you mistake my post, I did say I wouldn't make a decision until I visited. I have also said that this is in the thinking/planning phase thus a lot could be subject to change. Secondly I'll try to explain this as best as I can.

I don't have anything that potentially would tie me down in that states (only family, but that's a different matter). In essence it does not matter If I choose a career path in USA, Japan, or Israel. Yes, it is easiest to do in your own country, but I'm not looking for a life made "easy" I want to do what I like within bounds. No, I don't dislike the USA I love what it stands for. I would have more rights here then In Japan. The US Government is not at the point to where it's a joke like Japans but that's not what I care for. I'm not running from anything and indeed I would miss the USA and still support it through all the good it does for the world. The only Western part of culture that would that I would miss is "warhammer" then again I can find that here, not as big as in the west but it's here (check out gamesworkshop if you don't know what that is).

I want to live in a country doing something I love. Teaching would be something I would care for because simply I like to teach. The language in Japan also is something I find fascinating (hence one of the reasons why I would not find it difficult to learn). Food would be good for me (in America it was to easy to become fat). I like the idea of a culture actually based on family and responsibility (at the surface it looks like they still believe that). I actually would be able to get around without a car (I know this is in some areas but nevertheless appeals to me). I will say I do like anime and manga but then again I do watch more news then the two combined. Overall I have judge from what I know of Japan to be something I would be more interested in working in then US culture.

A lot of what I said can be subjective to where you live in the USA, and as such makes a moot point in comparing the two. It's the same as to the various regions of the States and why some would prefer New York to say rural Kentucky. As of right know I believe (as much as I can without visiting) I would be more satisfied living in Japan then here. I would also say if I'm going to go over there I'm not coming back, I don't like the idea of starting a life somewhere completely alien to me only to make money, or to live "fun". I'm not going to put off the rest of my life (like marriage; kids; fulfillment) to only come back to the US when I'm 40 or 50. I've wasted enough of my life, to know the difference between living a dream and reality; sure if I do go, it's going to be hard the first years. I only got one life, got to make the best situation I can with potential that is offered to me (mainly because of the United States)

I have lived in several countries besides Japan. Japan was the most difficult by far.
You love to teach. Teaching gets old after awhile. To work at a University, like my friend, you need not only to be fluent (and knowledgeable about grammar) in English but in Japanese also (writing and grammar). I spoke 3 languages before learning Japanese and Japanese is the most difficult and I am still learning how to read and write it.
Food. Food is not too different anymore. They have most of the same fast food there and I guarantee you will get tired of rice and fish if you weren't brought up eating it. There also are many "American" foods at the market, so don't count on being thin unless you already are.
Not having a car is nice, until you need one. Try to bring home a computer on a train, it sucks. Also, having to go home before the trains stop running or pay an outrageous cab fare is another thing to keep in mind. If you enjoy something like camping, try taking your camping gear on a train or bus. No fun.
Working in Japan. Japanese working conditions are much different than the US. More hours, and you are expected to put work before everything, including family and friends. Under Japanese law you are given the same rights as a Japanese worker, but good luck in finding a court or lawyer who will not discriminate against a gaijin (this happened to me when I got injured on the job there). You will find discrimination in other parts of Japanese society too. Like my girlfriend broke up with me because her family didn't want her to date a gaijin. It was a eye opening chapter in my life.
Now, I will agree with the family being important and responsibility too. Many of the Japanese families have problems because of the work is first idea, it doesn't leave time for the family. Many Japanese women look for a Western mate because work isn't our lives (at least this is some of their thinking). I would never consider an American wife ever again after dating Japanese women.(no offense American women reading this, just my opinion)
Just be sure you think it out good before you make a decision. Get a degree in something that excites you, not something that might be handy to live in Japan. Sorry if this isn't what you want to hear.

It looks like your rationale can be applied to any non-English speaking country. :confused:

If you're not looking for a "life made easy" and want to experience something new, perhaps you should consider the Peace Corps, Doctors Without Borders, the military. ;)

Where to start?

I know Japan is not easy to live in, even then for a foreigner. Here lies the fundamental concept that going to another country where less opportunity awaits you isn't logical (barring people who line up a lucrative deal). That said I'm trying to be as realistic as possible, as Japan is no fun land of imagination and cosplay mates. It has some major problems mainly do to the corrupt way working people are treated. I'll try to give more information about my background and reason(s) why I would want to live in Japan.

For me, and it's different for each individual learning Japanese would not be considered "hard". I'll give reasons; first off I'll fascinated by the way the language is portrayed, I have a very good memory for symbols (like around 85-90% tested), Have a very needed application for said material, have some experience in trying to learn an foreign language, and a will to put myself into a position to learn it like a "baby would they're first language". That said, it doesn't change the fact that the language is hard, I believe over some said individuals I have an easier time learning it.

Teaching is one of the iron-clad need I have. I simply love it being theology to actually helping people with some grammar and sentencing (as best as an non-trained American can do). I simply do not believe I will tire of it. To even be considered for a University you have to have a minimum masters in TESOL, some experience in teaching undergraduate, and published papers relating to said subject. Secondly I also want to go there to help out with the local churches (christian) I have a great desire to do that also.

It's my fault for not completely informing everyone of my background and the lack of communication has caused some misinformation. What I mean by the food is overall the image can lead to an healthier eating habits. I have been raised on fish, although I prefer noodles to rice. I will repeat I don't like fast food, or coke wither that be here or in Japan. I also have an habit of all ways wanting to try new food, which bleeds into me wanted to cook different foods.

The whole things about the care was more figurative then anything. What I meant was I like to travel without the use of a car, and being in Japan with it's transportation system is a nice bonus. In reality it's really minor point (of course I have to get a car).

What you said (belyvis) about Japanese women is somewhat of a long the lines of what I was thinking about the difference between America and Japan culture. I at least knew at the surface those values where there. To be discriminated against is not something I really even consider a problem. I just don't care what people are going to find an fault in me. I'll even add no one should care, look at some of the blacks in USA during times of discrimination they rose to meet the challenge and beat it to. I cannot please everybody, not will I'll take offensive for what people think of me.

Teaching would be something I could put passion and professionalism behind (even with the stigma that comes with it in Japan). If I was in it for profit I would even give a dime about Japan (please I have to make money, no way around it).

Tuna,

Yes just about going to any other country can be ration the same way. I don't want to stress descriptive and short answers about going to another country. People are different and what draws them to another country is not important as long as they understand why they themselves are going. What needs to be stressed is the reality of such a situation. Reasons I will give as to why I haven't considered those you mention is; I don't want to shuffle myself around, want some control over my life, don't want to be a doctor.

Yes I know this question has been beaten to deaf. It's much better to take flack for asking, and getting knowledgeable about such an potential pitfall. Belyvis is good for providing necessary negatives for those (me included) who may want to go to Japan. Without a college degree all this is wish full thinking and in the five years it takes to get the education I want many things I plan may very well be in need of change. It doesn't hurt to have at the very least a plan of what you actually going to do/accomplish.

Good luck to you. I wished I lived in your dream world, it sounds nice.:ywave:

Ok, seeing how I did take your points seriously, I don't care to much for attitude. You don't know me, you have no idea what I try to plan and I though I made things clear about what I expect going to a new country, while apparently you don't care. You helped and yet you blast me for trying to have a conversation about the plan which is what it is right now and I cannot stress that enough. I came here wanting actual help not to be lambasted, I want to make a serious plan here realistically.

I don't need (for the matter no one does) snide remarks. I need conversation and help on a realistic plan. I posted my thoughts and personality so you could get a look at what type of person I am and better judge my position, not to call me a naive fool. I also have some experience in living in other sates (Illinois, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Minnesota, and North Carlina). I really don't know what your problem is. I was really enjoying your posts they where very helpful, then you come and post this.

I think he is saying you need to experience some more...and you are on that path. Don't be discouraged.

I didn't get that feeling from his (belyvis) post myself, MMM. I do second your suggestion that solemnclockwork shouldn't be discouraged in his planning.

And, solemnclockwork, belyvis' post is more a reaction to the vast majority of people posting here with entirely the wrong ideas about Japan. So much so that well-reasoned, intelligent threads like yours are seen through very jaded eyes that see only the negative that has been repeated so much in the past and most likely will be seen in the future (but not from forum members such as yourself).

Don't take it too personally.

I'm not saying don't follow your dream, just get your head out of the clouds. I went to Japan for a job only, not for anime, or becoming a Ninja or Samurai. I read all the posts about Japan (like you) but didn't believe the bad ones enough (like you again). While I loved Japan and it's people and culture, I wished I went in more prepared than I was (and I was better than most gaijin I met there).
We are all naive fools when it comes to moving to a foreign country. I've done it 3 times and I always ran into problems I never would have dreamed of. I just want youngsters (I am older than most on here, so most of you are youngsters), to be as prepared as possible without false ideas about a move to a place where most conceptions about it are wrong. I met many people who went back to their home countries crying and hating Japan and the people there because it didn't meet their expectations. I just want to make sure your expectations are realistic. Sorry if you feel I'm picking on you, but you will thank me later when you see what I am saying is true.

I wonder how all the people (like me) that moved to Japan before the Internet existed survived without a bevy of advice from strangers from around the world...