PDixon (Featured Writer)

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My Details

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  • Member since: 03/24/10
  • PDixon has written 66 Journal entries.
  • PDixon has uploaded 28 photos.
  • PDixon has left 66 comments.
  • PDixon has 108 friends.

About Me

Hi, My name is Paul
I graduated from York St John University in 2009 from a Film and TV course. Initially when i began the course I was planning on going into the industry but unfortunately plans to expand ITV in the North and the delayed plans of moving BBC to Manchester and the loss of jobs meant I had to re think everything.
I reviewed my skills. Having spent 2 years working in an educational museum I though I would go into teaching BUT i did not want to teach in England.
I came across i-to-i, signed up on the 120hrs and have never regretted it.
Since completing the course in January 2010 I accepted a job working in Japan in Miyako City, Iwate (in the north). I am teaching at 2 high schools (which is quite rare, normally its JH or Elementary) 
I am on here a lot, so if you need any help relating to Japan then please ask
**update** After recent events of the tsunami everything is gradually returning to normal...i decided to stay and support my schools, friends and local community.

My Friends (108)




SamLennie
SamLennie

Hi everyone! Im Sam and i work for i-to-i in...

honor
honor

The artist formerly known as Chalkboard's site editor. I've now...

lsummers86
lsummers86

I'm Laura and I'm working for the i-to-i office in...

i-to-i
i-to-i

Your source of all TEFL-related information...   If you're thinking...

Rosie
Rosie

SEE ALL

My recent comments

PDixon
PDixon said: “have you contacted the embassy directly...you should be able to...”
about Helllppppp!!!! (Post)
PDixon
PDixon said: “oh...and my reasoning for the job - is to teach,...”
about Money earned vs. money spent (Post)
PDixon
PDixon said: “I think you misunderstood my point... firstly, to become a...”
about Money earned vs. money spent (Post)
PDixon
PDixon said: “if your aim is to go out there and make...”
about Money earned vs. money spent (Post)
PDixon
PDixon said: “I have heard many companies prefering and sometimes only accepting...”
about A criticism of online courses (Post)

Comments on my stuff

nimiprem
nimiprem said: “Awesome Post! Thanks for sharing, Paul! Guess i'm too late...”
about Come TEFL with me in JAPAN! (Post)
GAJ258
GAJ258 said: “brilliant post mate! thank you for sharing your knowledge with...”
about How to - Japan! (Post)
colsonb2011
colsonb2011 said: “it's totally possible i misread the intent. It is a...”
about Christmas!!! (Post)
mahalath
mahalath said: “When I read that, I thought it's more of a...”
about Christmas!!! (Post)
colsonb2011
colsonb2011 said: “Your comment about a harsh reality seems misplaced. Why would...”
about Christmas!!! (Post)
fidaajax
fidaajax said: “thanks all i need to do now is complete TEFL...”
about How to - Japan! (Post)
HelenHargreave
HelenHargreave said: “AMAZING post Paul! Thank you so much for sharing :)”
about How to - Japan! (Post)
fidaajax
fidaajax said: “P Dixon, Word on the ether is your the man...”
about PDixon (User)
hellomoto
hellomoto said: “"After recent events of the tsunami everything is gradually returning...”
about PDixon (User)
hellomoto
hellomoto said: “Hi P Dixon, Thank you very much for your comment...”
about PDixon (User)
andyhop
andyhop said: “Hi Paul,  I hope you don't mind but HelenHargreave suggested...”
about PDixon (User)
AmyLouise2012
AmyLouise2012 said: “Hi Paul! Thanks for the blog comment, I really do...”
about PDixon (User)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “How did you get on? Katie”
about Qatar (Post)
mahalath
mahalath said: “Hey! I went home after a year and a half,...”
about ENGLAND, BE WARNED... (Post)
jimarmo
jimarmo said: “Hi PaulI'm needing to 'spruce up' my resume and it's looking...”
about PDixon (User)
LadyNeko
LadyNeko said: “Hello, PDixon. I was referred to you, by another member,...”
about PDixon (User)
Kodokushi
Kodokushi said: “lol I'll cross that bridge when I come to it...”
about A squatters life in Japan (Post)
Kodokushi
Kodokushi said: “Squatting !?! I can't think of anything worse of a...”
about A squatters life in Japan (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “I've voted for you! Good luck, Katie :)”
about Qatar (Post)
Ebonyeyes6768
Ebonyeyes6768 said: “Oh how I miss Japan even the squat toilets!  First...”
about The Fountain of Truth - Japan! - Part 1 (Post)
patriciasharkey
patriciasharkey said: “Sometimes its hard to know what the question means, what...”
about Help - I'm stuck on check point 1-5!!! (Post)
Emmaz
Emmaz said: “Hi, loved reading your blog, I am just about to...”
about Long time no see! (Post)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “When you finally make that trip 'home', even if it's...”
about Long time no see! (Post)
peter1978
peter1978 said: “Hey Paul, How are you doing? I was in touch...”
about PDixon (User)
RuCo
RuCo said: “Paul, regarding your comment: "3) if you don’t understand a...”
about Help - I'm stuck on check point 1-5!!! (Post)
logue159
logue159 said: “Hi RuCo its Tina again, what questions on checkpoint one...”
about Help - I'm stuck on check point 1-5!!! (Post)
ellexsisejess
ellexsisejess said: “im not comming over until august luckly as I need...”
about PDixon (User)
ellexsisejess
ellexsisejess said: “random question for you. How accepting are the japanese (landlords)...”
about PDixon (User)
craigindublin
craigindublin said: “A heated toilet seat in the middle of winter... heaven....”
about The Fountain of Truth - Japan! - Part 2 (Post)
ErinLeeds
ErinLeeds said: “Wow so hygienic!”
about The Fountain of Truth - Japan! - Part 2 (Post)
RuCo
RuCo said: “Paul, thank you - I enjoyed reading your post.  I...”
about Help - I'm stuck on check point 1-5!!! (Post)
Benson451
Benson451 said: “This is excellent! I can't wait to get to Japan!”
about Light up Japan!!! (Post)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “I want one!  ”
about Light up Japan!!! (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “OK I've actually got bulb envy. My light just switches...”
about Light up Japan!!! (Post)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “lucky number :-)”
about I'm staying!!! (Post)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “That must have been a big decision.. you must feel...”
about I'm staying!!! (Post)
ellexsisejess
ellexsisejess said: “your comment did help, I'm dyslexic too so it was...”
about PDixon (User)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “Many people in my family are teachers and it seems...”
about Life so far! (Post)
ellexsisejess
ellexsisejess said: “i like this post, its whimsical and nostalgic and in...”
about Life so far! (Post)
RC1991
RC1991 said: “Hi Paul, Thank you for the response on my blog...”
about PDixon (User)
craigindublin
craigindublin said: “Saying goodbye to the graduating students in the spring was...”
about Life so far! (Post)
ellexsisejess
ellexsisejess said: “wow thank you I feel a bit more prepared now...”
about PDixon (User)
ellexsisejess
ellexsisejess said: “thank you, you've been incredily helpful. I have expectations but...”
about PDixon (User)
ellexsisejess
ellexsisejess said: “thank you, I've got rosetta stone so I will give...”
about PDixon (User)
ellexsisejess
ellexsisejess said: “I have recently got a job through interac and I...”
about PDixon (User)
Tori676
Tori676 said: “Thank you so much for your help!! I had applied...”
about PDixon (User)
arun123
arun123 said: “Congratulations Paul for winning the 'Come TEFL with Me' competition..So...”
about PDixon (User)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Ah Paul thank you for this post, feel all Christmassy...”
about Oh, Christmas Tree (Post)
Rachael_T
Rachael_T said: “Hi Paul, Omedetou on winning the "Come TEFL With Me"...”
about PDixon (User)
TJagdev
TJagdev said: “Congratulations on winning the competition, mate! Thoroughly well deserved :) ”
about PDixon (User)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Congratulations Paul! You won the 'Come TEFL with Me' competition!...”
about PDixon (User)
maureenlemos
maureenlemos said: “Cool account of your day.  Hope it starts getting a...”
about A Day in My Life as a TEFL Teacher (Post)
shuponram
shuponram said: “I vote this one, quality post mate”
about Come TEFL with me in JAPAN! (Post)
sruthiv
sruthiv said: “I VOTE THIS ONE... Pauls posts are really cool... It...”
about Come TEFL with me in JAPAN! (Post)
TJagdev
TJagdev said: “"I VOTE THIS ONE!!!!!!!!" A thousand times. Because I am...”
about Come TEFL with me in JAPAN! (Post)
arun123
arun123 said: “"I VOTE THIS ONE!"”
about Come TEFL with me in JAPAN! (Post)
TJagdev
TJagdev said: “Funnily enough, I'd forgotten about the getting nude aspect. I'm...”
about Come TEFL with me in JAPAN! (Post)
TJagdev
TJagdev said: “I will be joining you soon enough :D. Actually, how...”
about Come TEFL with me in JAPAN! (Post)
lally
lally said: “so a degree in architecture is fine?”
about PDixon (User)
lally
lally said: “hey paul i see you write a lot of comments...”
about PDixon (User)
arun123
arun123 said: “Pretty cool..And you sure are doing one hell of a...”
about Come TEFL with me in JAPAN! (Post)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “Discussing points in the course with other students is natural,...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “It's also offensive to be told "but "Do i need...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “Hi, I didn't mean to start an argument between you...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
Briona
Briona said: “This site should not be the preserve of a few,...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
Briona
Briona said: “@ PDixon: While I agree with your point about there...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
Lgliam20
Lgliam20 said: “This was so inspiring to read, thank you!!”
about A second Home! (Post)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “Thank you Briona, that was exactly what I meant, and...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
Briona
Briona said: “Alix's comment is quite clearly in response to this: Even worst...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
cassie1987
cassie1987 said: “I think AlixM09's post was a pointless troll post almost...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “Are you suggesting that people who don't have a degree...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
Elkist
Elkist said: “There are clearly some issues with the amount of help...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
cassie1987
cassie1987 said: “I have to say, I totally agree with this post...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Hey Paul,How’s it going? I know we’ve have been chatting...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Your suggestion of having a separate site, or even separate...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “@ Briona – we totally agree! It would be great...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
Briona
Briona said: “An interesting post and one that I am inclined to...”
about The Reality of Chalkboard! (Post)
PaulRYAN
PaulRYAN said: “It's nice to hear PDixon. Great post with a lot...”
about Is Teaching Really 'Work'??? (Post)
arun123
arun123 said: “Great post and definitely inspiring....Keep up the good 'work'. All...”
about Is Teaching Really 'Work'??? (Post)
Benson451
Benson451 said: “Hi Paul, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. ...”
about 7 months later - Japan Tsunami (Post)
ErinLeeds
ErinLeeds said: “As the disasters in Japan are no longer regularly featured...”
about 7 months later - Japan Tsunami (Post)
SheelaN
SheelaN said: “Hi, If you don't mind, I'd like to know more...”
about PDixon (User)
FrancescaT
FrancescaT said: “Thank you. I'm still debating whether to apply this time,...”
about PDixon (User)
FrancescaT
FrancescaT said: “Whilst researching Interac I stumbled across your blog. It has...”
about PDixon (User)
rikkiluu
rikkiluu said: “How you doing mate! how long have you been teaching...”
about PDixon (User)
samuelk1989
samuelk1989 said: “How Paul, i am looking to do the Thailand internship...”
about PDixon (User)
laura_mc
laura_mc said: “Great blog Paul. Glad you enjoyed your first day back....”
about A new day! (Post)
sruthiv
sruthiv said: “hey paul.. :)”
about PDixon (User)
Nikkiw
Nikkiw said: “Thanks for sharing your lovely story, very sad about the...”
about A new day! (Post)
mahalath
mahalath said: “So generally in Korea most people go through recruitment agencies,...”
about It's that time of year again! (Post)
mahalath
mahalath said: “As for Korea, I love it here, but I think...”
about It's that time of year again! (Post)
mahalath
mahalath said: “Hey! I wrote you a long reply the other day,...”
about It's that time of year again! (Post)
Elkist
Elkist said: “I only have experience of talking to agencies about the...”
about It's that time of year again! (Post)
emokit
emokit said: “Paul! Can you tell me how you get your computer...”
about PDixon (User)
JamesJenkin
JamesJenkin said: “That's so inspiring Paul - first to persevere with teaching...”
about A second Home! (Post)
Carky21
Carky21 said: “Yes it certainly does depend on your students and school...”
about PDixon (User)
sruthiv
sruthiv said: “Hi Paul...   I am still considering taking i-2-i course...”
about PDixon (User)
Carky21
Carky21 said: “Very useful blog there, that last bit about the onsens...”
about Cultural Differences in Japan! (Post)
Elkist
Elkist said: “Hey paul sorry to bother you again. I just wondered...”
about PDixon (User)
Elkist
Elkist said: “Never mind i found your post :)”
about PDixon (User)
Elkist
Elkist said: “Hi paul i am sure you have mentioned this somewhere...”
about PDixon (User)
steven2011
steven2011 said: “@ claudia_marie20  they do give you a very very tiny...”
about Cultural Differences in Japan! (Post)
steven2011
steven2011 said: “Fantastic Column. I had experienced all of the above. I...”
about Cultural Differences in Japan! (Post)
Steudl4
Steudl4 said: “Howdy, I was directed to you from LauraMC.  I'm looking...”
about PDixon (User)
claudia_marie20
claudia_marie20 said: “Are onsens like co-ed spas ? That is unusual...What if you dont...”
about Cultural Differences in Japan! (Post)
honor
honor said: “Great tips Paul - thanks for sharing!”
about Cultural Differences in Japan! (Post)
mahalath
mahalath said: “Aww, I'm sorry to hear this, I hope things are...”
about First day back! (Post)
Eliomar
Eliomar said: “I completely agree with Timeflies.  I too completed the online...”
about Help - I'm stuck on check point 1-5!!! (Post)
Timeflies
Timeflies said: “I thoroughly agree with you Paul. I wasn't a member...”
about Help - I'm stuck on check point 1-5!!! (Post)
Timeflies
Timeflies said: “Just keep your chin up. Stay strong. Life is shit...”
about Japanese apartment in Yamada after tsunami (Video)
Timeflies
Timeflies said: “Hi Paul, I've watched all your videos and I cannot...”
about Japanese apartment in Yamada after tsunami (Video)
nanami
nanami said: “It's moving to see how people are able to band...”
about Update in Japan (Post)
honor
honor said: “Paul, I'm so sorry to hear about the sad loss...”
about Extremely sad news - Japan (Post)
curlsandpearls
curlsandpearls said: “I instantly thought of you the day the earthquake happened......”
about Extremely sad news - Japan (Post)
sammyB
sammyB said: “I am sorry sorry to hear about what you have...”
about Extremely sad news - Japan (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Hi Paul,Hope all is well with you. Saw your photos...”
about PDixon (User)
honor
honor said: “Glad you're keeping positive in what must be extraordinarily difficult...”
about Update in Japan (Post)
huntt3456
huntt3456 said: “Glad to hear your 250km away. I've been following the...”
about I'm OK (Post)
huntt3456
huntt3456 said: “It just brings it home that much more reading this...”
about Before and after the Earthquake (Post)
huntt3456
huntt3456 said: “Glad that to see that your ok. Was worried at...”
about I'm OK (Post)
Deborah457
Deborah457 said: “I just came across your post. I felt tears welling...”
about I'm OK (Post)
willow83
willow83 said: “Unfortunately things like stomach bugs will spread fast. With disaster...”
about I'm OK (Post)
laura_mc
laura_mc said: “So glad you're OK Paul. We were really worried about...”
about I'm OK (Post)
Barvida
Barvida said: “Good to hear your OK Paul, Must have been a...”
about I'm OK (Post)
princess81
princess81 said: “you are SO lucky. but i guess it is hard...”
about I'm OK (Post)
princess81
princess81 said: “I dont know you but I was reading your blogs...”
about I'm OK (Post)
Agnieszka
Agnieszka said: “hi hope u well and everything is fine....”
about PDixon (User)
honor
honor said: “Hey, How's things looking in Iwate? Hope you're doing OK?...”
about PDixon (User)
sammyB
sammyB said: “Hey!!:-0)   Its been a while-) Hows things going? The...”
about PDixon (User)
honor
honor said: “Haha, glad you posted that comment - I'd totally forgotten...”
about PDixon (User)
huntt3456
huntt3456 said: “Hey Paul, First of all I would like to say...”
about PDixon (User)
Elkist
Elkist said: “Very amusing thankyou :P”
about A Day in My Life as a TEFL Teacher (Post)
honor
honor said: “Oh no, hope you get well soon Paul!”
about Sick in Japan (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Oh, hope everything turns out ok for you Paul. I...”
about Second time around (Post)
beeker1972
beeker1972 said: “My goodness and here i thought the japanese were all...”
about Second time around (Post)
honor
honor said: “Oh no, that is hard! I'm sure that whatever you...”
about The dilema of a changeling (Post)
anuxt1
anuxt1 said: “A very good close-up.”
about tokyo tower (Photo)
madlee
madlee said: “Some things are down to regional variation. Colloquial language may...”
about Justin Lee Collins - turning japanese (Post)
madlee
madlee said: “Ah yes, Gloucester Cheese Rolling - videos of that on...”
about Justin Lee Collins - turning japanese (Post)
honor
honor said: “Sounds like a good call to stay, especially if you've...”
about I must be mad!!! (Post)
AndyESL
AndyESL said: “Hi Paul, I saw your response about contracts in Japan...”
about PDixon (User)
sammyB
sammyB said: “Thanks for that i'll check it out:-) And for the...”
about PDixon (User)
willow83
willow83 said: “Hi again.  Thanks for commenting. I do have a degree, so...”
about PDixon (User)
sammyB
sammyB said: “Hey:-0) Leo Palace what is that?:-0) You lost me a...”
about PDixon (User)
willow83
willow83 said: “I've been reading up on place, and I agree (from...”
about Need YOUR help!!! (Post)
willow83
willow83 said: “Hi Paul Quick question... after working in a Catholic school...”
about PDixon (User)
sammyB
sammyB said: “Thanks for the information Paul:-) Its very helpful:-) Have you...”
about PDixon (User)
sammyB
sammyB said: “Hi Paul:-0  ) Hope your well. I have been reading...”
about PDixon (User)
saz1241
saz1241 said: “Personally I think Osaka is way better to live in...”
about Need YOUR help!!! (Post)
willow83
willow83 said: “Just read this and it hass outlined one of my...”
about The hardest thing of all (Post)
willow83
willow83 said: “Hi there Currently trying to get through your blogs and...”
about PDixon (User)
Timeflies
Timeflies said: “It doesn't sound fun at all. Hope you get the...”
about Braving the Cold!!! (Post)
Timeflies
Timeflies said: “A very interesting read. Thanks. In parts, it kind of...”
about Braving the Cold!!! (Post)
CescaB
CescaB said: “Thanks for putting up so many blogs, Paul! They are...”
about PDixon (User)
paddy110_1
paddy110_1 said: “Hey Paul,   Sorry to contact you directly but it...”
about PDixon (User)
Anand
Anand said: “NGO= Non-Governmental Organisation.......i.e- WWF, CRY, UNO etc”
about PDixon (User)
Palepinkpetal
Palepinkpetal said: “yeah the crisis and stuff and yep playa de los...”
about Braving the Cold! (Post)
Palepinkpetal
Palepinkpetal said: “Yep it's Tenerife, and as for turists there are none...”
about Braving the Cold! (Post)
Palepinkpetal
Palepinkpetal said: “I thought japan was slightly lower than spain ._. either...”
about Braving the Cold! (Post)
Palepinkpetal
Palepinkpetal said: “Yes it did thanks, glad to hear a ps3 works...”
about What are you doing this Christmas? (Post)
Palepinkpetal
Palepinkpetal said: “Also meaning to ask, you have a wii there, did...”
about What are you doing this Christmas? (Post)
Palepinkpetal
Palepinkpetal said: “Well it's a good job they get paid in spain...”
about What are you doing this Christmas? (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “I only get a long weekend. Don't have anything planned...”
about What are you doing this Christmas? (Post)
deliporo
deliporo said: “Hi Paul, I'm also hoping to teach in Japan some...”
about PDixon (User)
huntt3456
huntt3456 said: “Paul,   I just wanna say thanks for the website...”
about PDixon (User)
huntt3456
huntt3456 said: “Hi Paul, I'm looking into getting a teaching job/placement in...”
about PDixon (User)
sayhitokyle
sayhitokyle said: “That's a really helpful post! :) One question I have...”
about The truth about saving money in Japan. (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Our school just had a sports day. They wanted me...”
about Sports day in japan (Video)
krystalphoenix
krystalphoenix said: “Hi Paul, I'm looking to teach in Japan and am...”
about PDixon (User)
Fiona82
Fiona82 said: “Hi Paul, Looks like you are having a fantastic time...”
about PDixon (User)
honor
honor said: “This is beautiful! Keep the videos coming Paul - love...”
about Autumn leaves in japan (Video)
Rin
Rin said: “Awesome. Can't wait to see more!”
about Autumn leaves in japan (Video)
jmblisse
jmblisse said: “Hello, thank you for your post. Yea not far down...”
about PDixon (User)
Jennycorfield
Jennycorfield said: “Hi Paul, a friend recommended I drop you a line...”
about PDixon (User)
anyabennett
anyabennett said: “I was wondering if i missed the square footage or...”
about Japanese apartment tour in Iwate (Video)
jmblisse
jmblisse said: “Fantastic article! How much is alcohol and is it expensive...”
about The truth about saving money in Japan. (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Thanks Paul. Very useful. Here in China, it is cheaper,...”
about The truth about saving money in Japan. (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Hi Paul, Thanks for your reply. I'll keep trying! Haha..”
about PDixon (User)
KatieJ88
KatieJ88 said: “This was very interesting, thanks! I've heard from soo many...”
about The truth about saving money in Japan. (Post)
Alig
Alig said: “Hi Paul, Thanks for linking to my profile.  Enjoying reading...”
about PDixon (User)
honor
honor said: “I spend most of my money on gin. And paint...”
about The truth about saving money in Japan. (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Awesome! I'm so jealous of you!!! ;)”
about JTJP 001 - monks praying (Video)
Rin
Rin said: “Cool. How is driving in Japan? Driving in China is...”
about Japanese Car (Video)
Rin
Rin said: “Hey Paul, How is Japan?? Awesome I bet!! I am...”
about PDixon (User)
Dudefella
Dudefella said: “It seems you or someone else deleted my last post....”
about New found fans! (Post)
madden
madden said: “Pictionary was always a big hit with my students”
about A new term! (Post)
ShiverZ
ShiverZ said: “Why is it that people have to needlessly spend their...”
about New found fans! (Post)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “NO! I'm lucky enough to have a 5 year old...”
about New found fans! (Post)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Hi Paul, Sorry to hear about the other blog, I...”
about An attack on me!!! (Post)
Nayani
Nayani said: “part 2..... (won't let me post my whole response!)  ...”
about An attack on me!!! (Post)
Nayani
Nayani said: “Hi Paul,I just had a read through that blog (the...”
about An attack on me!!! (Post)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Hi there, One of my favourite quotes is 'Do not...”
about An attack on me!!! (Post)
Angela1902
Angela1902 said: “I will be leaving behind my parents and two kids....”
about Saying Goodbye!!! (Post)
bethie000
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Clare101
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honor
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ShiverZ
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Patel4322
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Cassanne
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Wolfie
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PARAG77
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PARAG77
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ShiverZ
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ShiverZ said: “Thankyou so much for your advice Paul! I hope to...”
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honor
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i-to-i
i-to-i said: “That's great advice Paul! Anyone else have any tips?”
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Rin
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i-to-i
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SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Great video Paul, I definitely would have kept the chocolates...”
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Rin
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nilimadas
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dkennedy
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For those of you who may not be aware...maybe you live under a rock, or just don't care...it will soon be Christmas.Christmas can be a very busy time of the year for most people, especially teachers.Generally we are asked to cram everything we know about Christmas into a couple of lessons (sometimes one lesson).I never know what I should cover...do i take the religious route and explain about Jesus...OR...do I take the good will, present...
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It's that time of the year when many people are considering the possible adventure or teaching overseas in Japan. So, this is a post to hopefully help people who want to come to Japan! 1) I want to teach in Japan, how do I get there? This is one of the most common questions, but the answers isn't that straight forward and has many grey areas. For non-native speakers it is quite difficult because usually...
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P Dixon,


Word on the ether is your the man for all things tefl related to japan : )  Just like yourself i have a similar degree in filmand have just started out the 140 hour course, I want to to go to jap and make a career of it, What advice can you give a newbie? Is it wise to look for jobs at such a early stage? will employers consider taking someone on who has just started the tefl course etc? lots more question but dont want to bog you down with the FAQ's you get thrown your way,


p.s is it cool to add you as friend


thanks

"After recent events of the tsunami everything is gradually returning to normal...i decided to stay and support my schools, friends and local community"

Good on you PDixon, Im sure the people around you must appreciate and value you as a teacher and person who has remained in the country even after the challenges which face it.

Hi P Dixon,

Thank you very much for your comment about my decision, It was very helpful to me to know that after some time you actually start to miss the place in which you work and call it home!

Regards
Hellomoto


Hi Paul, 


I hope you don't mind but HelenHargreave suggested contatcing yourself and Craigindublin.


I’m sure this is a very common question, so I apologise, but would you have any suggestions for finding teaching work in Japan (Tokyo) for those without a degree? I am moving there in a few weeks, and I have been studying Japanese for a year in preparation. I have completed an online TEFL course and intend to complete another classroom course, but it is proving very difficult to find any opportunities that don’t require a degree or significant experience. I believe that I have a suitable personality and sufficient English skills to teach, but do you think private lessons will be my only option?


Thank you for any help.


Andy


Hi Paul!


Thanks for the blog comment, I really do want to go to Japan. Fingers crossed that once I finish my TEFL course I can go out there! 


 

Hi Paul

I'm needing to 'spruce up' my resume and it's looking more and more likely that I will need some sort of degree to find half-decent work in Japan. I have over 14 years teaching experience including 7 years TEFL in China, TEFL/TESOL certificates but only high-school level education. I believe I am able to qualify for a 'Specialities in Humanities' visa but the real problem is finding employers willing to employ somebody who does not have a degree.

Do you have any advice on a good TEFL/TESOL or teaching related degree (Bachelors probably) I can do on line through a distant learning programme and in a relatively short amount of time (1-2 years).

Regards, 

Jim

Hello, PDixon. I was referred to you, by another member, who said that you would definately be the one to answer my questions about working in Japan. So here they are :)


For starters, can you give me the whole exact list of things that you need in order to teach in Japan as an ETL? Like items such as Bachelors, etc.  Also another question is how long would it take to actually receive your ETL certificate? I haven't gotten my Bachelor's as of yet, but I wanted to jump right into the ETL the moment after I graduate from college (next year I believe is the date) 


Thank you! :)

Hey Paul,


How are you doing? I was in touch with you a while back, just thought I'd update you - I got a job and didn't have to leave the country to get the visa (to change from Temporary Visitor to Working Visa).


It was actually very simple! Berlitz helped me fill in the COE application, when they received my COE I then brought it to immigration. Once the visa status change is in process, it doesn't matter if you overstay on Visitor Visa :)


I thought I'd let you know in case anyone else needs some help.


As an aside, I found Interac here in Tokyo to be absolutely useless! So now I must really start learning some Japanese!


How are things with you?


Peter

im not comming over until august luckly as I need time to save but I just want to be as prepared as possible and plan ahead as it's a big move. I think renting privately might be the way to go espeacially if it might means i get a bit more space. The Japanese in general strike me as polite and unobtrusive people but I just don't want to push my lukc you know and I like to make good impressions, so thank you for your advice. Hope your having a good weekend :)

random question for you. How accepting are the japanese (landlords) of you having guests and how long is too long? My partner wants to come over for a fair few weeks (as many as we can politely get away with before we look rude or cause trouble or look bad in general) but how ok is this? How long is to long for guests? Is there any sensible solution to this other then making people stay in hotels?

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