Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Alumni Network
Teaching in Japan:
Tateyama
(This is a letter written from an
alumni to a fellow student who will be participating in the Tateyama
practicum opportunity.)
Hi!
It is wonderful that you are getting the opportunity to participate in
the Tateyama practicum. The experience left such an impression on me as
a teacher, as well as personally. Everything that I have written is kind
of
random (I get excited about the topic and so much comes to mind).
Why did you decide to go to Japan? What are your expectations?
I loved my time there. Will you be staying with hosts? I stayed with
four different hosts and switched every week to half-week. This was a
bit challenging in that I couldn't really settle down and secondly once
I starting growing close a family I had to move. However, it was
positive because I was introduced to many different Japanese
lifestyles.
Tateyama is fairly large, but you can see it by bike. When will you be
going? I arrived mid-Sept and found the heat and humidity to be quite
uncomfortable. But into October the climate cooled. The typhoon weather
was great and refreshing (I love windy weather). The city is has a
coastal line and is surrounded by a beautiful countryside. I absolutely
love the countryside. The trees are incredible as are the smaller farms
that scatter the land. I was pretty much in awe of the landscape. Make
sure to step out on the walkway on the second floor of the high school
to get a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. Will you be at the high school?
As for what to bring: I brought some of my books from my TESOL
classes.
Maybe bring something to save the work you do on the computer. I
brought a gift for the principal, mentor teacher, and my host families.
I also brought a little extra just in case I found myself in a
situation that a gift would appropriate. I met the Mayor of the city
and was not expecting this so extra gifts are good to have. I hadn't
expected to be working with the head of the English department, so just
in case you might want a small gift for that person. Now I'm still not
sure what the policy is for gift giving, but for my host families I
tried to give a gift when they first welcomed me into their home and
then a thank you gift when I left. I brought a picture book of
Washington and sweets from WA (aplets and cotlets or Almond Roca).
Stuff from WA works well.
Be prepared to be asked questions regarding the English language by the
English teachers. You are a great reference for them so you will
probably be utilized. I was asked on several occasions to read over
students' work from other classes.
My days were long. The teachers at my high school arrived around
8:15-30 and many stayed until 6pm because they were coaches or
"advisors" of various student clubs. This was often my schedule because
I helped coach speech contest students. You may be asked to become
involved in extracurricular activities.
It was challenging conducting a practicum in a month. There were
several holidays and examinations that my mentor teacher and I had to
work around in order to accommodate my program requirements. I was
often utilized in class as a natural voice, asked to provide examples,
or asked details of everyday language. There were times however that I
felt like more of an observer than a participant. This usually occurred
when the JET person was also in the class. This was how my mentor
teacher operated and yours might incorporate you differently. In the
first and second year classes the majority of the class was taught in
Japanese. I was asked to visit other English classrooms. This was a
great opportunity to see what other teaching styles were like.
This is a high school and some students weren't interested in
learning English. Students would regularly doze in class, especially on
hot days
(the classrooms would get rather hot and it's not unusual to have a
hand fan).
There was a JET program student working in the same school. He was a
great reference, especially because he had already been there for a
year. There were several other JET students in the area. You may ask
around if you are feeling a bit lost or experiencing a bit of culture
shock. Maybe they could relate to your situation.
Dress code: I'm not a fashion diva, so I struggled with this. I
was
told nylons are appropriate for women. Slacks and skirts are
acceptable, make sure lengths are appropriate. When I was putting
together clothes, I thought professional and what I might wear as a
modest teacher. Keep in mind when you will be there as you want to be
prepared for hot or cooler temperatures. I didn't pack well for the
hot/humid. Also you will want to bring indoor shoes or be prepared to
buy some when you are there (ones you won't wear outside). I didn't
know this and bought some inexpensive slippers. Some teachers wore more
casual slipper type shoes others wore shoes you would see used for
outdoor shoes.
Be respectful and try to interact with the faculty. I wish I had put
forth more effort in getting to know faculty besides those next to my
desk. It is also welcomed, but not expected if you try out a Japanese
phrase or two. My first host mom taught me one that I would say as I
left the school to the teaching staff. I will try to find it and email
it to you.
Try all the foods. Even if you don't think you will like it. My host
families got a kick out of seeing me try everything, especially when
they thought I wouldn't like it.
The teaching staff and city hall representatives were very helpful.
This is a high school and some students weren't interested in learning
English. Students would regularly doze in class, especially on hot days
(the classrooms would get rather hot and it's not unusual to have a
hand fan).
Try to set aside some extra time before or after the trip to visit
other parts of Japan. I did this and it was just a memorable and
educational. If you want to travel by train it might be wise to get the
Japanese equivalent of a Eurail pass. They say you should buy it before
you get to Japan. Once you're there it may be difficult to obtain.
If you have anymore questions or concerns feel free to contact me.
There were times that were challenging, but overall I loved the
experience. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time and good luck with
your preparations.
Best Wishes,
Rosie Jacobs
Contact the TESOL Program if
you would like to be put in contact with Rosie.
