Konichiwa.  Ogenki desu ka?  Although I have been back in America since July 1996, I still often reflect on the four wonderful years that I spent living and working in Tokyo, Japan.

I taught English in NOVA, a private language school that now has recruiting offices in America, Canada, Australia, and England.  NOVA awards contracts on a yearly basis.  I was accepted into Cal Poly's English graduate program my third year in Japan, but since I enjoyed my new life so much, I signed another contract and deferred enrollment a year.  Nova pays first-year teachers about $2,800 per month, but salaries increase with every newly signed contract.  For example, by my fourth year, I earned about $3,300 per month.  Yes, Tokyo is expensive, but so are New York and San Francisco.  I recommend spending your money wisely.  Many Westerners go there and INSIST on maintaining their Western ways, especially eating habits.  This can be expensive.  If you eat all Japanese food and live in a Japanese style apartment, you'll be able to save about $1,500-1,800 per month.  American style apartments and Western food can quickly drain your funds!

Higher paying teaching jobs especially at universities exist in Japan, but they are harder to find especially from the States.  For first timers, it is best to start with a private conversation school that often provides that crucial visa.  While teaching at conversation schools, many teachers look for better paying jobs.  Although it is a good idea, it is still best not to burn any bridges.  For breaking contracts, some schools will threaten to withhold your payment or call the Immigration Office, so finish out your one year contract before moving on to more lucrative teaching positions.

Usually students at private conversation schools are of all ages.  My youngest student was about 8 years old and my oldest about 75.   One of my oldest students was a former Kamakazi solider who was lucky enough not to go to war.  Another elderly student was a Nagasaki atomic bomb survivor whose whole family died except for he and his sister.  My private lessons with them were some of the most memorable experiences of my life.  They told me amazing WWII stories --all in English--that I'll never forget!

My advice for those that want to go is know if you prefer the city or countryside.  Tokyo is one hell of a city.  It's crowed and fast.  You may prefer the countryside.  Whichever city you choose, be prepared to stay at least one year.  Your first year is spent adjusting.  During your second and third year, you'll save more money and really enjoy the culture.

I have hitchhiked on remote islands, traveled from the north to the south, soaked in outdoor hot springs and mountain-biked for two weeks around Japan's northern island, Hokkaido. I've camped on beaches and surfed various beach breaks.  I've spent one night out until 5:00 am and blew $200 in the heart of Tokyo's downtown nightlife.  I've eaten the best sushi in the world and saw my favorite  Jamaican Reggae band, Burning Spear.  I've studied a martial art for two years and seen live professional Sumo bouts.  I have traveled the countryside by plane, boat, taxi, bicycle, truck, bus, one-coach rickety train, and bullet train.  I have also visited Bali, South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Australia.  And I'll never regret one day of living and teaching in Japan.  Good luck!

Anthony Halderman
Cal Poly, MA in English, Class of 2000
http://www.cuesta.cc.ca.us/CAMPUS/faculty/ahalderma/index.htm