Being a foreign teacher in Japan is quite stressful yet it's a rewarding experience. A lot of first timers get nervous and confused when they start going to Japanese schools. I also used to feel disoriented on my first few days here so now that I'm on my second spring semester in Japan, I'd like to give some pieces of advice for new ALTs.
1. Dress to impress.
First impression lasts so it's better to show a nice image of yourself on your first day at school. ALTs are usually required to wear suits but in some rural areas, it's ok to wear sweatpants. Just to be safe, it's still better to wear suits on your first day and ask the teachers if it's ok to wear sweatpants next time. Be sure that you don't look tired or sleepy, it's always better to show a happy disposition at school. Japanese are very observant so you might also want to clean your fingernails, shave your beard and have a proper haircut before going to school.
2. Always be on time.
You should neither be very early nor late at school. (Well, maybe at least 15 minutes earlier is ok). Time is money for many Japanese so please don't be late or should I say, please don't steal money from them. It's also good to go to classrooms at least 5 minutes before class hours so you can talk to some students freely.
3. Be polite and friendly to everyone.
You might be the only foreigner that the teachers and students at your schools know so show a good example of someone from outside Japan. A lot of them might really be nervous when you are around, some might even avoid you but try to be friendly with them. A sincere smile can never fail you. If possible, it'll be great if you can memorize some common Japanese words such as ohayou gozaimasu (good morning), konnichiwa (hello/good afternoon), sumimasen (excuse me/sorry for troubling you) and otsukaresamadesu (thank you for your hard work). They wouldn't expect you to say them but they'd be glad to hear you say those words.
4. Put your feet on the ground.
Being down to earth is a must in Japan if you really want to have a harmonious relationship with your workmates. In relation to teaching, some of us might feel quite aggressive at times because we think we are better than the Japanese teachers but please try to control yourself. Observe everything first before you speak, you might be surprised with the difference of Japanese education system with the one that you have in your country. If you really can't stop yourself, then try to ask the Japanese teacher in a very subtle way. Make suggestions and talk about what you are planning to do instead of sounding authoritative.
5. Don't be troublesome.
Mendokusai (troublesome) is a common Japanese expression. And no you wouldn't like to be one. Japanese teachers are often busy so as much as possible, don't disturb them. Ask for help only when you think you have no choice but to do so (such as when using copiers etc).
6. Ask for permission.
Everyone is careful when using the school's materials so it'll be appreciated if you'd ask for permission first before using some things at school. Just say kore o tsukatte mo ii desu ka? (May I use this?).
7. Watch your moves.
Because that is what people around you are doing. Try not to be absent-minded while at work. Even staring outside the window for a few seconds would make your workmates think you have a big problem though you really have no reason for doing it.
8. Keep yourself busy.
You might not have classes sometimes but try to do something other than using your phone or sleeping. It's awkward to do nothing in the middle of hardworking people. Think of English lessons, study Japanese, talk to some school staffs, check students' papers etc.
9. Observe and imitate.
This can save you from many problems. When you are unsure of what to do (such as how to eat an unfamiliar school lunch), just observe the people around you and you might find the answer to your question. In this way, you can save yourself from shame.
10. Bow sincerely.
Last, don't forget to bow! It's the best way to show how humble you are in Japan. Don't forget to use your back instead of your neck when doing this.
I hope these reminders can help you to have a better teaching experience at school. It's not necessary to follow them but they can help you to have a better life at your workplace. Gambatte kudasai (Please do you best)!
 |
| A very surprising message on my first day at my JHS. :) |
No comments:
Post a Comment