I honestly believe I will find a job here in Tokyo, doing the IT work that I did in Toronto. But i'm not sure exactly when that will happen. Could be next week, could be next month, who knows? I have enough cash to float me for a few months, but nevertheless I feel useless sitting out here with no reason to get up in the morning, except to maybe visit my friends or go chat with the locals at Inokashira Park.
So, I've decided that in order to make a few bucks on the side, experience something new and also give myself something to do, I'm taking a little baby step into the world of English tutoring. I registered with a website that offers such services, and my first student is on the 10th, at 7pm.
My biggest problem is, although I have years of informal experience teaching English to my Japanese friends, I've never done this kind of tutoring before. So I'm not sure what exactly I should do.
This is the e-mail that was sent to me from the website:
About the first trial lesson
date/time : 10th of April at 19:00 for 30 minutes
meeting spot : At the No4 exit of Monzen-Nakacho station on Tokyo-metro Tozai line
About the student
gender : female
age : 20's
English level : Beginner
purpose : colloquial English
My impression is that the main point of these lessons is to give the student an opportunity to converse with a native English speaker. But I'm not sure what else we should be doing besides just talking So for those of you reading this, if you have any experience (either as a teacher or as a student) with these kind of tutoring sessions and have some advice, feel free to offer it. Either on this blog as a comment, or on my Facebook wall.
4 件のコメント:
And so begins the spiral into the depths of English teaching. Everyone does it because its a quick way to make to make some money on the side. When that IT job doesn't come in a month or two you will take on more sessions to cover costs. Then that 3 months will come around and you'll have to do a Korea run. After a couple of those you figure it will just be easier to get a job and a visa from an English school and settle into the grind. If you want to get a job in IT in Tokyo, you do it from abroad. Unless you are fluent in Japanese and understand and are willing to go through their hiring process (giving up the sweet expat bonus you'd get from abroad) you can land a job. But if IT is your game, better start contacting some companies in North America/Europe, and don't let them know that you're already in Tokyo.
don't be a dick, flinchfire.
jyona, if you have the drive, you'll find something. though without a doubt i'd be looking for an IT career from outside the country. but plenty of foreigners get hired from within the country as well.
also, definitely don't fall into the english-teaching trap.
flinchfire: didn't your NOVA break end 2 minutes ago? Chop chop - better get back to 'head shoulders knees and toes, knees and toes..."
By already being in Japan you have the advantage of accessibility. Recruiters are able to see you up front, speak to you and get a sense of who you are. Personalty, demeanor and approachability still count for a lot in Japan, so if you're able to plug away at the job hunting, and give good face I'm sure you'll find a job. Just a matter of time.
Being an English teacher does have its advantages; imo it's about the kind of ethic you have. It's become the bane of Japanese Engrish but if you tutor on the side, in earnest, you can make solid contacts, network your way around, make good money and meet a lot of interesting people as well.
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