News from our grads
Brooke McIntyre, Japan
1. How/Why did you first think of doing a TESOL course and going overseas?
I’ve always wanted to travel but, as we all know, going places comes at a cost! Having a degree and a TESOL certificate lets you go anywhere you want, live the local lifestyle AND get paid for it... who could ask for anything more?
2. Why did you choose Teach International?
I attended a great info session which got the wheels turning, but as I was studying at the time I didn’t think much more of it. One year and another information session later, taking the course was still at the back of my mind so I finally took the plunge. Best thing I could have done, five fun-filled days gives you endless access to an unknown world that’s just waiting for you to discover it.
3. How did the course help you prepare for the journey ahead?
The course really opens up your eyes to the amazing number of places you can teach in and a wealth of information on how best to go about it. It gave me the confidence and the know-how to get where I am today... Japan, the land of the rising sun.
4. Where are you teaching and how did you get the job?
I am teaching at an elementary school in Ibaraki prefecture as the 'ALT' (Assistant language teacher). I am the only foreigner in the school responsible for the English education of 467 kids! How I got the job...I subscribed to www.ohayosensei.com and answered a few ads. A few phone interviews later and I was in! It helped that another TESOL grad from NZ had just left the school so I was able to contact her about the job - it was highly recommended, which eases your mind a lot!
5. What do you enjoy most about living there?
Aside from the food (don't come to Japan if you don't like fish!), where I live, Ami, is considered a rural area yet it is only an hour north of Tokyo. I really enjoy experiencing both sides of Japan - the rural quiet side and the city side! I love the weekends; there is always something fun to do and places to explore.
6. What do you find challenging about living there?
Living in a smallish town there aren't a lot of other 'gaijiins' around so getting stared at ALL the time can be rather unnerving. Especially when you are at the public baths (I say throw your self-consciousness out the window and enjoy!).
7. Do you have any funny stories?
The latest English catchphrase seems to be "Come on Baby" (most likely picked up from a J-pop song). It's quite amusing when you walk into a classroom of 7-year olds and this is what they all shout at you!
8. What advice would you give to someone planning on teaching there?
It doesn't matter if you don't speak Japanese but make an effort to learn at least the basic greetings before you get here, it helps a lot. Come with an open mind and plenty of patience!
9. What are your future plans? Will you keep teaching and travelling?
I want to travel everywhere! I was lucky enough to score a seven-month contract (most are for one year). Once I finish in March, I plan to head to Central and South America and will most likely start teaching again when funds are low! I am really excited about the thought of living in Costa Rica.
10. Is there anything you would like to add?
The hardest part for me was choosing where I wanted to go. I had jobs lined up all over the place - China, Thailand, Ecuador, Venezuela and Greece! For the newbie teacher/solo traveller I think Japan is a great place to start. It's super safe, the people are friendly, the food is wonderful and the kids are fantastic to teach (most of them anyway!)
Feel free to email me if you have any questions about living in Japan.
Brooke McIntyre - Teach
International Graduate
