Teach Abroad interview with Allen, currently teaching English in Japan
 

Where are you from Allen?
 
KY, USA in a round-a-bout sort of way
 
Where are you teaching or where did you teach?

Currently I'm teaching part time at two universities in Nagoya, Japan.
Before that held a full-time position in South Korea.

What do you like most about living and working abroad?
 
I like the new experiences, all of it, the good, the bad, the indifferent.
Life is never, ever, boring. Going to get milk can turn into an adventure.
While that might happen in Manhattan, it's not as likely to be an adventure you'll enjoy, eh?
 

What do you dislike the most?

Meeting people (expats) who complain that Japan or Korea isn't like "home."
Come on, you want home? Just go.

I'm also not really fond of the paperwork.. It sometimes seems like there's a form for everything.
 
How did you get started teaching abroad?

I had studied TESOL and had been the manager of international student housing at my University. This naturally led to my first teaching gig abroad after I graduated. At the first school I worked at, one of my friends I had studied at University with was already working there, and he had contacted me when there was an opening. Just a few weeks later, my contract was signed and visa was ready and I was on my way.

Do you have any back ground in teaching English, if not, how did you learn?
 
I wanted to take a break between my MA and starting a PhD, studied TaeKwonDo in the states for a number of years and also learned some Korean history and culture so thought I'd like to get away from the part-time teaching, grad school, working nights at the radio station complacency that was my life then :-)

I was introduced to Korean professor at my university who then introduced me to a colleague of his in Korea. I went for a year, loved it, stayed for 5 more.

I was teaching developmental writing and mainstream composition courses at the university in the US b
 
How long have you been teaching English?
 
About 13 years, 3 of those in the US.
 
Do you feel teaching English overseas is a good way to earn money?
 
Depends on what you want, or what you think is a 'good living.' If I looked
at it as just a job, I think I'd be very frustrated. But to me, and to many
of the people I know and often work with, it's more than that. Life is this
adventure, classes are your chance to make an impact, to help, and the money
part is just a fringe benefit, a very nice one at that.
 
Can you give some advice to someone thinking about living and teaching English abroad?
 
Bring your baggage, the stuff with your stuff in it. You need a few
knick-knacks to make you feel at home, especially at first. A couple of
small framed photos, too.

Check your emotional baggage at the gate.

Be open, and know that this isn't Kansas, Toto, and be willing to at least
accept that things are going to be different.

Remember that ideas, ways of doing things, are not usually patently good or
bad, just different from what you are used to.
 
Can you please describe what's it like living and working in country the you're in?

It's great living in Japan. I really didn't want to leave Korea, but family
obligations made it necessary. I've grown to really like living here. My
neighbors are great, friendly, and helpful though I think they might wish my
two boys were a bit more quiet.
  
Do you have any warnings for people considering teaching English overseas?
 
Get to know as much as you can about the place you're going to, the people,
language, customs, some history, a few famous or well-known people. (Key is
'know about.' It will help you to feel more comfortable and will give you
some things to talk about when you first arrive. Some things other than,
"what was your first impression? How old are you? Do you like Japanese
food?" kinds of things :-)
 
If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
 
 Because of where I am now and I don't know that would have happened if
something had been different, hmmm, I wouldn't change a thing.

 
Is there a way for someone to contact you for more information?
 
Sure, just visit my blog at www.tcobag.com

Teach in Japan?
This site sells a downloadable e-book on teaching in Japan and is well worth the $27.00 price tag.

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