Quote:
Originally Posted by SSJup81
It does seem to be the key and I'm ready to adapt! I'm also anxious to observe the Japanese education system firsthand.
Also, on the flexibility thing, that's one of the things I've noticed from others, especially with the school and placement situation since there's no guarantee, if you're accepted, that you're going to get your first choice, or any choices for the matter.
Places I want to put down (placements) are:
Toubetsu-cho, Ishikari-shicho, Hokkaido
Miyagi-ken (Sendai particularly sounds nice, minus the rainy season stuff)
Akita-ken
Tochigi-ken
Saitama-ken (only because it's my sister city)
I'm leaning most towards putting down Ishikari, Tochigi, and Saitama. I might change my mind, but Ishikari is my first choice.
Oh, I've been asking this for a while. What are the key differences from rural, urban, and suburban settings in Japan? Is it similar to how the US is? You know, rural being pretty much the middle of nowhere, urban being the city, and suburban being...a place where you more than likely need a car...
I already know you have no say what-so-ever with the schools you're placed in. I just hope that if I do manage to get in, that it's a nice school with eager students. ^^;
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Definitely think hard about where you want to be placed if it's a rural area--most likely you will get your top pick because most people put down (surprise surprise) Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto.
I put Nagano as my second choice (after Kyoto) and was placed there. I was living (and still am) in the COUNTRYside. I really love it--some people might not, but. . . If your goal is to learn Japanese, living in the countryside is better in my opinion. Much less distraction and more opportunities to interact with local people.
Often you will need a car in rural areas. But that's cool too because second-hand cars are cheap and it's nice having your own ride.
Also, class sizes are much smaller in the countryside, and the kids are better behaved (perhaps).
Check out my blog,
In the Pines, about life in the countryside for a better idea of what it's like.
All in all I highly recommend working in the countryside--you'll be making enough you can go to the city for some wild nights once and a while. Of course I had plenty of wild nights out in the woods too!