Saturday, April 24, 2010

Wanting to visit a school in Japan

Wanting to visit a school in Japan?
I teach 6th grade science and in June I will be visiting Japan. I would like to visit a school in Tokyo, but I am not sure the route I should take to making a visit possible. Does anyone have an idea or even better a person to contact? Thank you!
Japan - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Japanese schools are not open to tourists. Basically, such visit is not possible. The only case is when schools have a sports festival or cultural festival. But it's only a few times an year for each school. If it's OK to visit any school, you can visit college campuses because they are relatively open. You can just walk into one.
2 :
You need a certain official letter of introduction and the reservation. It seems quite difficult without any guarantor who is Japanese. Japan is not your home country. The board of education of each ward office in Tokyo would be one of right places to be asked. I don't think they speak any language out of Japanese though.
3 :
I don't know how but I've visited an elementary school in Japan. we sat through one class and talked a bit to the kids also. So I'm sure it's possible I just don't know how to do it.
4 :
My suggestion is to network: find a university in your area that has an exchange program with a Japanese University, have them contact someone in Japan with your request, they will then look for a school in their area here in Japan that will accommodate you. Now that they have started English education in elementary school, your visit could help add a bit of reality to their program. You should make a request to spend a typical day at school and perhaps bring an activity to share with the children. The teachers usually eat with the children, either with a home-prepared lunch or a school lunch, so find out if you need to bring your own lunch. If you strike out with this idea, contact me privately and I will look for you- I live in Tokyo, not far from Shinjuku and I have good contacts at my office.

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Friday, April 16, 2010

Can an American child go to public school in Japan

Can an American child go to public school in Japan?
I'll be moving my family over there for a job. if they can attend public school, is it free or what does it cost? Otherwise, how much is private school? Thanks!
Japan - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Yes and it is free. Private school starts at 2,000,000 yen per year (usually over $25,000 per year). http://traveljapanblog.com/wordpress/tag/tokyo-international-school/
2 :
I was a corporate expat to Japan, through my company. Yes your children can attend public school in Japan if you and your family are registered residents. The public school will educate your children based on the Japanese educational system and not based on any US curriculum. That being said, you already asked the next question, how much is private school. The short story is it depends on which school but in general all private schools in Tokyo such as ASIJ and Sacred Heart International schools, cost about $16,000 USD per year, per child. Usually, company expats and transferees are given a benefits package that includes up to 80% coverage of the family educational needs. Negotiate that point in your employment contract.
3 :
Yes regardless of nationality if you are a registered resident living in your city area they can attend public school. Once you move and register with the local city hall/office they have information on how to get your child enrolled into school. However, do you want them to attend a regular public school is the question? How old is the child? Does he or she speak Japanese? Do you think they will fall behind because of the lack of understanding in Japanese. This is where international schools come into factor. In an international school however, you can find an English speaking curriculum with other English speaking children etc. Check with your job if they will cover any educational expenses for your child.
4 :
You are not telling us how old the child is. It will decide whether they will attend a elementary, junior high, or high school. Public elementary and junior high schools are tuition free. But you need some money for school lunch, school trip, etc. Public high schools will require about $1500 per year as tuition.
5 :
Yes your child can attend public school in Japan as long as you are a registered resident living in that city. You will need to register with your local city or town hall and they will be able to assist you with enrollment details. In my experience pre-schools and elementary schools are fantastic for young kids of any nationality, but junior high and high schools are not as great because of the heavy work load and the pressure they face with the entrance exam to high school or university.

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Thursday, April 8, 2010

Can you go to school in Japan even though you know very little japanese

Can you go to school in Japan even though you know very little japanese?
I'm a college student (freshman) and my dream is to live and go to school in Japan but I don't know how to start..O.o;Is there a language school i can take? and how can I get an apartment. P.s;I'm half Japanese though my Japanese is half ass'ed,pardon my language.
Japan - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
It depends on what kind of school you want to go. If you are talking about colleges, you can't join without speaking Japanese. There are very few colleges with English classes in Japan. Temple University is one of them.
2 :
Unless your college is like my university and has partnerships with certain organisations, you'll probably need to take an entrance exam to get in. Which is in Japanese. You're going to need at least JLPT N1 for that. Getting an apartment in Japan is difficult and expensive- typically you will need a guarantor (meaning as a foreigner, you'll need to pay a guarantor company), as well as two weeks or more upfront rent, key money and often extras. You'll also need to prove that you'll be able to pay rent, which means you'll need a job- teaching English is your best bet, but for most positions they'll want you to already be within the country to even interview. I reccomend you start out somewhere like Sakura House, and check out the website Gaijinpot, both very useful.
3 :
See if you can get into Akita International University http://www.aiu.ac.jp/en/ They're a Liberal Arts university, so that might be a good place to start out. All classes are taught in English. They do have on campus living, and they try to pair the foreign students with Japanese students.
4 :
there are some universities that have courses for forgeiners. Keio Waseda Rikyo ICU Joji Aoyama Gakuin

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Thursday, April 1, 2010

Is anyone familiar with teaching English at an elementary school in Japan? Positive or negative experiences

Is anyone familiar with teaching English at an elementary school in Japan? Positive or negative experiences?
I am nearing 50 and want to travel while teaching elementary school.
Teaching - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Start from Blog one and keep reading. Very fun read. http://www.gaijinsmash.net/
2 :
good experience after college.

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