We all get to a point in life when we look back and think about all the things we have achieved, the things we regret, the happy memories etc. I was recently told that my last class with my 3rd grade students is fast approaching. In fact it is this Friday! You should make note that I have been teaching my 3rd grade students for 2 years and I have been through a lot with...

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Oh, Christmas Tree! Merry Christmas and aHappy New Year!!! Every country is different. Every one is different. Each and every person celebrates (of chooses not to) in a different way. I have many childhood memories, as I'm sure you do too, of Christmas time. The excitement of going to church to sing Christmas songs, whilst at the same time writing a list to santa. Many a time I asked my mother questions about baby Jesus...

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There is a new JET scheme being introduced into Japan, for most part it will not take affect until the next intakes in August.  To be honest it's not really a new scheme... It's more of alterations to the current scheme. Currently a JET has the benefits of ¥300,000 a month, they are exempt from tax and are sometimes offered cheaper teacher housing.  however, because the government has had to make cut backs and the fact...

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So, you've completed your TEFL course with flying colors but haven't a clue of where to go teach. Most people decide to do a checklist and hope that the country they chose covers most, if not everything, that is on the list. Here's a list of things most people want (in no particular order): Fun, exciting and adventurous Teaching is rewarding and the children are enjoyable to teach Plenty of time to travel and explore...

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Recently just read a post from an i-to-i intern at the office in Leeds and it really sums up what Chalkboard is all about.  If you haven't read the post, here's the link - "Let Chalkboard Change Your Life!" I was interesting to read that the number 1, or top priority, of why you should use 'Chalkbaord' is to come and find help or even ask for help when you are stuck on your TEFL...

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It has been awhile since I've written anything remotely uplifting with general overtone of happiness...but times are changing!!! For some of you, you are hard at work on your TEFL course...some of you are stressing, pulling your hair out and wondering, "When will it end!"... Others are plowing through with hope to get a teaching job ASAP. Whichever person you are; you all share one goal - to be a teacher in another country!  ...

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Over 7 months ago - on March 11th 2011 - The east coast of Japan was hit by an Earthquake registering 9m which caused a tsunami of equal size. It goes without saying that this was one of the biggest natural disasters in human recorded history and affected people all over the world. However, it seems that the media world has been quick to move on. 7 months is a relitively short time. Here in...

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Today when I woke up I felt something that I haven’t felt in a long time. It was sudden feeling of nerves mixed with excitement of the unexpected adventure of your first day of school. It was strange to be having such feelings considering I have been teaching with the same teachers, for the same school, with the same students (excluding first grades) for over a year. However, recently there was a tsunami that damaged...

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As the title says, "It's that time of year, again!" It's the time of year when you hit a sudden dip in the roller coaster ride and it creates that weird fuzzy feeling that for some can bring up a little bit of vomit. Summer vacation has just ended - I had an awesome time because my family came to visit me in Japan for 2 weeks. We spent a week in my local area...

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It's been awhile since posting or even writing for that matter on here. For those who don't know me, my name is Paul - I embarked on my tefl experience almost 2 years ago. After completing my university degree back in May of 2009 I found myself asking the question "Now what?" It's a very scary though, and feeling, when you've been in education all the way until the age of 23 and you suddenly...

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