Like I've mentioned, I've only done a small amount of research. So I didn't realize that a college degree was what made it possible.
So, thank you very much for stating that!
: D

This whole "living in Japan" concept contains lot of steps I'm unfamiliar with, with me being so young and inexperienced.

So, again, wow, thank you.
I really appreciate it.

I do have a question about visa's though.
Again, this is one of the many things that I'm very unfamiliar with.
I understand that they have expiration dates, but how is the duration determined?
And when that deadline approaches, do you just renew it?

I'm sorry if I sound ignorant, but it's true, with this subject I'm just starting to learn about the requirements and processes that goes into it.
: )

I appreciate any response that you can give me.

Japan Immigration determines the duration of visas, using criteria that they do not make public. Working visas and spouse visas for example come in one-year and three-year versions. Some people get a three-year visa when they first arrive in Japan, others have to renew several times before they finally get a three-year visa. You can renew these visas indefinitely provided you still fulfill the requirements i.e. still have a job/are still married to a Japanese national.

Student visas are a bit simpler- your visa is valid for as long as your course runs- usually 6 months or one year.

Okay, thank you!
: )
I appreciate it.

You need only a 4 year college degree. A TEFL certificate is nice, but it's superfluous as most schools follow a set-in-stone curriculum using their own texts and methods. The only certificate really worth having is a CELTA, it will open a few doors in Japan, and also qualify you to teach in English-speaking countries.

If you really want to get a good teaching job, get a degree in education or English. If you want a decent-paying job, work toward a masters degree, this will qualify you for university teaching positions which pay double or more what the usual teaching positions in Japan pay.

What are your recommendations and experiences for/from living in Japan.

What is the most important thing??
Teaching English or traveling?

I have seen the effects of uninspiring ALT's who were way over their heads and made English less than fun for everyone around them. Then they leave. Rinse and repeat. Truth be told, some of the "local" foreigners can't teach worth a shit either but the ALT's are almost exclusively shitty.


I hope my posts will save just one whale...er...I mean one child's mind:rolleyes:

Okay, thanks so much for the tip.
: )
I've never heard of a CELTA, so I'll have to look it up some more.
Again, thank you.
^^

I think you have a really negative outlook toward this, with good reason, I'm sure.
Just know, that if this was something I decided on, it would be a commitment and I'd want to make it the best situation that I could possibly make for everyone.

I don't want to be a bitter, I-hate-my-job-and-I'm -only-here-for-the-travel, type of person.

Learning a new language is supposed to be a fun and exciting experience that will open up doors for everyone INCLUDING me, if I do decide on this.

All I can think of is my French teacher from last year, who ALWAYS came into class smiling and laughing-loving her job!
She made learning French such a fun and exciting experience. She made that class feel like a family and brought everyone together.

I hope to be able to do that, no matter what I choose to do in life.
Your career and future options need to be for something that will bring you joy.

And I'm still in high school, so I have years before I can even consider making a move there! I can take classes to prepare myself-I can learn all I can NOW to better my chances of making myself and others happier if I go there.

Maybe I sound naive, but oh well.
That's my outlook as of now, and I will commit to anything I decide to do.

But, thank you for your opinion and input.

Don't forget to study both languages and be fluent in both. Again, have much paitence with getting used to the culture. Although, try not to think of the culture as an obstacle, it's a lot harder to appreciate it if you do. Always do your best to be optimistic aboutit. There's no doubt you'll have some sort of challenge, everyone does, no matter how prepared you come. Just be open and optimistic, and you'll make it :D :vsign:

Thank you!
Yeah, luckily, I've already been planning to take Japanese language classes starting this summer or by this fall.
Because even if I don't pursue this route, Japan is definitely somewhere I'd like to go for a visit or two; knowing the language would be very beneficial to the trip.
: )

And I get what you mean: Keeping a positive attitude and open heart and mind about a situation will help toward getting through obstacles along the way.
I just hope that if I do decide to pursue this, I can remember to maintain it, which I think with the proper preparations, shouldn't be overly unbearable.

^^

I've always found other cultures fascinating, and not just limiting that statement to Japan.
I mean, to be able to imagine a path where I'd be involved within a different culture is sort of surreal. Just thinking about the possibility is a joy in itself. It's sort of scary, but it's awesome at the same time.


Haha, but anyways, thanks so much for your post.
I didn't mean to ramble!
And, I appreciate the advice!

Just bein' the honest cookie ;)

You'll have a blast!