Teach Abroad interview with James, currently teaching English
in Japan
Where are you from James?
Maine, USA
Where are you teaching or where did you teach?
I taught English for one year in Taejon, South Korea and
for two years at various locations near Tokyo, Japan.
What do you like most about living and working abroad?
The culture shock. Really! Learning, or at least trying
to learn to adapt to an unfamiliar country, where absolutely everything
was different was an awesome experience. Whether it was the food, the
language, or the customs, it was all new to me. Luckily, most people were
very forgiving and accepted me and all my mistakes and helped me learn
and adapt more comfortably while I was there. Also, I had a great
schedule - weekdays only, which is rare for a contract in Korea. That
gave me time on weekends to travel all over South Korea by train. (You
can go from one side of the country to the other on an overnight
train!). I also spent a lot of time exploring the capital city, Seoul.
It is an absolutely fascinating place. And the food - incredible! It
took me a while to get used to eating the Korean staple of Kimchi and
Rice everyday, but it grows on you fast.
What do you dislike the most?
The drinking culture that is prevalent in Korea (Japan too, where I
live now.) Drinking in groups with your co-workers on a regular basis is
an expectation. It can wear on you though after a while if you aren't
careful. If you don't drink, by all means, let everyone know right away
and be open and direct about explaining why so others won't be putting
unnecessary pressure on you.
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?
Before my first job abroad, I had taken TESOL (Teaching English as a
Second Language) courses, plus I had been a volunteer English
conversation partner for the international students studying at my
university. I also had many hours of previous classroom experience
working as a substitute teacher at nearby elementary schools and high
schools.
How long have you been teaching English?
I have completed several English teaching contracts during the past 3
years. I worked one full year at a "Hagwon" - English cram school - in
South Korea. I've taught a one-semester course at a technical University
in Tokyo, Japan. I have also done part-time work teaching both business
English classes and children's English classes in Japan during the past
two years.
Do you feel teaching English overseas is a good way to earn money?
As long as you have a good grasp of your own personal budget, and the
salary you are earning fits in with that - go for it. You'll probably
want to step up from doing contract work though to doing your own
private lessons or running your own school eventually if you want to do
more than *just get by*.
Can you give some advice to someone thinking about living and
teaching English abroad?
Well, if you are thinking about teaching in Asia, especially Japan,
certainly get your hands on a copy of
Craig Desorcy's ebook.
I've met Craig and I am familiar with his English school business. If I
had read his ebook before I got my first job, I would have earned a lot
more money my first year in Japan!
Can you give some sound advice for our readers interested in teaching
English abroad?
Most importantly though, be flexible. You are a guest of the country you
are in.
DON'T expect anyone to look up to you and respect your ideas, customs,
thoughts and language just because you come from the USA.
Leave your attitude, your patriotism and your ego at the airport.
DO expect misunderstandings and be ready to apologize first. A little
bit of humility on your part will go a long ways. And if you are
thinking about working abroad just to get away from problems at home,
don't bother. Living and working in a foreign country only magnifies any
negative habits and tendencies you may suffer from. If you have a hard
time making or keeping friends or getting along with people where you
are now, don't think for a second any of that will change if you decide
to live and work abroad. If you come with an open mind though, you will
find it to be a positive, life
changing experience.
Do you have any warnings for people considering teaching English
overseas?
Get the names and contact information from people who are working and
who have worked at the school you are applying to. Make sure to contact
several people from both lists and ask them questions about their
experience before accepting any job. Be wary of any school that won't
give you this information.
If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
I lived in housing provided by the school during my first contract in
Korea. All the teachers lived together in the same apartment. If I were
to do it over, I would have rented my own place, so I could have had a
bit more privacy outside of work. Other than that, I wouldn't change a
thing.
Is there a way for someone to contact you for more information?
Sure, anyone who has any other questions can email me at
esl (at)jamesballen.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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