Why Japan?

Why I want to teach  in Japan?

Over the past several months, I have had time to wonder what it is that I am truly passionate about. Last December, I graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in elementary education uncertain about the job market and what specifically I wanted to do. Certainly, I have a passion for working with kids. Being the son of a daycare provider, I have literally grown up around them. It seems as if every job I applied for has some aspect of working with children. A second passion of mine is to help others utilize their strengths to become successful. From these passions also stems this itch to discover the world myself. Bridging this, I have come to a seeking unique ways to work out these passions. This led me to MeySen and teaching English in Japan.

                I understand that teaching in Japan is quite a drastic difference from my current lifestyle. I live comfortably around several people I have known for years and places I know like the back of my hand. Why leave all the familiarity? It is that passion to discover new things and explore the world. I believe teaching English in Japan will give me a broader perspective on the world. I know that by teaching Japanese children I will also learn as much from them if not more. This intellectual reciprocity ignites an excitement in me. I’m excited for new places to see, new cultures to learn and experiences to be had.

                Along with my interest in a new culture, I want to teach English as part of my passions to educate. As the years grow on and society continues to be more intertwined across cultures, it is imperative that we understand each other. Japanese students need the opportunity to understand the English language to help bridge the barriers that can exist with our different cultures. As they work to understand English, it will provide a better opportunity for native English speakers to better understand them and learn their culture. I know that by teaching English, I will also have an opportunity to learn Japanese in the process. By getting into the forefront of the communication barrier, I can work to bridge that gap between our cultures.

                Teaching English also taps into my passion to work with children. I am excited to come up with innovative ways to get students to become fluent in English. I enjoy the unique challenge of working with children who have uniquely different backgrounds and understanding. I believe that our curiosity about each other will make for an enjoyable and stimulating experience for both the students and me. 

                I believe teaching English in Japan will feel like an interesting experience and not like a job. Being fully immersed into a culture different than my own gives me both a sense of fear and excitement. I understand that it will not be an easy task and requires hard work.  I am excited to live and learn so much about the culture as I teach about mine. In the end, I know that an experience like the program at Meysen will be something that can last a lifetime no matter how many years I end up in Japan.