I'm trying my best to do online research of TEFL. I think this seriously is just one of those things where one has to jump in, head first, and just do it! If I had the money for a ticket already saved up, and I wasn't worried about my medication siutation, I would right this moment! Japan's siren call has intensivied in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami. I may be fragile, but there are plenty of things I can still do.
All together my friends and I managed to save up around 300$ for donations. Granted, that isn't much more than a drop in the bucket but we're all broke college grads. We do what we can! I plan on doing some more donations myself this month to red cross. I know alot of their money goes to overhead costs, but they are one of the first groups that get into emergency situations.
The title of my post today has more to do with how I feel here in the States rather than my worry about fitting into a niche in JP.I have always been on the "outside" as in--I was the smart girl that other students copied off of, the artist, the writer (getting published in 5th grade really doesn't help your ability to blend into the background as a kid), the weirdo, etc. I mean, I have been writing poetry since 2nd grade. I love the English language, and that should give you an idea of how much. ^ ^
Many people don't like the feeling of being on the fringes and of course, there are others who absolutely relish it. I fall somewhere in the middle. I think that being someone who doesn't ever quite fit in allows me to have a unique perspective... but I think there are certain things I miss out on. I'd love to be able to crowd around with a bunch of girl pals and squeal over guys while snarfing on icecream or some other really putridly sweet thing! Bonding! Makeup! PINK! err.. sort of.
It's this whole concept of "belonging" that is engrained into my generation--generation X, while still remaining aloof from societal norms yet still belonging while being an individual that is part of the crowd that.. Ugh what fanciful horse manure!
Every person, no matter how mundane, is an individual. I don't care if you're a freakin TWIN! Every person is complete in and of themselves. However, learning to play well with others (or at least not to bite random people in public) is part of growing up to be semi-well adjusted. Otherwise, I know a great leather shop that can give you a discount on a muzzle.
Anyway! What does all this have to do with TEFL? Well, I wonder how one fits in while being an outsider in a country where one may or may not speak the language while working to teach English. You are most obviously an outsider, probably one quite appreciative of the local culture, and yet.. you are trying to fit into a certain "mold" so that you can teach the kids/adults what they need to learn. Obviously you are different... but not so different that you can't be accepted into a role of authority.
From a psychological standpoint, that last bit is what interests me. Japanese culture is so insular, I wonder how this process happens. I really should beef up on a few of my old psych books sometime soon. I know I plan on writing a novel about my experiences for the time I'm over there. That's my ulterior motive. That as well as brushing up on my Asian poetry forms.
Target: 5k USD
Current: 30.00 USD
Long way to go.
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I`m amazed to hear that some medication is unavailable in Japan! I have epilepsy and have been able to keep up my medication in every country I`ve been to in Europe and South America. Can you find out online or through the manufacturer of your medication? Most mediacation with a brand name has a website and links you can follow. I discovered this whilst trying to find out why the hospital here gave me strong antihistamines (usually used for stomach ulcers) to treat burn injuries. Never did find out why(!) but did discover that there´s loads of drug info online, check it out.
Ah! I'm used to alot of US companies that make you get your insurance directly through them and give you no other option. That's really good to know. ^_^
interac and other companies dont offer health insurance - its either with the government or a private company...
when you go to the town/city where you teach you have to register at the town/City all - as a resident for taxes and to get you alien registration card - its here you can sign up for the NHI - with interac they provide an IC (japanese helper) who helps you with all this, as well as moving to the apartment, bank account etc (some other companies offer similar help...im not sure how much JET offers)
@PDixon Wow, that you for that information! That's some of what I really needed to know. Hmm..
Can you sign up for the NHI through interac? I'd rather just sign up with them, because I plan on staying for two years, or maybe longer, when I come. This is part of why I wanted to save so much. ^ ^;
by law in japan you have to have some form of health care from the moment you step in the country - if you are just going to be here a year you can use a private company from even you own country, a global one or a japanese one. Interac automatically arrange one so you covered from when you enter the country - if you use your own you just have to prove it...if you use their's you will also be given the option to continue with it.
If you are going to be here more than a year then in your second year by law you have to sign up to National health insurance. if you had private health insurance for the first year and then stay more than a year you will be made to also pay national health insurance for the first year - that is why it is best to sign up for national health insurance as soon as you can - mine was about 7000en for the year, this will depend on location.
With NHI you pay for the consultation and usually the prescription is free...it also covers doctors, hospital and dentist. you get given a card you show
for private health care you have to pay everything up front and then put in a claim and even then they might refuse paying you back for some things or if a form is incorrect etc
@PDixon Yes, I know it'd be for the following year. I think it's in Nov they open up applications again? I honestly can't leave until the fall or later on as I said. Complicated things are going on for me. And as I stated, the money is for emergencies and travel. Mostly it will just sit and gather dust if I have my way! However, with my proclivity for being rushed to the ER, I feel the money's needed. I don't fully understand how the healthcare with interac works but I'd rather be prepared just in case!
Jet employ people from august onwards but they are very strict about deadlines for applications and paperwork - so make sure you check the dates - youve already missed the deadline for this year... for other companies such as interac then you should aim to apply at least 3 months before either august or march as these are the main intakes
Jet offers a high pay but other companies do and so for the first year you will easily be able to save - i have money saved, i also paid off my credit card and bought an DSLR camera, portable scanner, portable printer, PS3, HDTV, many trips, i eat out most nights - of course if i didnt spend on these things i would have a lot of money right now...so dont be overly safe otherwise you wont do anything...to move to another country you have to be a little bit daring and will to lose everything
@PDixon Well, even if I had a job offer now I really cannot leave til the fall. I plan on looking into interac and JET both. In that time I can save up the amount I want. I want to have money for travel and for emergencies! My health condition is stable but some of it is hard to handle when it flares up. I will have to talk with my doctors extensively and see what they say.
I want to live in a smaller area. Tokyo is a place to visit, but not one I'd want to live.. the only larger area I know of and am interestedin is Kyoto. That's another "holiday" destination in my eyes. ^ ^;
@stevebudd I really don't mind not fitting in. I never really have! I was a sociology minor, so this kinda stuff teases my brain alot. I find it interesting, but not distressing. Cultural norms and individual behavior within it facinate me. I really can't wait to get to immerse myself.
I hadn't thought of talking to my docs about alternative medicines until you mentioned it. I have alot of time til I'm free to travel so that should give them time to look up stuff! Alot of my problems are just the kind of stuff you have to bite down on the ol' strip of leather and deal with. Some of them require a little adjusting to but I've been doing a lot better for about 3 months. Shoot, I'm even going to the gym now!
Thank you both for the advice!
wow...this is a lot to read... first i dont know what medical condition you have but if it requires medication here in japan a lot of american medication is baned of not available here - so if you came you would need to make sure you can get the medical attention you require or at least find alternatives.
as for money - if your going to be a teacher then some companies, such as interac, can offer you a personal load with a low interest - the max loan is about 200,000en and used to cover the apartment set up (which is the most cost) - if you take out this loan which is paid back over 6 months then you can get away with bringing $2000.
i would also advised not to live in a big city to avoid large cost and have some chance of saving for travelling - also being outside of a city will allow you to experience japanese culture - small towns and villages will welcome you more. Big cities you will find small groups of people to fit in with
as a foreigner you will stand out but most people do feel isolated in the big cities
also i would advise to go with the flow and dont over analyse everything - to learn about japanese culture, the people and the way of living takes time and most of it you cant learn from books - find a japanese friend that is respected and copy them - thats the best advice i was given
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