I spend my weekdays working a job I truly enjoy.  At nights, I like doing things with friends or engage in my hobbies.  Weekends can be a time for partying.  I travel six weeks a year.  This is an unattainable life back in Canada.  I’m never going home!

My daily schedule consists of either half a day of preparation and making material, then teaching all afternoon, or an action packed teaching day from start to finish.   The average number of hours teaching a day is three and a half.  Some days may be five hours, and others may be one!

Teaching Japanese kids is very rewarding.  It allows me to watch kids start from scratch and over the years see them read and communicate.  Although, it’s trying at times, the payoff is worth the effort.  At first, teaching was slightly intimidating because you are the center of attention and I wasn’t sure what kind of reaction I would get.  It became very obvious what the kids liked and I very quickly forgot I was supposed to feel nervous.

Obviously, at times, working for a Japanese company can be very frustrating, but the company and its routines can teach you as much about Japan as anything else.  Once you accept the differences, it’s actually easier to work for a Japanese company than a foreign one. 

As long as you’re willing to put up with some language and cultural differences, I would strongly recommend spending a year learning about Japan and teaching truly amazing children.  It would in no way be considered a waste and you may fall in love with Japan like I have.