PDixon (Featured Writer)

Img_2225a_medium

My Details

Dashboard

Stats

  • Member since: 03/24/10
  • PDixon has written 59 Journal entries.
  • PDixon has uploaded 28 photos.
  • PDixon has left 59 comments.
  • PDixon has 98 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 (98)




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: “This will be my 3rd year :-)  ”
about I'm staying!!! (Post)
PDixon
PDixon said: “where are you from? - if you are not from...”
about Where are all the jobs?! (Post)
PDixon
PDixon said: “with no degree is does limit you on choices BUT...”
about Job Trouble (Post)
PDixon
PDixon said: “@pameladon - to teach in the UK you are better...”
about i am soooooooooo lost! (Post)
PDixon
PDixon said: “i think with the specialist courses (the 5-10 hours courses)...”
about i am soooooooooo lost! (Post)

Comments on my stuff

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)
d3lta69
d3lta69 said: “well i wouldn't take it personally, the forum is mainly...”
about An attack on me!!! (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
bethie000 said: “Death always comes as shock, even if it was someone you...”
about The hardest thing of all (Post)
Clare101
Clare101 said: “Hey Paul, I hope you're doing OK. I'm starting to worry...”
about The hardest thing of all (Post)
honor
honor said: “Crazy! It's like the uber version of an internet cafe...”
about Internet booth, Japan (Video)
ShiverZ
ShiverZ said: “I'm sorry to hear about your Aunt, I hope you...”
about The hardest thing of all (Post)
katieloudreaming
katieloudreaming said: “Hi Paul My condolences on the death of your aunt....”
about The hardest thing of all (Post)
Patel4322
Patel4322 said: “That's a cool car....how long have you worked in Japan...”
about Japanese Car (Video)
Cassanne
Cassanne said: “Traveling any place away from your country of birth brings...”
about A squatters life in Japan (Post)
Wolfie
Wolfie said: “It's such a cute car! :)”
about Japanese Car (Video)
honor
honor said: “Sorry you've been feeling ill Paul, but glad you're on...”
about A delayed repsonce (Post)
PARAG77
PARAG77 said: “Hi, thanks for all the help. The date I requested...”
about PDixon (User)
Spiwak432
Spiwak432 said: “I can imagine. :)  I haven't driven since I came...”
about A delayed repsonce (Post)
Spiwak432
Spiwak432 said: “Wow!  Glad you starting to feel better, and I hope...”
about A delayed repsonce (Post)
PARAG77
PARAG77 said: “I have gone throught I to I. Although the phrase...”
about PDixon (User)
PARAG77
PARAG77 said: “Hi. You appear to be the residential expert on all...”
about PDixon (User)
ShiverZ
ShiverZ said: “Thankyou once again for your help! ^___^ Would I mention...”
about PDixon (User)
ShiverZ
ShiverZ said: “Thankyou so much for your advice Paul! I hope to...”
about PDixon (User)
ShiverZ
ShiverZ said: “Hey Paul! I was linked to you via SamLennie, as...”
about PDixon (User)
honor
honor said: “Oh my god, I have so many traumatic memories of...”
about High School Sports Festival (Post)
i-to-iToronto
i-to-iToronto said: “Konnichiwa Paulchan, I hope the car situation works out for...”
about PDixon (User)
i-to-iToronto
i-to-iToronto said: “Hey Paul,  This post was actually copied from the blog...”
about PDixon (User)
honor
honor said: “Hey Paul,   I love this! Just to let you...”
about A Day in My Life as a TEFL Teacher (Post)
honor
honor said: “Hey Paul,   I love this! Just to let you...”
about A Day in My Life as a TEFL Teacher (Post)
Rosie
Rosie said: “Hey! Great video, lovely apt, I'm very intrigued by the...”
about Japanese apartment tour in Iwate (Video)
Rin
Rin said: “Hey Daraghm, I have just signed to teach in China...”
about Don't give up!!! (Post)
daraghm
daraghm said: “Hi Paul, Thank you for your great blog. I hope...”
about Don't give up!!! (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Great advice Paul!! I had heard that in Japan they...”
about Don't give up!!! (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “That's great advice Paul! Anyone else have any tips?”
about Don't give up!!! (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Love your apartment Paul! I'm dreading seeing mine to be...”
about Japanese apartment tour in Iwate (Video)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Ah I see, well ill look forward to seeing what...”
about Japanese apartment tour in Iwate (Video)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Wow your apartment is pretty big for just you! Particularly...”
about Japanese apartment tour in Iwate (Video)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Great video Paul, I definitely would have kept the chocolates...”
about Japanese apartment tour in Iwate (Video)
Rin
Rin said: “I just meant cos its so green. I didn't expect...”
about Miyako (Photo)
Rin
Rin said: “Is this Japan, yes? Wow... it could be England!”
about Miyako (Photo)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Beautiful!”
about Golden week (Photo)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Sound's like you had an amazing time Paul! If you...”
about Japanese Wedding (Post)
maxh1985
maxh1985 said: “cheers again for the further info, yeah ive been looking...”
about PDixon (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Great blog. I'm a little jealous to be honest. Japan...”
about Internet. Finally! (Post)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “I love it! Your blog was interesting enough anyway until...”
about Internet. Finally! (Post)
maxh1985
maxh1985 said: “Hi paul, thanks for the reply and the info on...”
about PDixon (User)
honor
honor said: “Oh no! Being ill on your birthday sounds rubbish -...”
about The past few weeks!!! (Post)
nilimadas
nilimadas said: “Well , that IS a lot  to take in all...”
about The past few weeks!!! (Post)
dkennedy
dkennedy said: “Hey, I have just recieved my TEFL qualifications and I...”
about PDixon (User)
maxh1985
maxh1985 said: “Also one more thing before i forget! With the job...”
about PDixon (User)
maxh1985
maxh1985 said: “Hi Paul, i imagine your probably being swamped by people...”
about PDixon (User)
lsummers86
lsummers86 said: “Hi Paul Good bloggage so far! It's good to know...”
about New place (Post)
honor
honor said: “I remember saying goodbye to people was really, really difficult,...”
about Saying Goodbye!!! (Post)
wils0nm
wils0nm said: “That's some really good advice! I appreciate it. I'm going...”
about PDixon (User)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Ohio gozimez paul!! (Good morning) I lived in the eating...”
about PDixon (User)
angbabz
angbabz said: “Hey!! thanks heaps for the msg, i would love to...”
about PDixon (User)
honor
honor said: “Yup - the videos will all be put here: http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/groups/83-A-Day-in-The-Life-of-a-TEFL-Teacher...”
about PDixon (User)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Good Luck Paul! I'm sure you will have a fantastic...”
about Not long now!!! (Post)

Recent Blog Posts

The Fountain of Truth - Japan! - Part 1

Toilets in Japan Yes! This post will hopefully lift the lid and reveal the truth behind plumbing (or lack of) in Japan. Now there comes a time, in everyones TEFL life, when you have to go but are confronted with the problem of "How do I use THIS toilet?" Surprisingly Japan actually has an array of toilets, from squatters to ones that wash and dry you! Of course, there are still the little boys (and...
read more

Light up Japan!!!

Lights in Japan! Japan is known for all its wonderful, and sometime strange, devices that can become a fad or everyday necessity. Now, I'm sure you have all heard of the toilets that wash you with warm water and if you are lucky will blow dry your down below areas. - if not, more on that another time! For now, I want to introduce you to the world of Japanese lights! The most common of...
read more
View my blog

Profile Comments

Add Your Comment!

Log in to leave a comment or Create an account

your comment did help, I'm dyslexic too so it was actually really reassuring, I'm very like you in the way I learn best and the way we use pictures and gestures when communicating. You teach in Japan but like me have no formal training, learn on the job best or by actually doing the tasks and you think outside the box. It gives me confidence that a few years ago you were in my shoes and your doing just fine, so thank you, you've been very encouraging and I feel a bit more positive now. Thank you ^_^


Hi Paul,


Thank you for the response on my blog post- I appreciate you taking the time to fill me in on your experience so far! It's also reassuring to know that I'm not the only person who's fast-approaching graduation struck a chord of panic!


I know exactly what you mean about the current state of the job-market. It doesn't exactly fill you with confidence when people who graduated last year are still struggling to secure jobs in this country! I'd always ruled teaching out as a career option because I was adament that I didn't want to teach in this country and it was only by a recommendation from a friend that I looked into teaching abroad - a much more appealing prospect!


At the moment I'm still having difficulty deciding where exactly I want to go but I'm almost definitely settled on Asia. I'm absolutely fascinated by Asian culture and cannot wait to be able to immerse myself in it whilst being able to earn a living! It sounds like you're having a great time, if you're considering staying out there longer and I see that you're teaching in 2 high schools which must be a change of pace to elementary school teaching - do you enjoy it? Is the general Japanese school system drastically different to that of ours, silly question I'm sure, as I imagine in many respects they're worlds apart! How about adjusting to everyday life? I can imagine that must have been a struggle! Had you visited Japan prior to moving out there?


Sorry to bombard you with questions, I'm just so intrigued to learn as much as I can and you know the ropes! 



Many thanks for your time!


Becky

wow thank you I feel a bit more prepared now then before. I was aiming to avoid a loan but I might have too but if I do it wont be for much, I don't like owing any one other then student finance money lol but it is tought trying to save up so much. I can't believe people left during orientation but i guess its better to leave then, then during term. I also feel a bit more relieved to know that I will actually be a teaching assistance and that I'm not expected to just teach a whole lesson by myself. Thanks for all your help, I feel a bit more prepared now. :) I mean they try to answer your questions as much as possible in advance but it's nice to hear it from someone whose actually there, living it every day, you just believe it more which is silly but it's true.

thank you, you've been incredily helpful. I have expectations but your not sure how much of that is relastic so having someone like yourself to run the ideas past has been incredible helpful. I have one last question and then i shall leave you in peace :) They have requested that I have £4000 or 50,000 yen plus I have to buy plane fair to get there, is £4000 an over estimate that interac give you so that no matter what your ok during your first month or are you genuinly likely to spend it all? I am not aiming to live near tokyo.


Thanks again, you've been incredbly helpful and I feel less freaked out right now because of your help :) its nice to get some perspective from someone who actually truly knows.

thank you, I've got rosetta stone so I will give that a go and like you were im working full time so it's taking me quite a while to make my way through the I-TO-I course.  They say your a teaching assistant but in some cases I almost get the impression your full on teaching which is a bit intimidating so i really hope your right as that would take some of the pressure off. Who are you actually working for out there? 


Thanks for the tips :)

I have recently got a job through interac and I go to Japan in August but I am a bit worried because I'm only part way through my I-TO-I course and have never taught before and have very little japanese language skills, I can say the hello's,goodbye's, thankyou's but thats about it so I am fully aware I'm in for a challenge. Any tips? What will be the biggest challenge? What experience did you have before going out there as far as your teaching abilities and knowledge of the japanese language? Any tips would be great.

Thank you so much for your help!! I had applied to Interac, but I had not come across Joy Talk, they look like a really fantastic company to work for. So thank you again!

Congratulations Paul for winning the 'Come TEFL with Me' competition..So my vote did count. Cheers.

Hi Paul, Omedetou on winning the "Come TEFL With Me" competition! 


I want to teach in Japan, and I was wondering if applying for the job in person would be a better method versus applying it while I am in California. 


thank you! :) - Rachael

As we say here in Japan - やった (yatta - I did it)


Thank you Katie for suggesting me to enter because i wasnt going to - also thank you TJagdev for voting and everything


(and thank you for everyone else who voted and support the post)

» All comments
» Comments RSS