! I got so many stares. Then on the way out of the cafeteria I found a poster advertising my lessons. It felt so weird, almost like celebrity!
Then in the second lesson five students came, and we discussed the students' plans for Golden Week, and then debated whether or not money equates to happiness, which is something I stole from my Japanese lessons at ICU. And at the end of the lesson one of the girls asked to have a photo taken with me! It was so strange... I didn't realise I'd be such a point of interest!
It was a really fun day, and I'm really looking forward to teaching more classes there.
Showing posts with label workplace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label workplace. Show all posts
Friday, April 23, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Gaba Information Seminar & Interview
This evening I went to my first Gaba interview of this year. I decided to re-apply at my old teaching job because they offer such amazing flexibility that it would work perfectly with my constantly-changing University schedule.
The Headquarters had moved from Ebisu to Motoyoyogi, so I took the Chuo line to Shinjuku, and then used the Odakyu Odawara line (which goes to Hakone) to Yoyogi Hachiman station (代々木八幡駅). It was raining quite heavily and it was already dark so I was there in my suit with my umbrella and a piece of paper with the directions written in quickly smudged ink, probably looking very confused.
The directions weren't as clear as they were for the other HQ, so it took me nearly half an hour to get it right. I didn't realise that you had to go under the elevated four-lane road and go up the stairs on the opposite side to the station, but it made sense once I figured that out.
I took the lift to the fourth floor and dialled the number it told me to on the directions on a phone in the main lobby, and let them know I had arrived. It was exactly the same as 2008 - they came out to get us fifteen minutes before the scheduled start of 5.00pm and asked us to fill in personal data sheets. There were only six of us in the conference room, and the woman who rang me last week to offer me the interview was conducting it.
It was exactly the same set-up as last time - there was a 30-minute Powerpoint presentation explaining about the details of the lessons and pay etc. This was followed by us being called up to the 8th floor in pairs for individual interviews, while we completed the post-seminar booklet, which is basically a mini-test.
The presentation made me feel very nostalgic, seeing all the things I used to use nearly every day.
The test was very similar to last time I took it. The first question was very simple, but unfortunately I can't remember what it was!
The second question was the same as in 2008. There was a grammar table, where we had to fill in the past, present, future, and perfect and continuous forms of the verb "to teach". I didn't do very well on the "perfect" bit... Better to look those terms up if you don't know what they mean!
The third was a lesson plan, in which we had to explain how we would tailor a lesson on agreeing and disagreeing to a particular student, whose profile we were given. It was the same fictional student as two years ago, but a different lesson plan.
The next was matching idioms to their meanings, and then writing another idiom and definition.
The last question asked who you would choose to be your foreign language teacher and why. I decided on Stephen Fry, because he would be amazing!
I was in the first pair to be called up to the interview. I wasn't nervous about it once I was in the seminar room, but I had been very nervous during the day.
The interview went fine, and he welcomed me back to Gaba, which I thought was a very good sign. But then it came to looking at my work permit and my student ID validity period. He asked me to read the kanji on my work permit (he wasn't Japanese), and I told him what it said. He said that there might be a problem in that my ICU student ID runs out at the end of June, even though my visa and work permit end in November, as the six-month Gaba contract would last until July.
He said he would have to check with Gaba's administration department, and would then get back to me via email within the next couple of days. I'm not too worried about it, but I really do hope that it's okay and I can work there! I need a job!
Overall, the seminar and interview lasted about an hour and a half, and I was back in the rain by 7pm.
There are blog posts about my experiences with second and third interviews at Gaba further back in my blog. Also Certification (training).
The Headquarters had moved from Ebisu to Motoyoyogi, so I took the Chuo line to Shinjuku, and then used the Odakyu Odawara line (which goes to Hakone) to Yoyogi Hachiman station (代々木八幡駅). It was raining quite heavily and it was already dark so I was there in my suit with my umbrella and a piece of paper with the directions written in quickly smudged ink, probably looking very confused.
The directions weren't as clear as they were for the other HQ, so it took me nearly half an hour to get it right. I didn't realise that you had to go under the elevated four-lane road and go up the stairs on the opposite side to the station, but it made sense once I figured that out.
I took the lift to the fourth floor and dialled the number it told me to on the directions on a phone in the main lobby, and let them know I had arrived. It was exactly the same as 2008 - they came out to get us fifteen minutes before the scheduled start of 5.00pm and asked us to fill in personal data sheets. There were only six of us in the conference room, and the woman who rang me last week to offer me the interview was conducting it.
It was exactly the same set-up as last time - there was a 30-minute Powerpoint presentation explaining about the details of the lessons and pay etc. This was followed by us being called up to the 8th floor in pairs for individual interviews, while we completed the post-seminar booklet, which is basically a mini-test.
The presentation made me feel very nostalgic, seeing all the things I used to use nearly every day.
The test was very similar to last time I took it. The first question was very simple, but unfortunately I can't remember what it was!
The second question was the same as in 2008. There was a grammar table, where we had to fill in the past, present, future, and perfect and continuous forms of the verb "to teach". I didn't do very well on the "perfect" bit... Better to look those terms up if you don't know what they mean!
The third was a lesson plan, in which we had to explain how we would tailor a lesson on agreeing and disagreeing to a particular student, whose profile we were given. It was the same fictional student as two years ago, but a different lesson plan.
The next was matching idioms to their meanings, and then writing another idiom and definition.
The last question asked who you would choose to be your foreign language teacher and why. I decided on Stephen Fry, because he would be amazing!
I was in the first pair to be called up to the interview. I wasn't nervous about it once I was in the seminar room, but I had been very nervous during the day.
The interview went fine, and he welcomed me back to Gaba, which I thought was a very good sign. But then it came to looking at my work permit and my student ID validity period. He asked me to read the kanji on my work permit (he wasn't Japanese), and I told him what it said. He said that there might be a problem in that my ICU student ID runs out at the end of June, even though my visa and work permit end in November, as the six-month Gaba contract would last until July.
He said he would have to check with Gaba's administration department, and would then get back to me via email within the next couple of days. I'm not too worried about it, but I really do hope that it's okay and I can work there! I need a job!
Overall, the seminar and interview lasted about an hour and a half, and I was back in the rain by 7pm.
There are blog posts about my experiences with second and third interviews at Gaba further back in my blog. Also Certification (training).
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Last Day at Gaba
Five months ago I wasn't sure if I should take the job at Gaba. I was scared in case all the rumours I'd heard were true, I was scared of being shut out by my colleagues and bosses because of my age, I was afraid that no one would book my lessons and I'd run out of money and have to go home early.
But I loved it.
My last day today was so sad. I didn't want to leave the building because I knew I would have finished there.
There weren't any tears, but my eyes were definitely misty at several points during the day. In fact, this weekend was very emotional, as I had lessons with all my favourite students who I've been teaching for five months or so. With some, I've seen them over 20 times.
On Friday, I went to karaoke with some colleagues, and that was a lot of fun. But then of course it was sad to say goodbye to them even more than the others.
I bought a card for everyone at Gaba's Omotesando school to say thank you for everything, and left lots of business cards there, so I hope I'll be able to keep in touch with people there.
And I've been to the same Subway in Omotesando every day for lunch for the last five months, and the people there waved to me every time I went in, and we even chatted sometimes. So I gave them a card too, thanking them for baring with my Japanese and all the sandwiches they made for me.
But I will miss my students so much. Some of them only booked my lessons, and I would see them regularly twice or three times a week. I met so many interesting people, like an Asahi TV news cameraman, and a developer for Sony, even a man who has skydived over 100 times for fun.
I checked my evaluations from students online, and in my entire time at Gaba I received 44 five-star evaluations, 18 four-star, 4 three-star and no two or one-stars. So I'm pleased with that. I feel that my time there was a success.
During our last lesson today, one student, who became one of my favourite people to chat to, because she had such a bubbly personality and a very friendly nature, gave me a present and a letter written in English on my last day.
I gave Cadbury Dairy Milks (my favourite British chocolate) out to all the students who I really enjoyed meeting as a thank you for trusting a 19 year old to help them learn, and for being such good, hard-working students.
If I had gone straight home after work, I might have been quite sad, but I went to Roppongi with one of my housemates, because her dance teacher was taking part in a karaoke and dance party there. It was really interesting and I had a lot of fun. Towards the end, everyone except me was dancing and a Filipino girl ran up to me and pulled me onto the dancefloor. So I even danced a little!
If you are wondering about whether to take a job with Gaba or not, I definitely recommend taking it. The flexibility is unrivaled and, although the pay isn't as high as other places, it is fairly unchallenging, enjoyable work. And the best part is you get to meet new interesting people every day and learn a lot from them.
But I loved it.
My last day today was so sad. I didn't want to leave the building because I knew I would have finished there.
There weren't any tears, but my eyes were definitely misty at several points during the day. In fact, this weekend was very emotional, as I had lessons with all my favourite students who I've been teaching for five months or so. With some, I've seen them over 20 times.
On Friday, I went to karaoke with some colleagues, and that was a lot of fun. But then of course it was sad to say goodbye to them even more than the others.
I bought a card for everyone at Gaba's Omotesando school to say thank you for everything, and left lots of business cards there, so I hope I'll be able to keep in touch with people there.
And I've been to the same Subway in Omotesando every day for lunch for the last five months, and the people there waved to me every time I went in, and we even chatted sometimes. So I gave them a card too, thanking them for baring with my Japanese and all the sandwiches they made for me.
But I will miss my students so much. Some of them only booked my lessons, and I would see them regularly twice or three times a week. I met so many interesting people, like an Asahi TV news cameraman, and a developer for Sony, even a man who has skydived over 100 times for fun.
I checked my evaluations from students online, and in my entire time at Gaba I received 44 five-star evaluations, 18 four-star, 4 three-star and no two or one-stars. So I'm pleased with that. I feel that my time there was a success.
During our last lesson today, one student, who became one of my favourite people to chat to, because she had such a bubbly personality and a very friendly nature, gave me a present and a letter written in English on my last day.
I gave Cadbury Dairy Milks (my favourite British chocolate) out to all the students who I really enjoyed meeting as a thank you for trusting a 19 year old to help them learn, and for being such good, hard-working students.
If I had gone straight home after work, I might have been quite sad, but I went to Roppongi with one of my housemates, because her dance teacher was taking part in a karaoke and dance party there. It was really interesting and I had a lot of fun. Towards the end, everyone except me was dancing and a Filipino girl ran up to me and pulled me onto the dancefloor. So I even danced a little!
If you are wondering about whether to take a job with Gaba or not, I definitely recommend taking it. The flexibility is unrivaled and, although the pay isn't as high as other places, it is fairly unchallenging, enjoyable work. And the best part is you get to meet new interesting people every day and learn a lot from them.
Monday, June 23, 2008
British Pubs
British pubs are all over the world, and no matter how un-British they might be, they are still very popular with locals and expats.
This evening I had the chance to go to one with a colleague from Gaba, as a sort of farewell because my last day there is Sunday.
We went to one called 'Hub' (a big chain in Japan) in Ebisu (恵比寿), near Gaba's headquarters.
The first thing we did was order drinks and food. My first fish and chips of the trip! They were okay, not as greasy and fatty as you expect from real British chips but they were good all the same.
Despite following obvious stereotypes for the design, it actually looked quite authentic. And because people are allowed to smoke in there (which is now illegal in the UK), it had the older style atmosphere, which was surprisingly nice!
This evening I had the chance to go to one with a colleague from Gaba, as a sort of farewell because my last day there is Sunday.
We went to one called 'Hub' (a big chain in Japan) in Ebisu (恵比寿), near Gaba's headquarters.
The first thing we did was order drinks and food. My first fish and chips of the trip! They were okay, not as greasy and fatty as you expect from real British chips but they were good all the same.
Despite following obvious stereotypes for the design, it actually looked quite authentic. And because people are allowed to smoke in there (which is now illegal in the UK), it had the older style atmosphere, which was surprisingly nice!
One of my drinks...
I was surprised that there were only four other foreigners there, the rest were all Japanese, and it got very busy at about 7pm, after people finished work.
For Y100, you could select a song from this computer. There are only English songs, and there was a really good selection. I think there were over 5,000 songs!
Because I've become a karaoke-fiend, I arranged to meet a few colleagues for karaoke on Friday afternoon. I think it's strange to go in the afternoon, it should be an evening thing, but apparently it's significantly cheaper if you go on an off-peak period.
I liked the British pub. I expected it to be full of cliches and stereotypes, and perhaps it was, but I was too blinded by the handpumps, barstools and wooden floors to notice.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Even More Gaba Training
Last week I had my last day of Gaba Build-up Certification. When you are first hired, you have three days of training, and then in the first six months, you have two other days.
The build-up training days are basically 9 hours of sitting and listening, doing some group work and writing things on paper. Some of it can be quite entertaining, if everyone's heart is in it.
But in the second day, there was a lot of repetition from the first, which was a bit dull. The morning was spent "recapping" the last time, but I didn't think that was necessary at all.
Just like last time, the day ended with a test, which wasn't very difficult. My score was 94%, again!
The day officially ends at 5pm, but if you hang around for the forum (listening to a presentation and asking questions at the end) until 7pm, you get paid Y7,000 (the training is unpaid). But on this day, the man who does the forums was out so we just filled in a survey about our experiences with the Gaba company, and got paid for that!
As before, it was a long day, but it was okay.
I will finish my work at Gaba at the end of June, and have all of July free before I go back to the UK in early August. That should give me enough time to travel and see Japan!
The build-up training days are basically 9 hours of sitting and listening, doing some group work and writing things on paper. Some of it can be quite entertaining, if everyone's heart is in it.
But in the second day, there was a lot of repetition from the first, which was a bit dull. The morning was spent "recapping" the last time, but I didn't think that was necessary at all.
Just like last time, the day ended with a test, which wasn't very difficult. My score was 94%, again!
The day officially ends at 5pm, but if you hang around for the forum (listening to a presentation and asking questions at the end) until 7pm, you get paid Y7,000 (the training is unpaid). But on this day, the man who does the forums was out so we just filled in a survey about our experiences with the Gaba company, and got paid for that!
As before, it was a long day, but it was okay.
I will finish my work at Gaba at the end of June, and have all of July free before I go back to the UK in early August. That should give me enough time to travel and see Japan!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Answers to David's Questions
As you probably know by now, one of the main reasons for me keeping this blog is to help other people do similar things to me, and to reassure them that it's not impossible!
I welcome any questions or thoughts you have that I may not have answered fully or just plain missed! Some more came through last week, so I will try to answer them as best I can!
1. Since I'm not living in England or another country that has a Working Holiday visa arrangement with Japan at this moment, I'm up the creek as far as getting a Working Holiday Visa is concerned. I know that you don't get issued a Work Visa unless you have proof that you have work, but schools (like Gaba, which I'm actually going to try and get a job with, thanks to you!) generally don't hire you on a tourist visa (which is the only way you can stay in Japan for an extended time (if you're not eligible for the Working Holiday visa) to look for work). It's a little confusing! Any advice?
In Gaba lessons, I teach from the textbooks, working through prescribed lessons and answering any questions that the student has. It's pretty self-explanatory, and sometimes the students would just prefer to chat to you and talk about things. They're the best type of lesson. With private students, I find current affairs and news topics work really well as a base for the lesson, and then let the flow of the conversation take you somewhere else, all the while correcting grammatical or pronunciation mistakes.
I never elaborate on things in Japanese (I wish my language ability was that good!), as Gaba prefers only English to be spoken. However, if I know a word in Japanese and can't describe it in English then I will just directly translate it, or write it in Japanese. Katakana (the phonetic alphabet used for foreign loan words) is extremely useful if a student is having difficulty remembering the pronunciation of a word too.
3. I'm well aware that foreigners get a lot of curious looks, but have you experienced any blatant racism? Or have you seen it? I would imagine not, but I'd also like to know for sure!
Personally, I have never seen or experienced racism (that I know of!) but there is discrimination towards Westerners in terms of finding apartments (landlords don't want the hassle of dealing with non-Japanese) and maybe being refused work because you don't look 'foreign' i.e. blonde hair and blue eyes. I have heard a couple of stories of non-violent moderate prejudice towards Chinese people here, but nothing major.
I welcome any questions or thoughts you have that I may not have answered fully or just plain missed! Some more came through last week, so I will try to answer them as best I can!
1. Since I'm not living in England or another country that has a Working Holiday visa arrangement with Japan at this moment, I'm up the creek as far as getting a Working Holiday Visa is concerned. I know that you don't get issued a Work Visa unless you have proof that you have work, but schools (like Gaba, which I'm actually going to try and get a job with, thanks to you!) generally don't hire you on a tourist visa (which is the only way you can stay in Japan for an extended time (if you're not eligible for the Working Holiday visa) to look for work). It's a little confusing! Any advice?
This is a very difficult question! One of the main reasons it's taken me so long to post a reply! As far as I'm aware, Gaba cannot sponsor people for Work Visas now, but they do not accept job applications from people on a Tourist Visa. I checked this again, and I was wrong, Gaba can sponsor you from abroad, but it's not as flexible as non-sponsored as you need to work a certain amount of lessons every month. I think it's at least 150 lessons per month. Other eikaiwa (English conversation schools) can sponsor you for a Work Visa too and you can work with them for a year, or extend it for up to 3 years. Some appropriate schools I can think of are Geos, ECC and Aeon (not Nova now!). To my knowledge, these schools can sponsor full Work Visas. There's more information in my post on Working Holiday Visas. If you find any information to the contrary, please tell me and I will change this post immediately, but that's all I know right now. Sorry I can't be of more use!
2. What kinds of things do you teach in your lessons? And how do you teach them? Do you introduce concepts in English, then elaborate on them in Japanese? That's something that has intrigued me a bit!In Gaba lessons, I teach from the textbooks, working through prescribed lessons and answering any questions that the student has. It's pretty self-explanatory, and sometimes the students would just prefer to chat to you and talk about things. They're the best type of lesson. With private students, I find current affairs and news topics work really well as a base for the lesson, and then let the flow of the conversation take you somewhere else, all the while correcting grammatical or pronunciation mistakes.
I never elaborate on things in Japanese (I wish my language ability was that good!), as Gaba prefers only English to be spoken. However, if I know a word in Japanese and can't describe it in English then I will just directly translate it, or write it in Japanese. Katakana (the phonetic alphabet used for foreign loan words) is extremely useful if a student is having difficulty remembering the pronunciation of a word too.
3. I'm well aware that foreigners get a lot of curious looks, but have you experienced any blatant racism? Or have you seen it? I would imagine not, but I'd also like to know for sure!
Personally, I have never seen or experienced racism (that I know of!) but there is discrimination towards Westerners in terms of finding apartments (landlords don't want the hassle of dealing with non-Japanese) and maybe being refused work because you don't look 'foreign' i.e. blonde hair and blue eyes. I have heard a couple of stories of non-violent moderate prejudice towards Chinese people here, but nothing major.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Family Visit: Downtown Tokyo
Tuesday was our last full day in Tokyo before our mini-holiday within a holiday to Kyoto. This was the day when we wanted to see the bright lights and big city that Japan has to offer.
During the day we visited my Gaba school in Omotesando, and because there weren't any lessons going on my family could come in and see the booth where I normally teach and meet some of my colleagues. I was a bit worried in case they couldn't come in but we got more than I expected!
After that, we walked up the road (it was lovely sunny day) to Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi Park and saw the largest wooden torii in Japan (and I guess the world).
Then we walked into Harajuku for lunch, and weirdness. We saw a few Harajuku Girls wandering round through the crowded backstreets. The one road which I think is the best is called Takeshita Doori, which goes from Harajuku Station back towards Omotesando. I took videos last time I visited.
Then we took the train to Shibuya to see the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. It was just before rush hour so it wasn't as impressive as I would have liked.
Shibuya station was very busy but we found our train and took the Yamanote line back past Harajuku and into Shinjuku, for rush hour!
Shinjuku is the world's busiest station (not the largest, that's in Sendai, north of Tokyo) and it has over 60 exits. It's ridiculous trying to find which exit you want but our destination, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (much easier to say in Japanese - 東京都庁 - Tokyotochou), is clearly signed.
We walked through the impressive Skyscraper District after taking a 'Moving Walk' down a looong dark passageway under the city. My family had fun "following the Yellow Brick Road", which was in fact the strips of studded pavement designed to help blind people navigate!
There was a huge queue for the lift up to the 45th floor Observation Deck, and I was really worried that it would be so crowded we wouldn't be able to get to any windows. The queue moved very quickly and when we actually got to the top it wasn't crowded at all! I'm sure the other lift must have taken the passengers to some sub-basement.
You can see pictures from my previous daytime visit here, but the following are twilight and night shots.
This time I could actually see Mt Fuji! Yay!
Shinjuku park in full sakura bloom.
As the sun faded, artificial lights flickered and burst to life across the city.
Such bad reflection!
The Empire State Building and Tokyo Tower in the background.
Beautiful, beautiful city...
This video goes on for a bit but it gives a good impression of what it's like to be there.
During the day we visited my Gaba school in Omotesando, and because there weren't any lessons going on my family could come in and see the booth where I normally teach and meet some of my colleagues. I was a bit worried in case they couldn't come in but we got more than I expected!
After that, we walked up the road (it was lovely sunny day) to Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi Park and saw the largest wooden torii in Japan (and I guess the world).
Then we walked into Harajuku for lunch, and weirdness. We saw a few Harajuku Girls wandering round through the crowded backstreets. The one road which I think is the best is called Takeshita Doori, which goes from Harajuku Station back towards Omotesando. I took videos last time I visited.
Then we took the train to Shibuya to see the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. It was just before rush hour so it wasn't as impressive as I would have liked.
Shibuya station was very busy but we found our train and took the Yamanote line back past Harajuku and into Shinjuku, for rush hour!
Shinjuku is the world's busiest station (not the largest, that's in Sendai, north of Tokyo) and it has over 60 exits. It's ridiculous trying to find which exit you want but our destination, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (much easier to say in Japanese - 東京都庁 - Tokyotochou), is clearly signed.
We walked through the impressive Skyscraper District after taking a 'Moving Walk' down a looong dark passageway under the city. My family had fun "following the Yellow Brick Road", which was in fact the strips of studded pavement designed to help blind people navigate!
There was a huge queue for the lift up to the 45th floor Observation Deck, and I was really worried that it would be so crowded we wouldn't be able to get to any windows. The queue moved very quickly and when we actually got to the top it wasn't crowded at all! I'm sure the other lift must have taken the passengers to some sub-basement.
You can see pictures from my previous daytime visit here, but the following are twilight and night shots.
This time I could actually see Mt Fuji! Yay!
Shinjuku park in full sakura bloom.
The blue you can see dotted between the trees are the mats people use for hanami (blossom-viewing) parties. 
The Tokyo Park Hyatt.
Sorry about the glare on some of these shots, glass reflects!
Sprrrawwwll...
The Skyscraper District.
As the sun faded, artificial lights flickered and burst to life across the city.
Such bad reflection!
The Empire State Building and Tokyo Tower in the background.
Beautiful, beautiful city...
This video goes on for a bit but it gives a good impression of what it's like to be there.We bought some souvenirs (surprisingly cheap for a touristy place), and my mum got a miniature sign of my local subway station for her mobile phone.
We were all quite tired after everything we'd done that day, and we had an early start to catch the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto in the morning.
Kyoto baby!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Fatigue
It is very strange, but over the last week or so I've been struck by extreme exhaustion.
It got to the point where I would sleep for 11 hours every night, get up for a private lesson, go back to bed for a few hours, and then get up for Gaba in the evening, with the help of three cups of strong coffee.
I have never been so continuously tired in my life. Thankfully, it's gotten better this weekend but I am still yawning at the strangest times.
I really don't know why I feel like this. But I do have some theories.
It could be simply that I'm not used to working evenings and my body is adjusting to the different time of day being the most intensive.
It might be that because I don't have proper days off, as I work long hours over the weekend, and some weekday lunchtimes, and some weekday evenings, that my body is just feeling the strain.
Perhaps I am not getting a vitamin or mineral my body is used to a plentiful supply of because of the change in diet.
It's possible that my being away from home, and trying to fend for myself, encountering obstacle after obstacle, is draining me of energy. Homesickness still hasn't hit me terribly, but I do occassionally stare into space thinking of random places at home, around Birmingham, and in the UK. Places I never thought I'd miss are prominent in my memory, like the Selly Oak Triangle, an area of crazy traffic around Sainsbury's in south Birmingham.
Whatever the reason, I don't like being this tired! Hopefully I'll adjust soon and I'll be back on top form soon. Maybe I just need a break, which the holiday in 11 days will be!
It got to the point where I would sleep for 11 hours every night, get up for a private lesson, go back to bed for a few hours, and then get up for Gaba in the evening, with the help of three cups of strong coffee.
I have never been so continuously tired in my life. Thankfully, it's gotten better this weekend but I am still yawning at the strangest times.
I really don't know why I feel like this. But I do have some theories.
It could be simply that I'm not used to working evenings and my body is adjusting to the different time of day being the most intensive.
It might be that because I don't have proper days off, as I work long hours over the weekend, and some weekday lunchtimes, and some weekday evenings, that my body is just feeling the strain.
Perhaps I am not getting a vitamin or mineral my body is used to a plentiful supply of because of the change in diet.
It's possible that my being away from home, and trying to fend for myself, encountering obstacle after obstacle, is draining me of energy. Homesickness still hasn't hit me terribly, but I do occassionally stare into space thinking of random places at home, around Birmingham, and in the UK. Places I never thought I'd miss are prominent in my memory, like the Selly Oak Triangle, an area of crazy traffic around Sainsbury's in south Birmingham.
Whatever the reason, I don't like being this tired! Hopefully I'll adjust soon and I'll be back on top form soon. Maybe I just need a break, which the holiday in 11 days will be!
More Gaba Training
Last week I had another fun day of Gaba training at Ebisu.
There isn't much to report on this topic. It was very similar to the first three days of training I had in January. In fact, some of it was downright repetition.
It was 9 hours long, but the last two hours were an optional 'forum', which we got paid Y5,000 (£25) for attending.
The compulsory section ended with a test. The questions were essay-style, with space to write a few paragraphs for each answer. But, similarly to the test at the end of Initial Training, it was open-book, and if you take notes during the morning, it's very simple. I got 94%, the same as my first test.
There's one more day of compulsory training in May for me, and then I think I might have been trained enough!
There isn't much to report on this topic. It was very similar to the first three days of training I had in January. In fact, some of it was downright repetition.
It was 9 hours long, but the last two hours were an optional 'forum', which we got paid Y5,000 (£25) for attending.
The compulsory section ended with a test. The questions were essay-style, with space to write a few paragraphs for each answer. But, similarly to the test at the end of Initial Training, it was open-book, and if you take notes during the morning, it's very simple. I got 94%, the same as my first test.
There's one more day of compulsory training in May for me, and then I think I might have been trained enough!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Do I Enjoy Gaba?
A few more questions have been asked about what I think of Gaba, and I think it might help for you to know what my feelings are.
1. I'm just wondering how GABA is for you personally? In terms of, how 'easy' it is to work with GABA (in terms of no complications)?
Relatively simple actually. They ask a lot though. For example, extra days of pointless, repetitive training, the occassional random test they ask you to do in return for next month's pay, and the like. But working there helped me get a bank account, which has made life much easier! The system takes a little bit of getting used to but I think I understand how it all works now.
2. How convenient is it for you?
I think the job works very well for Working Holiday makers. It gives me the flexibility to easily take time off for travelling and you can work your Gaba schedule around private students or other commitments like study etc.
3. How is the pay working out for you?
The pay is okay. It's one of the lowest in the eikaiwa (conversation school) industry, at Y1,400 (£7) per 40 minute lesson, soon to be raised to Y1,500 (£7.50). It's not too bad though. Every weekend I generally earn about £100.
4. Do you enjoy working there?
This is a tough question to answer. And the simple reply is 'yes', but I think you might want more than that. It's definitely more stressful than teaching private students, and it feels a bit stiff as you have to wear a suit for the lessons, but if the students are friendly and enjoy chatting, then it's very rewarding, and you can really enjoy the day.
5. Have you stopped job hunting now?
Yes, I've finished job hunting now. Until my private students move on, I have the income I need and I'm supported enough.
I hope this answers your questions and dispels any fears you may have!
1. I'm just wondering how GABA is for you personally? In terms of, how 'easy' it is to work with GABA (in terms of no complications)?
Relatively simple actually. They ask a lot though. For example, extra days of pointless, repetitive training, the occassional random test they ask you to do in return for next month's pay, and the like. But working there helped me get a bank account, which has made life much easier! The system takes a little bit of getting used to but I think I understand how it all works now.
2. How convenient is it for you?
I think the job works very well for Working Holiday makers. It gives me the flexibility to easily take time off for travelling and you can work your Gaba schedule around private students or other commitments like study etc.
3. How is the pay working out for you?
The pay is okay. It's one of the lowest in the eikaiwa (conversation school) industry, at Y1,400 (£7) per 40 minute lesson, soon to be raised to Y1,500 (£7.50). It's not too bad though. Every weekend I generally earn about £100.
4. Do you enjoy working there?
This is a tough question to answer. And the simple reply is 'yes', but I think you might want more than that. It's definitely more stressful than teaching private students, and it feels a bit stiff as you have to wear a suit for the lessons, but if the students are friendly and enjoy chatting, then it's very rewarding, and you can really enjoy the day.
5. Have you stopped job hunting now?
Yes, I've finished job hunting now. Until my private students move on, I have the income I need and I'm supported enough.
I hope this answers your questions and dispels any fears you may have!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Update of my Last Few Weeks
I realise that I've been a bit rubbish with my postings recently. This is because I've been so busy and tired with work. Today is my first day off since I started teaching a month ago - so tired!
So this post is just to catch you all up with what I've been up to, and things I've noticed.
First, let's have some pretty photos! This is the building where I work at twilight.
This was in Omotesando towards the end of February. I had to fight through the hordes of couples after Valentine's Day to take this photo.
So this post is just to catch you all up with what I've been up to, and things I've noticed.
First, let's have some pretty photos! This is the building where I work at twilight.
This was in Omotesando towards the end of February. I had to fight through the hordes of couples after Valentine's Day to take this photo.
Now for some of the random things I've seen around the place.
Some vending machines around bus stations and train stations accept Pasmo cards as payment for the drinks or food! Brilliant!
One day on the way home from work I passed a girl in Omotesando station who was staring at me (more than usual I mean) and I glanced at her. Then I realised that I recognised her! She'd been sitting opposite me a few days before on the subway!! A city of 12 million people odd and it's still not impossible to see someone twice!
After that, I went up onto the platform and there were two Americans shouting at the top of their voices. Absolutely everyone was staring at them and I wondered if they were drunk, but they seemed perfectly sober. Just very loud. You're giving gaijin a bad name! Shut up! They got on the same train carriage as me and continued their conversation, or shouting match. Grgh.
Bratz dolls are available here. Enough said.
I was waiting for a student at Gaba one day and I started rumaging through the bookcase they have in the waiting area, and I came across a book all about the best places to drink tea in Britain! It was written in Mr Scruff's trademark handwriting so I'm sure he must have had something to do with it. It was an amazing experience. Mr Scruff is a British DJ who plays up and down the country, and pretty much every year at the Big Chill festival, at the beginning of August. If you can go, I really recommend it. It's a great, relaxed weekend.
Last one now. I saw the most random thing in Omotesando last week. Driving along the road was a huge bus with a giant picture of the Pink Panther painted on the side. The windows were screens showing animations of the Pink Panther. And, the best bit, it was playing the theme tune! As embarrassed as I am to admit it, I did find my feet moving to the beat of the music, and I had to bury my face in my coat because I started laughing. Only in Japan.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Some Questions Answered
I have been contacted by someone who wants to do the same thing as me, and will face the same obstacles as I did because of their age.
This post will hopefully answer their questions, and help anyone else in a similar position.
1. Is Gaba a weekend training course?
Gaba is a conversation school (eikaiwa) where I teach students. The training I was referring to in my previous posts was the school's training. It may be confusing as they refer to their teachers (like me) as 'instructors'. The busiest times at conversation schools are weekdays evenings and weekends, and you decide your own schedule at Gaba, so that's when I work.
2. How did you go about finding private students and then tutoring them? Is GABA essential to do this?
I found my private students through a company called the Foreign Instructor Centre (unfortunately I can't find their website). I found that company on GaijinPot.com and applied to them through it, and now they send me the details of prospective students usually around five times a day. When you reply to them saying you're interested in a student, you suggest a time and place for the lessons, they ask the student if they're interested too. Then they arrange an unpaid thirty-minute demo lesson between you and the student. If the student likes you, they arrange with both you and the company to meet a certain amount of times every week.
Gaba is not essential to do this. In effect, I have two jobs. I work at Gaba on weekends and weekday evenings, and meet private students at different times spread throughout weekdays.
3. Also, I did read on your blog about another job interview?
I have had several other job offers from other schools, I've lost count but it's probably close to fifteen. All of these schools found me via my 50-word advert on Jobs In Japan.com.
4. What other types of jobs would it be POSSIBLE for someone like me to get? The only one I'm aware of at the moment is working in a restaurant.
I think the best option for any native-English speaker coming to Japan is teaching English. I am 18 and started work a month after arriving, and, two weeks later I've earned around Y30,000 (£150). Gaijinpot.com advertises for all types of jobs, but the most common is definitely teaching.
5. I didn't find anything on your blog about homestays, so I'm guessing you completely scrapped it, or ignored it?
That's true, in my blog post on Accommodation I didn't mention homestays.
Honestly, this is because I had forgotten about it being a viable option. Personally, I wouldn't want to stay with a family for 10 months or so, because I would want more privacy and freedom than might be offered. However, it might be a good idea to organise one for the first few nights as they can meet you at the airport, and introduce you to the Japanese language and culture with less of a shock.
My recommendation is definitely a guesthouse, or gaijinhouse. This means you live with other foreigners and share your kitchen, bathroom and living room with them. You might have your own rooms (like me), or stay in a dormitory. I am staying with Sakura House. There is more information on how to organise monthly (it is minimum stay of one month) accommodation with them on an earlier post.
If your heart is set on a homestay, here are a few websites I've found that might be useful.
Go Japan's Homestay page (follow the links on the page)
Go Japan's Homestay advice page
Homestayweb.com (helpfully split up into area/city)
Homestay Program Index
6. I'm just wondering how you got your apartment? In terms of coming to Japan, and having that apartment already rented? (Or arranged?). Did you have that done through a website like Gaijinpot?
I arranged my guesthouse through Sakura's House website. There's more information about the best way to find what you want with them on my Accommodation post.
7. I do meet the requirements for the Working Holiday Visa, and I'm just wondering when I should apply for it?
Basically, you should apply for the visa somewhere between six months and three weeks before you want to enter Japan and enter Japan within six months of receiving the visa. It takes about one week for the visa to be issued after application. There's more information on my Visa post.
8. About the language. My Japanese is worse than shocking.
Don't worry about language ability. English is everywhere, and although I have knowledge of Japanese, none of it was practical experience, so think of what I have done so far as using English only. Ask for someone who speaks English at banks, or shops or wherever you need help, and 90% of the time, someone with be able to help you, at least in Tokyo. I have made improvements in my language ability, but have encountered difficulties and frustration, as I mentioned last week.
9. How should I set up a bank account? Is there a specific bank I can go to that will do it? (Being under 20 years old.)
The bank account was difficult, I must admit. Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ Bank was recommended to me by Gaba, who said that I would be able to open an account there being under 20, because I would be working with them. If a company like Gaba asks you to open an account, they might be able to help you open one, like Gaba did for me. If you work with private students (not arranged through the Foreign Instructor Centre as they require a bank account) then you will be paid in cash so you don't need to worry. More information here.
10. Finally, about the mobile phone. I read on one of your blogs about needing a 20 year old to buy a mobile phone over there. Is this in every case?
As far as I know, this is in every case. Also, most phone companies are shutting down pre-paid (pay-as-you-go) services in the next few months because of crime. This is unfortunate, as the service is almost perfect for foreigners staying for a few months. I'm not sure exactly when they are being phased out totally, but they are no longer available at big-chain electronic stores or even the phone company branch shops. I had to buy mine from a convenience store.
With regard to finding someone over 20, I just asked a housemate if he knew anyone over 20 who could help me out, and I had a phone by the following evening! Sum0 (from Sum0's Japan Blog) found someone at Mickey House in Shinjuku (a language exchange cafe) who bought one for him, so maybe you could take a trip there when you arrive. Maybe my earlier post on Mobile Phones will be helpful too.
This post will hopefully answer their questions, and help anyone else in a similar position.
1. Is Gaba a weekend training course?
Gaba is a conversation school (eikaiwa) where I teach students. The training I was referring to in my previous posts was the school's training. It may be confusing as they refer to their teachers (like me) as 'instructors'. The busiest times at conversation schools are weekdays evenings and weekends, and you decide your own schedule at Gaba, so that's when I work.
2. How did you go about finding private students and then tutoring them? Is GABA essential to do this?
I found my private students through a company called the Foreign Instructor Centre (unfortunately I can't find their website). I found that company on GaijinPot.com and applied to them through it, and now they send me the details of prospective students usually around five times a day. When you reply to them saying you're interested in a student, you suggest a time and place for the lessons, they ask the student if they're interested too. Then they arrange an unpaid thirty-minute demo lesson between you and the student. If the student likes you, they arrange with both you and the company to meet a certain amount of times every week.
Gaba is not essential to do this. In effect, I have two jobs. I work at Gaba on weekends and weekday evenings, and meet private students at different times spread throughout weekdays.
3. Also, I did read on your blog about another job interview?
I have had several other job offers from other schools, I've lost count but it's probably close to fifteen. All of these schools found me via my 50-word advert on Jobs In Japan.com.
4. What other types of jobs would it be POSSIBLE for someone like me to get? The only one I'm aware of at the moment is working in a restaurant.
I think the best option for any native-English speaker coming to Japan is teaching English. I am 18 and started work a month after arriving, and, two weeks later I've earned around Y30,000 (£150). Gaijinpot.com advertises for all types of jobs, but the most common is definitely teaching.
5. I didn't find anything on your blog about homestays, so I'm guessing you completely scrapped it, or ignored it?
That's true, in my blog post on Accommodation I didn't mention homestays.
Honestly, this is because I had forgotten about it being a viable option. Personally, I wouldn't want to stay with a family for 10 months or so, because I would want more privacy and freedom than might be offered. However, it might be a good idea to organise one for the first few nights as they can meet you at the airport, and introduce you to the Japanese language and culture with less of a shock.
My recommendation is definitely a guesthouse, or gaijinhouse. This means you live with other foreigners and share your kitchen, bathroom and living room with them. You might have your own rooms (like me), or stay in a dormitory. I am staying with Sakura House. There is more information on how to organise monthly (it is minimum stay of one month) accommodation with them on an earlier post.
If your heart is set on a homestay, here are a few websites I've found that might be useful.
Go Japan's Homestay page (follow the links on the page)
Go Japan's Homestay advice page
Homestayweb.com (helpfully split up into area/city)
Homestay Program Index
6. I'm just wondering how you got your apartment? In terms of coming to Japan, and having that apartment already rented? (Or arranged?). Did you have that done through a website like Gaijinpot?
I arranged my guesthouse through Sakura's House website. There's more information about the best way to find what you want with them on my Accommodation post.
7. I do meet the requirements for the Working Holiday Visa, and I'm just wondering when I should apply for it?
Basically, you should apply for the visa somewhere between six months and three weeks before you want to enter Japan and enter Japan within six months of receiving the visa. It takes about one week for the visa to be issued after application. There's more information on my Visa post.
8. About the language. My Japanese is worse than shocking.
Don't worry about language ability. English is everywhere, and although I have knowledge of Japanese, none of it was practical experience, so think of what I have done so far as using English only. Ask for someone who speaks English at banks, or shops or wherever you need help, and 90% of the time, someone with be able to help you, at least in Tokyo. I have made improvements in my language ability, but have encountered difficulties and frustration, as I mentioned last week.
9. How should I set up a bank account? Is there a specific bank I can go to that will do it? (Being under 20 years old.)
The bank account was difficult, I must admit. Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ Bank was recommended to me by Gaba, who said that I would be able to open an account there being under 20, because I would be working with them. If a company like Gaba asks you to open an account, they might be able to help you open one, like Gaba did for me. If you work with private students (not arranged through the Foreign Instructor Centre as they require a bank account) then you will be paid in cash so you don't need to worry. More information here.
10. Finally, about the mobile phone. I read on one of your blogs about needing a 20 year old to buy a mobile phone over there. Is this in every case?
As far as I know, this is in every case. Also, most phone companies are shutting down pre-paid (pay-as-you-go) services in the next few months because of crime. This is unfortunate, as the service is almost perfect for foreigners staying for a few months. I'm not sure exactly when they are being phased out totally, but they are no longer available at big-chain electronic stores or even the phone company branch shops. I had to buy mine from a convenience store.
With regard to finding someone over 20, I just asked a housemate if he knew anyone over 20 who could help me out, and I had a phone by the following evening! Sum0 (from Sum0's Japan Blog) found someone at Mickey House in Shinjuku (a language exchange cafe) who bought one for him, so maybe you could take a trip there when you arrive. Maybe my earlier post on Mobile Phones will be helpful too.
Books I recommend are 'Japan: A Working Holiday Guide', by Louise Southerden (this has been my bible for the last few years). In terms of teaching, I think 'How to Teach English', by Jeremy Harmer is very good.
I hope this has been helpful, and has answered any questions you have. If there are still some problems, let me know and I'll try to help you sort them out!
Some follow-up questions have been asked, so I will try to answer them as best I can.
1. I would want to stay by myself and rent my own apartment. I definitely want an apartment where I have my own kitchen etc, and not shared facilities. I checked the Sakura House website, and noticed they had apartments, as well as guesthouses and dorms. Do the apartments have shared bathroom, kitchen and living room? (I wasn't too sure from the website).
I have had a look at Sakura House's website and apartments do seem very appealing. I can't speak for all the apartment premises they offer, but the first one I checked was Nakano Heights. It includes a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom in a 17 sq metre space. The washing facilities are located outside the room so may be shared. The monthly rent is Y115,000 (£575) so it's more expensive than dormitories and guesthouses, but the cheapest apartment Sakura House offers is Y80,000 (£400). Some other apartments do have shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, and may be at the cheaper end.
2. I'll have a look on Google for other websites with apartments in Tokyo and see if I have any luck. I'll hope for finding one with no key money required and a small deposit. Any ideas?
I had a look online and found this website which offers apartments all over Tokyo. In most cases, you will need a guarantor, someone who lives in Japan and has a stable income, among other requirements, which is difficult to do! But they also offer 'Serviced Apartments', which sound easier to get into. You can choose a 'Long-stay apartment' and have a hunt through what you want. Prices seem to start at around Y80,000 (£400).
3. Also, about your answers to you teaching English. You stated you have two jobs. Gaba and private tutoring? Just wondering - how much money do you make through both of these, and how many students you have taken on / how many lessons you average out a week?
I have two private students, one I see once a week for a two hour lesson (Y2,000/hour) and the other I see three times a week for hour-long lessons (also Y2,000/hour). This comes out as Y10,000 (£50)/week from private students. On top of that, I work at Gaba for 1,400/40-minute lesson (soon to be 1,500/lesson). I aim to do 20 lessons a week at Gaba but at the moment it's more like 15. So, I suppose on average I aim to earn about Y30,000/week (£150).
For more information on money and living costs, see my post on Budgets.
A couple more questions:
1. Did you go to Gaba when you arrived in Japan for a 'certificate' ? ie. to get a job with them? Just wondering how it was, and what it involved?
Yes, what they call 'Certification' is actually just their in-house training. Once you complete the three 9-hour days of training and get at least 70% on the test at the end, you can start working for them. The test was very simple and you can use any textbooks or internet resources in the room to help you. I applied to Gaba through Gaijinpot.com and that's how I found the job.
The training basically involved sitting there for a hours on end taking notes, and then practising teaching each other, with one pretending to be a Japanese student, the other teaching them a lesson from the textbook. On the third day, we taught real Japanese people, which was more interesting.
2. I read that you do 15 lessons a week - do you get an email from Gaba with details of a student who wants lessons, then you just have to respond and confirm if you can or cannot do it? (I read something like that on one of your blog entries - was that with Gaba or your own private teaching?)
That system works for my private students. The way Gaba works is that I submit the schedule I want to work in, for example, March, on February 10th and then students book lessons online. The students do choose their teachers but I've already said that I'm okay to work that lesson, so no confirmation is needed.
3. Also, you said you aim to do 20 lessons a week. Does this mean that you get the opportunity to do more lessons? How many do you think on average you could do each week?
I can do as little or as much work as I want to. I could put myself down for every available lesson under the sun - although that would be stupid. I work the busiest times, weekday evenings and weekends, and that adds up to around 15 a week. If I worked longer hours at these times, or worked during weekdays (not much chance of getting booked here because everyone's at work!) then I could work 50-60 lessons a week. You would have to be pretty lucky to actually get booked for these times though, as you only get paid for the lessons you teach.
4. Is it completely random where a student contacts Gaba and is assigned to a random teacher, or can they choose? - can a student 'pick you' in the sense that once you teach them, they can decide if they want to have future lessons with you?
Most of the time they choose, but sometimes they are assigned to a particular teacher because the managers think they would work well together, and sometimes they say 'I don't mind' and they get put with whoever's available. And yes, in order to become popular with students at Gaba, you need to do good lessons so students come back and book your lessons!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Job Trouble
After a relatively successful start to the job hunt and teaching here over the past month, I've hit a rocky patch.
Last Tuesday, I had my first demo lesson with a student in Hiro-o. She then arranged to meet me every Tuesday at 11am at the same coffee shop. But she said that next week (i.e. this week) she was on holiday so would let me know if she could make Tuesday, but if not then she could do Thursday.
That was fine, but the week went by without me hearing from her so I sent an email last night asking if Tuesday was okay, or if the lesson should be on Thursday. I didn't get a reply and I couldn't get through by ringing her so I emailed again and went to sleep.
I woke up at 10 this morning and checked my emails, no reply. Then I got one from the Foreign Instructor Centre, who organises these private students for me, who said that she had requested that I not email her and I should wait until I have official confirmation from the Centre before contacting her again.
Which I thought was very weird! Why make arrangements with a teacher for a regular weekly lesson if you then avoid their contact trying to confirm the next one?
I assume that either she didn't like me and was too polite to say it to my face (but if that's the case, then you don't then make arrangements to meet again!) or found a teacher that she prefers in the last week, when she was on holiday.
I don't know if I'm bringing Western ideologies to Japanese culture and creating a clash of emotions but I think it's rude to leave someone hanging like that, when I've been building my Gaba schedule and other private students for the next few months around those lessons. She could have at least replied to my email rather than telling the Centre to email me, even if it just said 'I am thinking about whether you can be my teacher. Please let me think' or something like that.
I wonder if the Foreign Instructor Centre actually tells you if you don't have official permission to continue lessons, or if they only inform you if it's okay, like they did with the student I see three times a week in Shinagawa.
Well, whatever happens, I'm very interested to see how it resolves itself!
Then, this afternoon, I walked over the river in the rain to meet a different student for another demo lesson. I was sitting in the coffee shop for about 15 minutes when a woman entered and walked up to me, introducing herself as the person I was expecting.
Then she spoke to me in Japanese! She produced a folder and pulled out a piece of paper with Japanese scribbled (and I mean scribbled, I couldn't make anything out) on it and asked me a question.
I was very confused, and so was she when I said: Nihongo ga dekimasen (I don't speak Japanese).
She seemed to think I belonged to Shane or Geos English school, and was expecting an English lesson conducted in Japanese.
She rang someone who spoke a bit of English, and then passed the phone to me, and that woman said something like the student didn't speak English yet and she would ring my school. Exactly what school would that be? Neither of them seemed to have heard of the Foreign Instructor Centre.
Eventually, after many 'Sumimasens' and 'Gomen nasais' from both parties, she left. What a weird day for teaching!
She did buy me a coffee though, which was very nice of her.
What will happen next? I've gone from having 1 student, and 3 prospective students, to 1 student and 1 prospective.
I will have to make a budget plan and see how much work I have to do to keep myself going here.
Last Tuesday, I had my first demo lesson with a student in Hiro-o. She then arranged to meet me every Tuesday at 11am at the same coffee shop. But she said that next week (i.e. this week) she was on holiday so would let me know if she could make Tuesday, but if not then she could do Thursday.
That was fine, but the week went by without me hearing from her so I sent an email last night asking if Tuesday was okay, or if the lesson should be on Thursday. I didn't get a reply and I couldn't get through by ringing her so I emailed again and went to sleep.
I woke up at 10 this morning and checked my emails, no reply. Then I got one from the Foreign Instructor Centre, who organises these private students for me, who said that she had requested that I not email her and I should wait until I have official confirmation from the Centre before contacting her again.
Which I thought was very weird! Why make arrangements with a teacher for a regular weekly lesson if you then avoid their contact trying to confirm the next one?
I assume that either she didn't like me and was too polite to say it to my face (but if that's the case, then you don't then make arrangements to meet again!) or found a teacher that she prefers in the last week, when she was on holiday.
I don't know if I'm bringing Western ideologies to Japanese culture and creating a clash of emotions but I think it's rude to leave someone hanging like that, when I've been building my Gaba schedule and other private students for the next few months around those lessons. She could have at least replied to my email rather than telling the Centre to email me, even if it just said 'I am thinking about whether you can be my teacher. Please let me think' or something like that.
I wonder if the Foreign Instructor Centre actually tells you if you don't have official permission to continue lessons, or if they only inform you if it's okay, like they did with the student I see three times a week in Shinagawa.
Well, whatever happens, I'm very interested to see how it resolves itself!
Then, this afternoon, I walked over the river in the rain to meet a different student for another demo lesson. I was sitting in the coffee shop for about 15 minutes when a woman entered and walked up to me, introducing herself as the person I was expecting.
Then she spoke to me in Japanese! She produced a folder and pulled out a piece of paper with Japanese scribbled (and I mean scribbled, I couldn't make anything out) on it and asked me a question.
I was very confused, and so was she when I said: Nihongo ga dekimasen (I don't speak Japanese).
She seemed to think I belonged to Shane or Geos English school, and was expecting an English lesson conducted in Japanese.
She rang someone who spoke a bit of English, and then passed the phone to me, and that woman said something like the student didn't speak English yet and she would ring my school. Exactly what school would that be? Neither of them seemed to have heard of the Foreign Instructor Centre.
Eventually, after many 'Sumimasens' and 'Gomen nasais' from both parties, she left. What a weird day for teaching!
She did buy me a coffee though, which was very nice of her.
What will happen next? I've gone from having 1 student, and 3 prospective students, to 1 student and 1 prospective.
I will have to make a budget plan and see how much work I have to do to keep myself going here.
Monday, February 11, 2008
National Foundation Day
Today is National Foundation Day, a public holiday, so I worked a weekend shift at Gaba. On the way, I passed a film crew filming something at my local subway station which seemed interesting. Then I got on the emptiest train I have seen in Japan yet. Several cars were literally empty, and it was a very weird sight.
Then I emerged blinking into the sunlight in Omotesando to find a parade in progress. I didn't have my camera with me so there are no photos but it was a colourful event, with a full band and dancers. People were lining the streets watching the procession. It made me laugh when I heard them playing the Indiana Jones theme tune.
Then I taught two lessons, which went fine. I was a bit worried because I'd heard that one of my students always complained about his teachers but he suggested that he might like to book me again! I checked online last night, and I have had one evaluation so far, which gave me 5/5.
On the way to Subway for lunch (I had a lovely Toasted Cream Cheese Chicken sub) I saw a photo-shoot on the road with a model posing by the roadside. Next time I see her it'll be on a billboard in Shibuya!
Then I taught another three lessons, two of which were with a student I taught on Saturday, and he booked me again.
While I ate dinner at home (a traditional meal of pizza and chips) I listened to my housemate's stories of Osaka and Kyoto, which he visited over the weekend (I really want to go!) and watched Heroes in Japanese. It was beautifully badly dubbed and I couldn't help laughing out loud when the characters referred to the dog as 'Misutaa Magaruzu'. Sum0 said that when he saw Heroes subtitled, Hiro and Ando's Japanese was subtitled too, and they were dubbed in this too.
Tomorrow I have a demo lesson with a private student and I might have a proper private lesson too. I got a job offer earlier that I think I'll probably have to turn down because I don't have the time!
Then I emerged blinking into the sunlight in Omotesando to find a parade in progress. I didn't have my camera with me so there are no photos but it was a colourful event, with a full band and dancers. People were lining the streets watching the procession. It made me laugh when I heard them playing the Indiana Jones theme tune.
Then I taught two lessons, which went fine. I was a bit worried because I'd heard that one of my students always complained about his teachers but he suggested that he might like to book me again! I checked online last night, and I have had one evaluation so far, which gave me 5/5.
On the way to Subway for lunch (I had a lovely Toasted Cream Cheese Chicken sub) I saw a photo-shoot on the road with a model posing by the roadside. Next time I see her it'll be on a billboard in Shibuya!
Then I taught another three lessons, two of which were with a student I taught on Saturday, and he booked me again.
While I ate dinner at home (a traditional meal of pizza and chips) I listened to my housemate's stories of Osaka and Kyoto, which he visited over the weekend (I really want to go!) and watched Heroes in Japanese. It was beautifully badly dubbed and I couldn't help laughing out loud when the characters referred to the dog as 'Misutaa Magaruzu'. Sum0 said that when he saw Heroes subtitled, Hiro and Ando's Japanese was subtitled too, and they were dubbed in this too.
Tomorrow I have a demo lesson with a private student and I might have a proper private lesson too. I got a job offer earlier that I think I'll probably have to turn down because I don't have the time!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
First Day at Gaba
Yes, it happened!
I had my first proper day teaching at Gaba today. I had put myself down to work for 6 lessons, but only 4 of them got booked, so I left earlier than I expected.
It actually went okay, and wasn't too tiring. The students I had were all very nice and I taught my first male students (all the private students are female)! I think I prefer teaching women because they're slightly less intimidating than men, especially as they're all older than me!
It was quite enjoyable, a lot of the lessons were basically just chatting and not a lot of textbook work, which was good.
My very first lesson was Business English, and I was the third lesson in a row for the student, so I had absolutely no idea where she would be in the book! But it turned out she wanted to chat and get to know me a bit for the first half of the lesson, then we did a bit of light book work.
I put myself down for the same hours for tomorrow, but only 2 of them have been booked, at the beginning and the end of the day! So I might close the ones in the middle and go for a wander through Harajuku again, as it's only just down the road.
There is a 24-hour McDonalds basically next door so I might be tempted!! No!!
I had my first proper day teaching at Gaba today. I had put myself down to work for 6 lessons, but only 4 of them got booked, so I left earlier than I expected.
It actually went okay, and wasn't too tiring. The students I had were all very nice and I taught my first male students (all the private students are female)! I think I prefer teaching women because they're slightly less intimidating than men, especially as they're all older than me!
It was quite enjoyable, a lot of the lessons were basically just chatting and not a lot of textbook work, which was good.
My very first lesson was Business English, and I was the third lesson in a row for the student, so I had absolutely no idea where she would be in the book! But it turned out she wanted to chat and get to know me a bit for the first half of the lesson, then we did a bit of light book work.
I put myself down for the same hours for tomorrow, but only 2 of them have been booked, at the beginning and the end of the day! So I might close the ones in the middle and go for a wander through Harajuku again, as it's only just down the road.
There is a 24-hour McDonalds basically next door so I might be tempted!! No!!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Third Demo Lesson
So many of these!! This one was arranged last-minute last night and first thing this morning so it was a bit of a rush-job, but it turned out okay.
This one was in Omotesando, conveniently close to my Gaba school, in... guess where, a Starbucks! But today I got the right location, and person.
She actually asked me as we passed on the stairs if I was "Neil" and I said, "Sorry, no" and we went on our merry way. But then I started thinking... Neil? Nile? Niles? Miles!
Then I saw her coming back down the stairs reading something on her phone, mouthing the word 'Miles' so I went to tell her that I was the person she was looking for after all!
We had a great chat, and she said that she would like me to work through some TOEIC Business English textbooks she had. Which was fine by me. Her English was incredibly good, she must have been fluent, so she obviously wanted to feel more confident speaking in business situations.
We arranged to meet for 2-hour lessons in the lounge of her apartment building nearby once a week, starting next Thursday.
She said that she requested a female North American teacher from the Foreign Instructor Centre and got me! A British male! The other students have all asked me how old I am so I don't know how much information they're actually getting from the company! But maybe that works to my advantage because of my age.
I got another few offers for private students, and I slotted one into my busy schedule because she lives just across the river from me, so we'll see if that comes to anything in the next couple of days.
This one was in Omotesando, conveniently close to my Gaba school, in... guess where, a Starbucks! But today I got the right location, and person.
She actually asked me as we passed on the stairs if I was "Neil" and I said, "Sorry, no" and we went on our merry way. But then I started thinking... Neil? Nile? Niles? Miles!
Then I saw her coming back down the stairs reading something on her phone, mouthing the word 'Miles' so I went to tell her that I was the person she was looking for after all!
We had a great chat, and she said that she would like me to work through some TOEIC Business English textbooks she had. Which was fine by me. Her English was incredibly good, she must have been fluent, so she obviously wanted to feel more confident speaking in business situations.
We arranged to meet for 2-hour lessons in the lounge of her apartment building nearby once a week, starting next Thursday.
She said that she requested a female North American teacher from the Foreign Instructor Centre and got me! A British male! The other students have all asked me how old I am so I don't know how much information they're actually getting from the company! But maybe that works to my advantage because of my age.
I got another few offers for private students, and I slotted one into my busy schedule because she lives just across the river from me, so we'll see if that comes to anything in the next couple of days.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Shinjuku
I had to go and pay Sakura House my rent for February today. I can't believe I've been here for nearly a month - that's crazy!
Sakura House's main office is in Shinjuku, which I haven't been to since my first day, and I couldn't really absorb things around me then!
On the way, I stopped at a Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ Bank branch and exchanged my first traveller's cheques since arriving. I bought £1,000 worth in dollars ($2,000) from my local post office (Money Saving Expert recommends buying them this way) in Birmingham. There was no problem there. I didn't even need ID, I just signed them and she got me my yen. The most widely accepted types of Cheque are Visa, American Express and Mastercard. I had American Express. It doesn't matter that I had dollars and I'm British, I thought American dollars would be widely accepted here, and they are.
My memory steered me through the crowds of Shinjuku and I found Sakura House with little difficulty. They asked me to provide an emergency contact in Japan (I couldn't when I arrived because I didn't know anyone!) so I gave them the number of a housemate.
Then I decided to do something that I've really wanted to do for a really long time.
Yes! The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building!! It's the mother of all buildings.
It wasn't a hugely clear day so I wouldn't be able to see a huge amount, Mt Fuji for example, but the observation deck on the 45th floor is free so I plan to return on a clearer afternoon and stay until nightfall.
I was quite high up! That's Shinjuku Chuo Park.
You hear loads of people say it, but Tokyo just sprawls doesn't it. The sound of that word describes it perfectly. Sprrrawll.
That's where Mt. Fuji should be.
Tokyo Park Hyatt again.
I don't know what this building has on top. It looked like a football stadium to me, but somehow I doubt it. Lots of buildings had helipads and gardens on top.
This view was very impressive. All these monolithic buildings just right there. The best word I can find to describe them is 'solid'. That sounds strange, but I can't think of a better term.
There's the rip-off of the Empire State building and Yoyogi Park hiding behind a building. I could actually say that I'd been in New York with this view.
Central Park...
... and the Empire State building.
At the bottom of the TMG (Tokyo Metropolitan Government building), there's a plaza with a random red structure that looks slightly like a tongue.
Sunrise... smogset.
I nearly stayed until it was dark, but decided to come for a longer period of time on a really really clear day like there's been over the past few weeks. I think the views will be even more spectacular.
Sakura House's main office is in Shinjuku, which I haven't been to since my first day, and I couldn't really absorb things around me then!
On the way, I stopped at a Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ Bank branch and exchanged my first traveller's cheques since arriving. I bought £1,000 worth in dollars ($2,000) from my local post office (Money Saving Expert recommends buying them this way) in Birmingham. There was no problem there. I didn't even need ID, I just signed them and she got me my yen. The most widely accepted types of Cheque are Visa, American Express and Mastercard. I had American Express. It doesn't matter that I had dollars and I'm British, I thought American dollars would be widely accepted here, and they are.
My memory steered me through the crowds of Shinjuku and I found Sakura House with little difficulty. They asked me to provide an emergency contact in Japan (I couldn't when I arrived because I didn't know anyone!) so I gave them the number of a housemate.
Then I decided to do something that I've really wanted to do for a really long time.
Yes! The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building!! It's the mother of all buildings.
It wasn't a hugely clear day so I wouldn't be able to see a huge amount, Mt Fuji for example, but the observation deck on the 45th floor is free so I plan to return on a clearer afternoon and stay until nightfall.
This is a building that looks very similar nearby, but they are different, honest.
The Tokyo Park Hyatt! Of 'Lost in Translation' fame.
The lift rides up and down were quite crowded but the journey took about 1 minute each way to travel 45 floors. Everyone's ears were popping!
Here is the other tower. I was inside one of them!
I was quite high up! That's Shinjuku Chuo Park.
You hear loads of people say it, but Tokyo just sprawls doesn't it. The sound of that word describes it perfectly. Sprrrawll.
That's where Mt. Fuji should be.
Tokyo Park Hyatt again.
I don't know what this building has on top. It looked like a football stadium to me, but somehow I doubt it. Lots of buildings had helipads and gardens on top.
This view was very impressive. All these monolithic buildings just right there. The best word I can find to describe them is 'solid'. That sounds strange, but I can't think of a better term.
There's the rip-off of the Empire State building and Yoyogi Park hiding behind a building. I could actually say that I'd been in New York with this view.
Central Park...
... and the Empire State building.
At the bottom of the TMG (Tokyo Metropolitan Government building), there's a plaza with a random red structure that looks slightly like a tongue.
Sunrise... smogset.
I nearly stayed until it was dark, but decided to come for a longer period of time on a really really clear day like there's been over the past few weeks. I think the views will be even more spectacular.
As it was Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day), I then went home (via the supermarket for sugar, flour and lemon) and made several pancakes. I had some batter left over so I shared with my housemates.
More job offers! I've agreed to meet another woman tomorrow afternoon for a 30-minute demo lesson. I also rejected five more offers of private students because there's just too many!
I got an email asking if I'd be interested in teaching for 4 hours on Saturday and getting Y12,000 for it! That's £60! I will have to see though as I've already submitted my Gaba schedule and said I'll work Saturdays.
The school I went to last week, Riverside, have asked me to work when one of their teachers is ill, regardless of my plans to move to Kyoto! So that worked out nicely. But I still might not get any work from them if they all stay healthy.
I checked my Gaba schedule online and 6 of the 17 lessons I put myself down for on Saturday, Sunday and Monday have been booked. You can only see the coming week so I don't know about the rest of the month yet. Two of those six were 'Student specifically requested that teacher' so yay!
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