Interview starts here:
Me: what made u
want to live in japan?
Laurie: It's a
better way to experience a new culture by living and working in a country; I
didn't want to be a tourist for two weeks. Jet seemed like the ideal
opportunity
Me: what would
you say is the minimum amount of stay to not be classed as a tourist?
Laurie: I think working
in Japan for any amount of time means you're not a tourist. But I guess 6
months to really get a decent flavour of true Japan
Me: is their
working life better over there?
Laurie: Pros and
cons, they (teachers) work much harder, much longer hours, weekends, and no
overtime pay. However they go all out at work parties and holidays. They
(teachers) have a much better relationship with students and their parents than
UK schools. I would say, generally Japanese people work much harder than UK people;
have less holidays and much less free time. I wouldn't want to be a Japanese
person working in Japan. Being a foreign teacher in Japan is much easier, and
you have much more free time than Japanese people.
Me: oooh i see.
That’s quite interesting to hear about their relationships with students and
their parents.
Me: is there
anything you don't like about Japan?
Laurie: Erm, not
really. They do things differently as you'd expect being in another country, so
if you're understanding and open minded you'll get along fine. Of course there
are things I miss from the UK, but in general Japanese life is great for me. Oh,
umeboshi (sour plum).. I hate it haha! Ruins my bento if I accidentally eat it
:)
Me: ohh. What do
you miss from the UK? Does this mean you would live the rest of your life in
Japan if you could?
Laurie: I miss my
friends and family a lot. I also miss my cat lol. I miss gaming with my friends
and sleeping in late in my comfy bed. I also miss space. My bedroom in the UK
is almost as big as my apartment lol. I miss UK pizzas too lol.
If I could continue my job in Japan for the rest of my life
and would still be living with my GF I might consider it. I have a great live
hear at the moment, and will probably be a little lost when I return to the UK
after 2-3 years out here. I have a great life :)
Me: A little
lost?
Laurie: As in not
sure what to do next for my job
Me: What about
the dangers or earthquakes? Does that not put you off?
Laurie: Not at
all. If it did I wouldn't be living out here. There are many dangers in life;
if you're prepared and know what to do in case of an earthquake then chances
are you'll be ok
Me: I guess
you’re right about that. But aren't you worried about the radiation and the
tsunami that happened in japan?
Laurie: Nope,
Japan is doing everything it can to prevent radiation poisoning, they are
pretty experienced with the effects after World War 2. You wouldn't know that
there was a large earthquake and nuclear disaster that happened a year ago
being here in Kobe. Life goes on, Japanese people are survivors
Me: What are the
people like over there?
Laurie: Japanese
people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They will pretty much go
massively out of their way to help out a stranger if asked. They are nothing
like people from the UK in that respect lol. I never once experienced
aggression of feeling on edge here in Japan. Despite obviously being a
foreigner.
But deep down, Japanese people are just like everyone else;
they still have the same worries and thoughts as we do. There may be cultural
differences, but underneath all that people are people. Wherever you go :)
Me: Aww that’s nice of them! So have you made any
Japanese friends?
Laurie: Sure, I
consider most of my teachers as my friends
Me: Do you find
it hard to communicate with them with the language barrier?
Laurie: Not too
much, I'm lucky as most of the English teachers speak good English. Just
gesture and use key words a lot and you'll get along fine haha
Me: Ohh that’s
good then! I’m glad you’re having a great time over there. I wish you the best!
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